Owner and instructor of Jazzercise Cherry Hill, Lisa Silver, describes the group fitness program as “a total body workout that combines cardio dancing, with really great strength work, core work, a little bit of kickboxing, pilates, and stretch.” Jazzercise has been around for 55 years, but has just recently been introduced to the West community last school year. 

West teacher Ms. Susan Nicolazzo-Dollarton is also a Jazzercise instructor, and she decided to introduce the fitness program to West because she “felt like it would bring a cool energy to the student body.” She mentioned that about 50 students came to the first Jazzercise event last fall, and everyone responded so positively to it that it was repeated at the end of the school year when the turnout was almost doubled. Some students who tried out a class at West have gone to the Cherry Hill studio to try another one. Teachers are also joining in on the fun, and other Jazzercise instructors who work at the studio come to assist in leading the party. 

Jazzercise has been stereotyped as the 80s neon, leg warmers, sweatbands, and aerobic video workouts. That was once its brand, but as Lisa Silver likes to say, there are “all ages and stages on our dance floor.” There are low-impact options for every routine available for customers to follow, and the songs you hear in class are today’s hottest hits. Every instructor is facing you on stage, directing and encouraging you, and the Cherry Hill Jazzercise community is welcoming and fun to be around. Jazzercise has adapted throughout the years to match the current trends, and as mentioned earlier, combines a variety of different workout styles that provide something for everyone. Ms. Nicolazzo-Dollarton also mentioned that “as a leader here at school in a teacher role, I feel like it is [a] good role model position to provide the kids with seen benefits of physical exercise.”

Lisa Silver is a graduate of Cherry Hill West and said that “for me to be able to share something that I love, with students who will then hopefully join our program, and you know, enjoy the longevity of a workout and a lifestyle of health and fitness, is just amazing.” Everyone, no matter their age or gender, is encouraged to join the fitness program. Jazzercise hasn’t had a degeneration either, it has stood the test of time and been a steady workout for many people internationally. There are Jazzercise locations notably in Italy and Japan.

Silver also mentions that “it’s important for all ages and stages to not only see the benefit of music and movement, for their physical well-being, but for also their mental well-being…”, and says it’s “a time to just check out, go dance, enjoy the music, be on the dance floor with friends, laugh, sing along, and it’s just really good for the soul.” Having a healthy mind is especially important for teenagers, so having this exposure to a unique fitness program could be beneficial for many.

Students, teachers, and Jazzercise instructors are all looking forward to more after-school Jazzercise events at West in the future.