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Karan L. Miller

Jacki's Aerobic Dancing and StrongStep Instructor
Classes in Falmouth, North Yarmouth, Portland,
and South Portland, Maine

Get hooked on Jacki's Aerobic Dancing and StrongStep--just like I did!

So, how does a stay-at-home mother of 3 and an inconsistent exerciser get into this business?  In 1983, I had begun running again, about 10 miles per day, when a friend suggested trying Jacki Sorensen's Aerobic Dancing.  The first time I walked into that small local gym, I was hooked--from the music, to the moves, through the professionalism of the instructor.  This was something I had wanted to do ever since my tap dance class was canceled when I was 5.  It appealed to my love of dance, self-expression and--yes--performance.  It also appealed to the teacher in my spirit:  I became an instructor within a year.

Since then, my respect for Jacki and the effectiveness of her programs has soared.  Pursuing continued education in the field has reinforced my belief in the components and delivery of Jacki's programming.  Her programs have continued to grow, utilizing the best of exercise trends, while keeping the unique facets of her classes:  standing weight work (Vertifirm), choreography in every component, and widely varied music.

She has changed my life. Can she change yours?

If you are new to a neighborhood, dance is a wonderful way to meet new people and make connections.

If you are looking for fun in your fitness program, this program is carefully choreographed and designed for fun in a non-competitive (indeed cooperative!) workout done at a personal level which can be sustained or modified for a lifetime of good health for body and spirit.

If you have done other exercise, and are looking for a new challenge, this very different program may be what you're looking for.

If you used to do Jacki's dancing, please know it is still here, only better!

How will you know if this is something you want to do?  Easy!  Come try any class one time for free!  I offer discounts (whenever I can) for new people to try an entire session--to really see what Jacki's is about and how it feels for you.  Give Jacki's a try and feel the difference!


Telephone:  (207) 929-4846
E-mail: kandl@roadrunner.com

Here's an Invitation to Dance and Step at a Jacki's aerobic exercise class near you!  See our class schedule below.  Come on by and give us a try!

The Programs

Your Instructor

 

I teach Dance, Lite Dance, and StrongStep.  All programs are one-hour classes that include flexibility and abdominal work, light weight training, aerobics, and cooldown.  Dance is highly choreographed, and progressive.  (Lite Dance is the very low-impact version.)  StrongStep is more subtly choreographed and designed to be drop-in...but it is very much like dancing on a step.  What unites all of Jacki's programs is musical variety, working at a personal level, absence of competition, meeting new people, and having fun.

Your first class is always free for the trying.  There is never any pressure to register.  Class fees are always reasonable and vary slightly depending on the rents of the facilities involved.  There may be specials!  If you're interested, call or e-mail me.

 

Karan Miller
Franchise Owner

Jacki's Instructor since 1984

Mother of 3 grown children, who loves to garden, read, and cook vegetarian.

Jacki's instructor since 1984.  Completed the Certificate in Fitness Instruction offered by the University of Southern Maine in 2006.

Goal in teaching:  to introduce people to the joy (and effectiveness) of dance exercise within a non-competitive atmosphere of "serious fun" for all levels and ages.

Telephone:  (207) 929-4846
E-mail: kandl@roadrunner.com

 

Class Photos

Portland StrongStep class in action

Step Brothers and Sisters in Karan's South Portland StrongStep class

Rotating dance in Karan's Falmouth Lite Dance class

Circle formation in Karan's Falmouth Lite Dance class

Jacki's Dancers

Karan is the leader of an aerobic demonstration team of volunteers who perform Jacki's great routines at no cost for residents of area nursing homes, retirement and assisted facilities, and non-profit groups. Our mission:  to spread the "serious fun" message about Jacki's programs, and encourage others to dance their way to a healthier life.  For more information and photos, please visit the Jacki's Dancers web site.

Class Schedule

Dance Classes
Location Special Notes Days & Time
Falmouth Congregational Church
267 Falmouth Road
Falmouth, Maine
Click here for map and directions

Class is on the wooden floor of the Parish Hall.  The church is next door to the town offices.

A seasoned, energetic, fun-loving group of ladies who sing while they dance, and create a performance event out of every class.

Fall 2010 session runs September 7 through December 17 - no classes on November 16 or 19.  Session runs 28 classes for $126.  Drop-in is $7.  New exercisers have a 1/2 price special of $63.  First class is free.

Note:  You may mix and match any day of Karan's Dance classes or combine 1 StrongStep class with 1 of Karan's Dance classes to equal 2 classes per week.

Tues./Fri.
9:00 a.m.

 

Note:  For summer, the Falmouth and North Yarmouth classes converge upon the Wescustogo Hall for an 8 a.m. class that meets Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Wescustogo Hall
132 Walnut Hill Road
North Yarmouth, Maine
Click here for map and directions
NOTE:  
Wescustogo Hall is just north of Route 9.  The online maps put 132 Walnut Hill Road in the wrong spot on the map, so we put in 464 Walnut Hill Road to show the correct location.

Registration for this class is through Cumberland/North Yarmouth Recreation Department: 829-2208.

A smallish group of professional women, some fairly new to the program, having fun dancing and even singing.

Fall 2010 session runs September 7 through December 16 - no classes on November 2, 11, and 25.  Session runs 27 classes for $118; non-residents of Cumberland or North Yarmouth, $128.  All senior citizens $90.  First class is free for the trying.  Classes will meet at West Cumberland Hall on October 5, 7, 12, and 14.

Note:  You may mix and match any day of Karan's Dance classes or combine 1 StrongStep class with 1 of Karan's Dance classes to equal 2 classes per week.

Tues./Thurs.
 5:00 p.m.

 

Lite Dance Classes
Location Special Notes Days & Time
Falmouth Congregational Church
267 Falmouth Road
Falmouth, Maine
Click here for map and directions

Class is on the wooden floor of the Parish Hall.  The church is next door to the town offices.

Class runs from September through May.

A very social group of ladies mostly 55 and over, they share hobbies and crafts, are volunteers in the community.

The pace is slower and is led low-impact throughout.  They are a great group and love to dance and get it "right."

Fall 2010 session runs September 14 through December 17 - no classes on November 16 or 19.  Drop-in $3/class.  First class is free.

Note:  You may mix and match any day of Karan's Dance classes.

Tues./Fri.
10:15 a.m.

 

StrongStep Classes
Location Special Notes Days & Time
St. Pius X Parish Hall
492 Ocean Avenue
Portland, Maine

Click here for map and directions

Registration for this class is through Karan.

A pleasant, energetic, vocal mix of men and women who come to class after work (or school) to work out, play hard, and have a good time together.

Session 1:
March 8 through April 28 - no class April 19.
15 classes $60; first timers, $30. Drop-in $6/class.

Session 2:
May 3 through June 23 - no class June 7.
15 classes $60; first timers, $30. Drop-in $6/class.

Note:  StrongStep classes in Portland and South Portland may be combined to fit your schedule.  You may also combine 1 StrongStep class with 1 of Karan's Dance classes to equal 2 classes per week.

Mon./Wed.
6:00 p.m.

 

People's United Methodist Church
310 Broadway
South Portland, Maine
Click here for map and directions

In Ellis Hall of the church.  Not a wooden floor.

This group is mostly made up of diehards looking for that extra class, and willing to get up that early.  We work hard, and wake up around 9 a.m.!

Classes are on-going.  Drop-in $6/class, or may be used as a make-up for missed Portland classes.

Note:  StrongStep classes in Portland and South Portland may be combined to fit your schedule.  You may also combine 1 StrongStep class with 1 of Karan's Dance classes to equal 2 classes per week.

Sat.
8:00 a.m.

 

Make up for missed StrongStep classes at either location.

As always, you may mix and match days and programs to yield 2 or up to 5 classes per week.  The more classes you register for, the cheaper the unit price.  Karan carries a few extra steps with her and a bag of weights for those who might need them.  Please bring your own mat for the floor work for both the Dance and StrongStep classes, as we do not carry extra mats.  See you in class!