About ‘en Joy dance fitness
The ‘en Joy dance fitness studio is based in Otterbourne, Winchester. Located in the self-contained John and Betty Mobbs Suite at Otterbourne Village Hall, ‘en joy dance fitness offer a wide range of dance and fitness sessions for the local community. With a focus on feel-good, fun and functional fitness, there’s something on offer for everyone. Our main focus is on adult fitness, with class styles ranging from musical theatre themed Broadway Boogie, to Strictly inspired FitSteps, Country Fusion Line Dancing, Ballet and Tap, conditioning Barre and DanceTone and of course ‘en Joy’s popular high-energy Zumba fitness parties, with plans for plenty more classes in the near future – there’s something for everyone!
Meet the team
Helen Clarke, Founder and lead Fitness Instructor at ‘en Joy dance fitness
BA (hons) Dance and Drama, NATD, CIMSPA and EMD member, L2 Exercise To Music, L2 Childrens Fitness, L2 Laban Dance Fitness, L3 Kettlebells, L3 Designing Exercise Programmes for Older Adults and L3 Nutrition to Support Physical Activity qualified.
Instructor certificatons / licenses include: Zumba, Zumba Toning, Plate by Zumba, Circl Mobility, FitSteps, FitSteps FAB, FitSteps TONE, Broadway Boogie, GXT Barre Fitness, Sit Fitness, NEAT Fit, Country Fusion, Groovelates, Metabolic Effect and BuggyBeat.
A little about myself
Hi, I’m Helen, a fully qualified fitness professional, and I have been teaching dance fitness classes across the Winchester and Eastleigh area of Hampshire for several years, in community venues and also at The Point theatre, before setting up the ‘en Joy dance fitness studio in Otterbourne in the summer of 2023. I graduated in 2004 with a BA hons degree in dance and drama, am a member of EMD UK (the national governing body for group exercise), CIMSPA (the chartered professional development body for the sport and physical activity sector) and the NATD (the national association of teachers of dancing). My fitness qualifications include Level 2 Group Exercise to Music and a Level 3 specialism in designing exercise programmes for older adults. I hold an enhanced DBS certificate and First Aid for Fitness and Dance Instructors Level 3 (VTQ).
How ‘en Joy dance fitness began
I have always had a passion for dancing and first began training to teach dance and fitness classes many years ago, alongside studying for a degree in dance and drama. After graduating, getting a little ‘lost’ in a retail career and starting a family, dance and dance fitness were relegated to ‘just’ a hobby and my level of physical activity dwindled further as I took on a writing job, spending many hours sitting hunched over a desk. My posture suffered and I had back pain and excruciating sciatica on and off for a number of years, which made me move even less, which of course made the condition worse. Alongside this, I struggled with anxiety. Realising that I needed to keep moving, I gradually eased myself back into Zumba, attending local classes with a fantastic, encouraging Zumba instructor, Nathalie Cuzner. I also began attending adult ballet classes with a wonderful local dance school, Aucott School of Dance, rekindling my love of dance and helping to improve my posture and strength, as well as my confidence and my mental wellbeing.
After my Zumba instructor was unfortunately unable to teach any longer, I tried other dance fitness classes, which I enjoyed, but there was still a huge Zumba-shaped hole in my life! I just love the Zumba fitness party feel, just simply follow-along fun. Once my confidence had grown and I believed in myself enough to ‘stand at the front’, I completed my Zumba instructor training, followed by Zumba Toning and began teaching these classes at Colden Common Community Centre. ‘en Joy dance fitness grew from there and I gained my Level 2 and 3 fitness qualifications and further brand certifications, promoting fitness and wellbeing for adults through dance-based group exercise classes in the local community.
A key focus for me is encouraging people to move more, particularly from mid-life onwards. As we get older, the effects of inactivity and sedentary lifestyles become more apparent. Bone density and muscle mass decrease, balance and flexibility decline and we need to continue to be active in order to prolong a good level of mobility and ultimately retain our quality of life and general health and wellbeing. Moving more has helped me in so many ways and I want to share my passion for movement with others and help them too. My main aim is to make fitness as fun as possible and I love to see all-round smiles throughout my classes!
Victoria Sarker – Adult Dance Teacher at ‘en Joy dance fitness
My name is Victoria Sarker, I have over 20 years experience in the dance and performing arts industry and have been teaching dance and fitness classes to both children and adults for around 10 years.
I have trained both at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance as well as Tap Attack (England Team). I am a 2 times world champion Tap dancer, performing both in Germany and America. I have played lead roles in several armature productions such as Mary Lennox in ‘The Secret Garden’, Nancy in ‘Oliver!’ and Charity Valentine in ‘Sweet Charity’. I won Hampshires dance idol as well as placing at several IDO and IDTA competitions.
I teach a variety of dance styles and fitness classes as well as drama classes across Hampshire including Contemporary, Commercial, Street, Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz and Musical Theatre and own my own dance school Sarker Danceworks, which is based in Winchester & Southampton Hampshire.
I hold my Level 4 Diploma in Dance Education in ISTD Tap and Modern dance as well as a Level 3 personal training qualification. I ran a marathon in 2021 and I go outdoor swimming as well as play squash as hobbies. I am now focusing on building my dance school, taking & creating new opportunities and nurturing self – belief in each individual in all my work.
Sarah Hemmings – Children & Family Dance Teacher at ‘en Joy dance fitness
Hi I am Sarah, I started dancing at the age of 3 and fell In love with different styles of dance. I have performed twice a year at The Point theatre and achieved a high level of dance exams.
After passing My GCSE in dance, I went on to achieve my Level 3 Extended Diploma in performing arts dance and then went on to do an advance level apprenticeship in live events and promotion.
After my apprenticeship, I then achieved my IDTA Pre Associate in freestyle and then went on to cchieve a Level 4 Diploma in dance teaching in freestyle. I have also got a qualification in 1st 4 sport level 3 certificate in supporting the delivery of physical education and school sport as well as my Licentiate in freestyle and I am also an adjudicator with the ADFP. I am currently studying for my associate in Rock n Roll.
‘en Joy dance fitness mission statement
‘en Joy dance fitness aims to promote positive ageing, helping adults maintain a healthy level of physical fitness and improve balance, flexibility and functional fitness in order to reduce the risks of inactivity in later life, while also improving mental wellbeing, through fun, feel-good fitness classes within a supportive, social community of like-minded participants.
This Girl Can
‘en Joy dance fitness is proud to be a This Girl Can partner, supporting the campaign to inspire more women to get moving and feeling good about themselves, whatever their shape or size, age or level of fitness. This Girl Can celebrates active women who are doing their thing no matter how they do it, how they look or even how sweaty they get! No one is going to judge you at our classes – everyone is too busy focusing on which direction their own feet are going in! You may not ‘get’ all the moves straight away and that’s fine, they will become more natural to you over time, just keep going, have fun and smile your way through it!
Like the sound of joining us? You’d be very welcome! Please book your spot here: en-joy-dance-fitness.myfitnessclass.com