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Arts & Entertainment

'Move That Body' Event to Celebrate National Dance Day

The first-time event, sponsored by Impulse Dance Center and Whole Foods Market, will be held Saturday to bring awareness to eating healthy food and excercising through dance.

When Alexa Beebe took over ownership of in Aliso Viejo last November, her goal was to make a difference in the community and give everyone a chance to learn how to dance as well as promote health and wellness.

She already is well on her way.

The 21-year-old Aliso Viejo native, who attended Wood Canyon Elementary School and Aliso Niguel High School, already has doubled the number of members in her studio and this Saturday will hold her first “Move That Body” event in honor of National Dance Day,.

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In collaboration with Whole Food Market in Laguna Niguel, the event is intended for all ages and all dance levels. Impulse dancers ages 9-17 will be performing high energy dances, including jazz, hip-hop and tap. The center’s younger dancers also will be on hand and join the veterans in a mob dance.

In addition, attendees young and old will have the opportunity to participate at no charge. The day also includes raffles, food tasting and giveaways—all helping to commemorate and promote health and wellness through dancing. National Dance Day 2012 was started by the “So You Think You Can Dance” dance competition show.

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Beebe said she and Whole Foods Market put together the event in just three weeks.

“We partnered with Whole Foods because it’s a good tool to raise awareness for dancing and keeping your body active. Whether it’s to stay active and do cardio or better yourself on a technical level or build your muscular strength, dancing is so good for you. Whole Foods is something we can focus on the wellness part of it. We wanted to invite people to do this with us. In our group number, even grandma can do it.”

The “Move That Body” event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at , 23932 Aliso Creek Road.

One of the unique dance programs that Beebe started recently is for special needs kids, called “Impulse Angels.” Beebe’s younger brother has autism so Beebe said she’s been volunteering for special needs programs all her life. When she had the opportunity to buy the Impulse Dance Center, she decided that was something she wanted to focus on.

“That is probably what is nearest and dearest to me,” Beebe said. “I had a kid who started a few months ago who was severely overweight, but she lost 45 pounds and now she looks like a typical kid. All she did was dance, nothing else. Kids don’t want to run on a treadmill or diet or run, but you want to give them something fun and a creative outlet to move. It is good for your shape but also your mind and body.”

Beebe said all proceeds from the raffle Saturday will go to the special needs program.

“It’s the only special needs program that exists right now. My first student was a little girl named Kelly, who was 12. She just ran in the class ready to go. During class she was totally fine. She needed some extra help but a lot of kids need extra help.

“So after the first class her mom came into the office with tears in her eyes and said they had tried eight other dance studios in the area and no one would allow her to take dance class. I was thinking how could you do that to a child? It was a real vision for me because dancing was helping her in giant ways—social interaction, moving her body. I wanted to create a program so kids with all types of disabilities have a place where they can dance and learn. I wanted to give them the same opportunities as other kids.”

For more information on Move That Body or for a complete summer schedule and list of dance classes, visit www.impulsedanceoc.com or call 949-831-8589.

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