It’s 8 p.m. on a Thursday night. Time to hit the local bar for some $2 pints and mozzarella sticks. And where is that getting your waistline? Why not try a different sort of happy hour — the kind that doesn’t make your pants tight. Check out one of the fun, high-energy group dance sessions at Arthur Murray Studio in Brickell. This world-renowned franchise now has a ridiculously convenient location right in the heart of Brickell. In fact, you’d probably pass right by it on your way to the bar. So what’s the problem? Words like “Waltz” and “Foxtrot” make you think of a bunch of senior citizens tottering around a legion hall? Think again. But even if you can’t get over the old-school associations, there’s always samba, merengue, tango — or any of over a dozen other choices. If the group classes catch your interest, you can move on to private lessons with Arthur Murray’s expert instructors. Not only will you be learning some sweet moves, you’ll be getting a phenomenal workout that will have you looking like that chick from Flashdance in no time. Now: Which do you think is going to look better in the club on Saturday night? Flashdance? Or someone who spent the week tossing back beers and inhaling nachos? To find out more about Arthur Murray Studio in Brickell, call 305.372.1170 or visit MiamiGoesBallroom.com.
Work, Love & Family
No one said it was going to be easy for young professionals to start a family, but it can be done. It’s called “dividing your time.” Ideally, a couple should plan out how their lives together would look like; giving themselves enough time to get to know each other before starting a family. I’ve had couples rush into starting a family and it can be overwhelming and financially straining. In today’s world, I find that the majority of young couples are sometimes both professionals in demanding jobs that require them to travel often. They worry about not spending enough time with their spouse or children. I highly recommend they find time for themselves, their spouse and their children. Learning to divide their roles is crucial. It’s a shift in lifestyle; one that many young couples aren’t used to nor have been taught. Finding time to go out with your spouse is a must to keep the spark in your marriage. Finding time to de-stress by exercising and spending one-on-one time with your children is also essential. When I say find time for yourself, I don’t mean going boating with the guys or going for a drink to relax and coming home at 1:00 a.m. This may cause a bigger problem. Then, I remind them that they need to shift mental gears as they cross the bridge or are stuck in traffic. They’re on the way home to their family, who is openly waiting for a disconnected young professional mom and/or dad with a big smile.
Lisette Beraja is a {sychotherapist, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Founder of Beraja Counseling Center. For more than 10 years, she has provided guidance and counseling to individuals, families and couples. She is also a Florida Supreme Court Family Mediator and an 11th Judicial Court approved Parenting Coordinator. To set up an appointment, call 305.858.7763 or visit BerajaCounseling.com.
Tough Steps
Think watching Dancing with the Stars while you scarf ice cream sandwiches makes you a pro? Alright, twinkle toes: Try your luck on these super-challenging and super-cool dance moves.
Lindy Hop
The original swing dancing, Lindy Hop starts with an 8-count step and grows into a wildly fast-paced blitz of whirls, twirls and utter gravity-defiance.
Breakdancing
Can you do a headstand? Can you do a headstand while spinning around like a top? I didn’t think so. That’s why you should leave the those moves up to the experts.
ArgentiNE Tango
Mastering the steps is one thing. Another challenge is learning how to look as cool as the old timer on the floor in front of you who’s been dancing it for 60 years.
