If
you're like us, you find gyms impersonal and workouts uninspiring.
We at Goddess Hour Dance and Fitness Studio have replaced the
sterile surroundings of other health clubs with a comfortable
and beautiful oasis. We are currently in our 8th year of business!
A big thank you to Rochester's most adventurous women!
Who says fitness can't be fun? Goddess Hour's programs are designed
to:
Invigorate
your body through Goddess Hour's imaginative approach
to fitness.
Stimulate
your mind and maintain motivation with a wide variety
of fitness programs. All led by supportive, expert instructors.
Empower
your spirit through improved self-confidence, no matter
your age, weight, or coordination. Forge new friendships in our
relaxed, friendly environments.
We
want our clients to embrace
all things
feminine... As we like to say, “real women have curves... but a
goddess knows how to move them!” ™
Founders Connie and Michelle
The
Goddess Hour was created by Connie Thornton and Michelle
Charles. Connie's introduction to fitness through dance
started years ago, when, she says “I took an aerobics
class. Well, actually I repeatedly joined and dropped
an aerobics
class. I could hear a neighboring group of women laughing
and cheering while my class counted sit-ups. It turns
out, it wasn't an aerobics class next door, but a belly
dance
class. I signed up at once and have never stopped.”
Michelle says this about the Goddess experience: “It
is so much fun to watch the transformation that women go through
in just a few short weeks. When a session begins, some of the
students are naturally tentative and somewhat quiet. By the
end of the session, the hair comes down, the spirits go up,
and friendships are made. They truly become goddesses in every
sense!”
Our
Teachers
Michelle
Charles is a respected professional belly dancer and
certified instructor based in Rochester, NY. Co-Owner of the
Goddess Hour
Dance & Fitness Studio, Michelle skillfully teaches the art
of belly dance to hundreds of Rochester's most adventurous women.
Michelle continues to study throughout
the US and abroad with legendary masters of the art.
She is the creator
of
the Belly Dancing for Every Woman instructional
DVD series. In 2009, Michelle founded "Unveil the Goddess",
a unique belly dance-based program, designed for non-profit groups
whose main goal is the empowerment and advancement of women.
In 2007, she was a speaker for the national Speaking of Women's Health conference, providing a platform for belly dance as a fitness alternative. As the Co-Director of the Sahara Shimmer Dance Ensemble for many
years, Michelle and her dancers have been invited to perform
for Middle Eastern and International parties with some of the
finest Arabic ensembles.
Connie
Thornton is the co-owner
of the Goddess Hour Dance & Fitness Studio, and
has studied the Art of Middle Eastern dance since 1989. In 2000,
she completed the Advanced Teacher Trainer Certification through
Venus of Vancouver. Founder and Director of the Sahara Shimmer
Dance Ensemble, Connie crafted dozens of original choreographies
for local, regional and international audiences.
Shelley
Contento is a professional Zumba instructor both locally
and internationally and her current certifications/classes include;
AFAA group Exercise Instruction, CPR/FIRST AID/AED, Zumba levels
1 and 2, Zumba Gold, Aqua Zumba, Zumba Toning, Zumbatomic (for
kids), and Hip Hop. In addition to teaching classes, Shelley
has created programs for people with special needs. She provides
services for parties, hosts and volunteers with special events,
and mentors prospective instructors. Shelley also choreographs
musical theatre and received her degree in Music Therapy from
SUNY Fredonia
in
2004. Shelley has taught for over 7
years, now averaging 22 classes/week. Her motto is "Exercise
is about feeling great and having fun, so working out should
be just like having a party...a BIG DANCE PARTY!"
Brenda
Steffon is a professional dancer, performer, choreographer
and educator. Starting her dancing career at age three with
classical ballet training, she performed with the Academy of
the Dance in Wilmington, DE under the late Jamie Jameson. She
performed in 1979 at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington,
D.C. to honor performing arts legend Agnes deMille. Continuing
her love of ballet, she performed throughout college with
Eugenia Wacker-Hoffman of the MET at Ithaca College, NY. During
this time, Brenda expanded her sensual style of dancing
in the Art of Exotic, performing at The Gentleman's Club. In
2001, she began belly dancing under the training of Connie
Thornton. She has traveled the world to study with the best
of the industry and continues to educate herself on this ancient
art form. She is certified under Hadia of Montreal to teach
Middle Eastern dance; a pioneer teaching program that provides
in-depth knowledge and hands-on training about belly dance
movement mechanics, body anatomy, music and Middle Eastern
cultural history. In 2009, Brenda tapped back into her sensual
arts and started Rochester's first pole dancing class for fun & fitness.
Training under Bunni Luv and Stef of Philly Premier Pole Dance
studio in Philadelphia, PA. Brenda is known for her interactive
teaching style, jovial encouragement, her lyrical minx-like
movement, ability to effectively break down moves and high
energy classes.
Anushree
Shah, owner and founder of Bollywood Dance Mania,
has a dream to make every foot tap, every hip swing and every
eye express to Indian beats in the traditional Indian way. Anu
has been dancing since the age of 5, mastering the art of Rajasthani
Folk Dance. She has trained in various styles of Indian dances
such as Bhangra, Gidda and Dandia. In her earlier dancing years,
she has been a student of Mamta Shankar in Calcutta, India. She
has performed in various countries. Anu aims to bring alive every
stage in the US with the colors of India.
Cindy
Edington, aka "GenieCoach" is a Certified
Professional Fitness and Yoga Instructor through AFAA and YogaFit.
For 8 years,
Cindy has blended different styles of yoga including Hatha, Ashtanga
and Iyengar into a warm, welcoming class suited for all levels.
Incorporating poses to warm-up, strengthen and condition and
those to increase flexibility within the body, Cindy provides
an overall
body workout through yoga. The best part of class - well that
may just be the final relaxation with aromatherapy!
Debbie
Robinson began her dance training as a young child
in Tap, Jazz and Ballet and continued the study of Jazz at
the University
of Buffalo. In 2001 she found a true joy and passion when she
began belly dancing. She says "Once I started, I couldn't
get enough of it, and still can't! I love to take workshops and
attend classes as well as teach them. I have attended numerous
full-day and weekend workshops with Zahra Zuhair, Ansuya, Yousry
Sharif, Nourhan Sharif, Jillina, Aida Nour, Sahra Saeeda, Aisha
Ali, Sonia, Paola Blanton, and others, as well as a master class
with Yasmina Ramsy and private lessons with Fatiem. One of
my real pleasures is that I get to share this with my daughter
who
is also a bellydancer!" In 2007, Debbie achieved her Certification
as Middle Eastern Dance Instructor, Level 3, through Hadia of
Montreal. She is currently Co-Director of the Sahara Shimmer
Dance Ensemble.
Sheila
Frank, a competitive gymnast for many years, was recently
crowned amature pole dance champion 2009. She has been studying
the art of pole dancing since 2006 and is considered an advanced
trickster on the pole. Sheila travels extensively throughout the US to train with master teachers such as Jamilla DeVille, Jenyne Butterfly, Alethea Austin, Karol Helms, Marlo Fisker among others. She believes in the passion of this dance,
and will support you through your journey of becoming a strong
dancer as you develop your skill as an aerial artist.
AJ has been Pole Dancing for fitness since 2007 and has found
a passion like no other in this form of dance. She has a background
in gymnastics, cheerleading, and ballet. AJ feels that pole dancing
opens up a whole new world to fitness as it offers a mix of artistic
expression, a confidence boost, and is great workout for all
levels to enjoy.
Annie
Tobiasz, a published oil painter with graduate study in criminal
statistics, is the newest advanced art of pole instructor at
Goddess Hour. Her love of dance began with figure skating and
competitive gymnastics from age 9 thru high school, accompanied
with many awards. Annie, an avid runner and vegan, fell in love
with pole fitness after executing advanced inversions cleanly
in summer of 2010. Annie has 7 years dance experience and is
currently pursuing competitive pole fitness. Annie has received
personal training and teaching skills through New York Pole Dancing,
NYC, with Alethea Austin, 2010 USPDF champion and Karol Helms
2009 East Coast Champion. Annie's style breaks through the stereotype
of pole dancing by displaying strength and grace. Annie believes
pole fitness is an art form incorporating fitness, personal expression & dance.
Annie can provide students interested in competitive level moves
with proper form, and encourages students to find their personal
style.
Heather
Fields
began dancing at a young age and attended the Los Angeles County
High School for the Arts as a dance major. Heather received
a
Masters in Physical Therapy and a minor in dance and is currently
working on her Doctorate though Ithaca College. Heather hopes
to work as a physical therapist for a dance company. Heather
began pole dancing at Goddess Hour and quickly realized the beauty
and art required and she hopes to pass on her excitement.
Michelle
Charles is a respected professional belly dancer and
certified instructor based in Rochester, NY. Co-Owner of the
Goddess Hour
Dance & Fitness Studio, Michelle skillfully teaches the art
of belly dance to hundreds of Rochester's most adventurous women.
Michelle continues to study throughout
the US and abroad with legendary masters of the art.
She is the creator
of
the Belly Dancing for Every Woman instructional
DVD series. In 2009, Michelle founded "Unveil the Goddess",
a unique belly dance-based program, designed for non-profit groups
whose main goal is the empowerment and advancement of women.
In 2007, she was a speaker for the national Speaking of Women's Health conference, providing a platform for belly dance as a fitness alternative. As the Co-Director of the Sahara Shimmer Dance Ensemble for many
years, Michelle and her dancers have been invited to perform
for Middle Eastern and International parties with some of the
finest Arabic ensembles. 
Connie
Thornton is the co-owner
of the Goddess Hour Dance & Fitness Studio, and
has studied the Art of Middle Eastern dance since 1989. In 2000,
she completed the Advanced Teacher Trainer Certification through
Venus of Vancouver. Founder and Director of the Sahara Shimmer
Dance Ensemble, Connie crafted dozens of original choreographies
for local, regional and international audiences.
Shelley
Contento is a professional Zumba instructor both locally
and internationally and her current certifications/classes include;
AFAA group Exercise Instruction, CPR/FIRST AID/AED, Zumba levels
1 and 2, Zumba Gold, Aqua Zumba, Zumba Toning, Zumbatomic (for
kids), and Hip Hop. In addition to teaching classes, Shelley
has created programs for people with special needs. She provides
services for parties, hosts and volunteers with special events,
and mentors prospective instructors. Shelley also choreographs
musical theatre and received her degree in Music Therapy from
SUNY Fredonia
in
2004. Shelley has taught for over 7
years, now averaging 22 classes/week. Her motto is "Exercise
is about feeling great and having fun, so working out should
be just like having a party...a BIG DANCE PARTY!"
Brenda
Steffon is a professional dancer, performer, choreographer
and educator. Starting her dancing career at age three with
classical ballet training, she performed with the Academy of
the Dance in Wilmington, DE under the late Jamie Jameson. She
performed in 1979 at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington,
D.C. to honor performing arts legend Agnes deMille. Continuing
her love of ballet, she performed throughout college with
Eugenia Wacker-Hoffman of the MET at Ithaca College, NY. During
this time, Brenda expanded her sensual style of dancing
in the Art of Exotic, performing at The Gentleman's Club. In
2001, she began belly dancing under the training of Connie
Thornton. She has traveled the world to study with the best
of the industry and continues to educate herself on this ancient
art form. She is certified under Hadia of Montreal to teach
Middle Eastern dance; a pioneer teaching program that provides
in-depth knowledge and hands-on training about belly dance
movement mechanics, body anatomy, music and Middle Eastern
cultural history. In 2009, Brenda tapped back into her sensual
arts and started Rochester's first pole dancing class for fun & fitness.
Training under Bunni Luv and Stef of Philly Premier Pole Dance
studio in Philadelphia, PA. Brenda is known for her interactive
teaching style, jovial encouragement, her lyrical minx-like
movement, ability to effectively break down moves and high
energy classes.
Anushree
Shah, owner and founder of Bollywood Dance Mania,
has a dream to make every foot tap, every hip swing and every
eye express to Indian beats in the traditional Indian way. Anu
has been dancing since the age of 5, mastering the art of Rajasthani
Folk Dance. She has trained in various styles of Indian dances
such as Bhangra, Gidda and Dandia. In her earlier dancing years,
she has been a student of Mamta Shankar in Calcutta, India. She
has performed in various countries. Anu aims to bring alive every
stage in the US with the colors of India.
Cindy
Edington, aka "GenieCoach" is a Certified
Professional Fitness and Yoga Instructor through AFAA and YogaFit.
For 8 years,
Cindy has blended different styles of yoga including Hatha, Ashtanga
and Iyengar into a warm, welcoming class suited for all levels.
Incorporating poses to warm-up, strengthen and condition and
those to increase flexibility within the body, Cindy provides
an overall
body workout through yoga. The best part of class - well that
may just be the final relaxation with aromatherapy!
Debbie
Robinson began her dance training as a young child
in Tap, Jazz and Ballet and continued the study of Jazz at
the University
of Buffalo. In 2001 she found a true joy and passion when she
began belly dancing. She says "Once I started, I couldn't
get enough of it, and still can't! I love to take workshops and
attend classes as well as teach them. I have attended numerous
full-day and weekend workshops with Zahra Zuhair, Ansuya, Yousry
Sharif, Nourhan Sharif, Jillina, Aida Nour, Sahra Saeeda, Aisha
Ali, Sonia, Paola Blanton, and others, as well as a master class
with Yasmina Ramsy and private lessons with Fatiem. One of
my real pleasures is that I get to share this with my daughter
who
is also a bellydancer!" In 2007, Debbie achieved her Certification
as Middle Eastern Dance Instructor, Level 3, through Hadia of
Montreal. She is currently Co-Director of the Sahara Shimmer
Dance Ensemble. 
Sheila
Frank, a competitive gymnast for many years, was recently
crowned amature pole dance champion 2009. She has been studying
the art of pole dancing since 2006 and is considered an advanced
trickster on the pole. Sheila travels extensively throughout the US to train with master teachers such as Jamilla DeVille, Jenyne Butterfly, Alethea Austin, Karol Helms, Marlo Fisker among others. She believes in the passion of this dance,
and will support you through your journey of becoming a strong
dancer as you develop your skill as an aerial artist. 
AJ has been Pole Dancing for fitness since 2007 and has found
a passion like no other in this form of dance. She has a background
in gymnastics, cheerleading, and ballet. AJ feels that pole dancing
opens up a whole new world to fitness as it offers a mix of artistic
expression, a confidence boost, and is great workout for all
levels to enjoy. 
Annie
Tobiasz, a published oil painter with graduate study in criminal
statistics, is the newest advanced art of pole instructor at
Goddess Hour. Her love of dance began with figure skating and
competitive gymnastics from age 9 thru high school, accompanied
with many awards. Annie, an avid runner and vegan, fell in love
with pole fitness after executing advanced inversions cleanly
in summer of 2010. Annie has 7 years dance experience and is
currently pursuing competitive pole fitness. Annie has received
personal training and teaching skills through New York Pole Dancing,
NYC, with Alethea Austin, 2010 USPDF champion and Karol Helms
2009 East Coast Champion. Annie's style breaks through the stereotype
of pole dancing by displaying strength and grace. Annie believes
pole fitness is an art form incorporating fitness, personal expression & dance.
Annie can provide students interested in competitive level moves
with proper form, and encourages students to find their personal
style.
Heather
Fields
began dancing at a young age and attended the Los Angeles County
High School for the Arts as a dance major. Heather received
a
Masters in Physical Therapy and a minor in dance and is currently
working on her Doctorate though Ithaca College. Heather hopes
to work as a physical therapist for a dance company. Heather
began pole dancing at Goddess Hour and quickly realized the beauty
and art required and she hopes to pass on her excitement.