From the bright pink with yellow lettering fitness sign at the door to the cozy pink studio inside, Rockland Dance Fitness at building no. 22 in Suffern is all about friendly fitness.
“It’s all about having fun,” said Nicole Russodivito, owner and dance guru to the many new friends who signed on for her Rockland Dance Fitness adventure. “My classes are parties,” she said.
Rockland Dance Fitness in Suffern along Lafayette Avenue is running a first class free promotion through May 1. All you have to do is show up and dance.
Whether its the high octane rhythms of Zumba or body sculpting through dance or a cardio mix of Pilates and boxing, or even belly dancing and country line dance, Russodivito is growing a home for dance fitness just across the street from her dad’s popular eatery, Marcello’s (coupon here).
“I’ve been working out for a very long time,” Russodivito said, bubbling over in her enthusiastic cadence — part sales pitch, part fitness coach. “I went to a gym, I did all the body strength classes and step. When I was on the treadmill, I just kept looking down at the clock — oh, it’s only been 22 minutes. Now it’s been 27. With Zumba, before you know, we’re done.”
Russodivito is learning the ropes of running her own studio, from class pricing and scheduling to promotion, paying the rent, and keeping satisfied customers coming back for more. She’s the epitome of on-the-go high energy, whether teaching a morning or evening class, posting class schedules on her Zumba Rockland Bergen Facebook site, or updating her other digital real estate, Rockland 411 — an event, entertainment and what-to-do blog.
She found her current second floor studio that overlooks Suffern’s Lafayette Avenue back in September. Before she took on her own space, she held classes at the Dance Loft and then over this past summer at Mike Maladndra’s martial arts studio.
But now, Russodivito is all in with her current space, which suits her well.
“I do have a great group of women,” said Russodivito, who calls her repeat customers Zumbettes. The dance studio is awash in warm pinks and colored lights. Russodivito refers to the studio as “pink and princessy” and takes great pride in providing a safe, welcoming environment that allows women to relax and enjoy a spirited workout among friends.
Currently the studio fits 15 at a time. Classes last anywhere from 45 minutes to 60 with advance sessions. Beware: Nicole has said that the advance classes will “kick your butt.”
A unique but growing part of the her business is dedicated to kids’ parties for kids four and up.
“It’s already a princess castle,” she said, “and when the kids walk in, their faces light up.”
With a lifesize cutout of One Direction as part of the festivities, Russodivito provides a 45 minute session of kids Zumba,which she went out and got certified for when she got the idea to hold parties. “I make the party very inexpensive,” Russodivito said, adding that it’s a great way to have a healthy, engaged party for kids that doesn’t break the budget.
After the 45 minute dance session, the next 45 minutes is open for gift giving and eating — with the menu left up to parents.
“I want to get people in and liking it,” Russodivito said about the whole dance fitness experience. For just under a hundred bucks, customers can buy an unlimited package that will get you shaking to classes of your choice: Zumba, YogaBelly, Piloxing, and more.
Spring is here, so bust a move and get fit. You know you want to.
