■FEATURE flamenco FITNESS By Victor Marasso She’s a professional dancer, fitness trainer and entertainer without peer. Having lived and performed in places such as France, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Singapore and the Caribbean, she is truly a citizen of the world. And now, this multitalented, charismatic young woman has taken center stage in Long Island City, her adopted home and one of the most diverse communities in the city. Her name is Joanna Wronska and she is the founder and innovator of one of the most talked about workouts in Queens, “Flamenco Fitness.” Both fun and challenging, “Flamenco Fitness “ is the amazing new way to perfect your silhouette. A short time ago, LIC Courier Magazine sat down with Wronska at the celebrated IL Bambino café, on 31st avenue, to talk dance, fitness and world traveling. Recently re-located from Los Angeles to Long Island City, Wronska’s global journey and love of dance, began as a child in her native Poland. As a youngster, Wronska’s fascination with all styles of dance led her to take classes at the National Ballet School in Gdansk. “I loved the self-expression that is so much a part of dance. When I dance, I feel free.” exclaimed Wronska, recalling the memories of her years at the school. “Of course, you watch the famous dancers as well as your peers. You admire their moves and draw inspiration, always trying to be better than the day before.” “The school was very competitive, as you would expect, but nurturing, as well. The teachers instilled discipline and a passion for music and movement. “ she said. “In Poland, there was no major “ You Tube” trend or television shows like “So You Think You Can Dance.” You learned and performed your craft in person, on stage and in the studio.” As a ballerina, Wronska performed at the Baltic State Opera, to considerable critical acclaim. Despite her success, Wronska wanted to branch out and try other, more contemporary forms of dance as well as see the world. Wronska performed in big production shows and revues, all while honing her skills and sharpening her dance moves. At the famed “ Crazy Horse Cabaret” in Paris, many celebrities came to the shows that Wronska danced in. Sharon Stone, Beyonce and Christina Aguilera all took the time to go back stage and compliment the young Polish dynamo on her moves and charisma. Both Beyonce and Aguilera, in particular, have incorporated inspiration and dance choreography from the Crazy Horse Cabaret into their concert performances. Wronska laughed heartily as she talked about her days as a magician’s assistant on Norwegian Cruise lines. “People on board would recognize me during the day,” Wronska said. “They’d ask “ Aren’t you the girl who was sawed in half, at the show, last night?” They would want to know just what the trick was. Well, as a magician’s aide, you never tell. You must keep the Magic a secret.” Wronska has seen and done it all: She has performed at The spectacular Pirates Adventure show in Spain, the “Come Fly With Me “ musical and a stint with Jubilee! in Las Vegas and acted as artist in residence at th City Ballet of Los Angeles. She has also been featured in a host of music videos, fashion shows and television commercials. Wronska is quite the show stopper, indeed. Dancing is one of the best calorie burning ways to workout. For those of you who are tired of the usual gym routine and the same old exercise classes, Wronska has something special, just for you. Enter the world of Flamenco Fitness, a workout that is inspired by the music and dance of Flamenco while also incorporating some ballet and Pilates. It will not only help tone your body but improve your posture as well. Flamenco Fitness is fun and exciting, not only for women but for guys,too! “I have worked for years on this method; refining and re-defining a workout that can be done as a morning exercise or after you get home from work,” she said. In addition to teaching in the comfort of your apartment or house, Wronska’s Flamenco Fitness will be coming to studios throughout Astoria and LIC very soon. “My classes combine the passion of Spanish Flamenco movement with the strength of ballet,” Wronska said. “It is a system of exercise that is easy to follow for women of any and all body types. I want every woman to feel confident in their body. That is so important.” One of Wronska’s favorite places to relax and enjoy nature is Socrates Park where some of the accompanying photos were taken. In addition to being on stage, the great outdoors is where this very special woman feels most alive. One of the real joys of living in Long Island City, Wronksa told the LIC Courier, is her proximity to Gantry Plaza State Park and the scenic waterfront area. Wronska enjoys cooking healthy yet filling dishes and soups. She loves to shop at the farmers markets throughout the city , picking out only the freshest veggies and fruits. Good food fuels this dancer and her boundless energy. Wronska’s special dishes include a delicious zucchini and leek soup, small pastries that she loved to eat as a child as well as a wonderful tuna dish. Astoria’s “Milk Flower “ café and the new GIZI wine, chocolate and cheese bar in LIC are two of Wronska’s favorite go out and relax spots. That is, whenever this busy multi-tasker finds the time to kick back. Wronska is living proof that the American dream is still alive and well. You just need to work hard and believe in yourself. The self-belief that anything is possible in life, is something that Wronska wants every student to take away from her class. You will get the best possible energy from Wronska as both a teacher and a trainer, as well as unparalleled results. Get in step with Flamenco Fitness and be ready to reach for the stars. ááá
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