Blog with MiE... at expressmie.com!

If you'd like the latest scoop check out our live blog over at http://www.expressmie.com/blog-with-mie/

Welcome to Express MiE

Express MiE is a new girls only dance fitness center for the development of self-confidence in women. We are passionate about making sure that working out is so much fun you can’t help but to do it - and do it often! By offering fabulous, fun fitness classes and beauty training we help women discover their inherent beauty and express themselves in harmony with who they are as a unique individual.

Some of Our Current Classes Include:
• Pole~ah~Tease Sensual Pole Dancing
• MiE Zumba

• Country Linercise Line Dancing

• Salsa Licious & Salsa Pump

• Dance Elements Intro Class

• Cheer-Ful Fitness Adult Cheerleading

• Burlesque Beauty

• I Danced All Night Club Moves

• Gotta Love the 80’s!

• Tu-Tu for You Adult Ballet

• Bollywood Babes Indian Dance

• Hip-Hop for Every Body

• African Beats

• BellyLicious Belly Dance and more to come!

Click here to view our current class schedule and learn more about our Club MiE Girl Unlimited Membership.

Click here to subscribe to our inspirational “Merry Monday MiE-mail” to see our current class schedule, learn more about upcoming open-houses and events, and get access to super-secret deals! And, Click here to read more about Christie’s journey to creating Express MiE.

ExpressMiE’s team of fabulous Fitness Instructors and Beauty Consultants are dedicated to helping women find improved peace and happiness through increased Body Confidence and connection to their femininity. MiE was founded on the belief that every individual has a unique beauty within; and that with a little style knowledge and practice it will come out and shine through the way they look.

At MiE we are committed to helping people clarify their personal style and bring the beauty of their individuality out to evidence through the way they move, dress, and present themselves. We offer a variety of training classes and in-home beauty consulting that will bring our the inner goddess in any women! We are passionate about helping people find a sense of Body Confidence by teaching them the information they need to express themselves in a way most harmonious with who they are.

We invite you stop by anytime from 4-10 p.m Monday – Friday or 10-2 on Saturday for a tour of the studio, to meet the staff, or browse the MiE Boutique. We are located at the south west corner of McClintock and Guadalupe in Tempe - the the same shopping center as Trader Joes and Changing Hands Bookstore. We are directly west of Trader Joe’s – just head through the breezeway next to the daycare center and we’re on the left. We admit we are a little hard to find… just think of it that we are a secret club for women to come and have fun! A hidden jewel is so much more intriguing than one in plain sight!

We welcome your questions and comments by phone at (480) 626-5973 or via E-mail contactmie@expressmie.com
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Express MiE Fitness and Beauty Studio offers Dance Fitness Classes, Sensual Pole Dance Lessons, and Beauty Consulting. We are centrally located in Tempe at the southwest corner of McClintock and Guadalupe just minutes away from Downtown Phoenix, Oldtown Scottsdale, Biltmore, Arcadia, Ahwatukee, Mesa, Chandler, and Gilbert.

Showcase MiE... Come Check Out Express MiE Feb 21st!

Consider yourself oh-so-cordially invited to our upcoming “Showcase MiE” which includes demos of our fabulous fitness classes and a Pole~ah~Tease Preview Party. Grab all your friends and plan for a fun night with a great group of women.

Every 15 minutes we’ll have another sizzling hot and super fun class demo starting… you can catch a Pole~ah~Tease sensual pole dance class demo every hour, plus during the 6:00 hour you’ll get a sampling of our Fabulous Flamenco, Sassy Safety and I Could Have Danced All Night (How to Club Dance for Girlz) classes. Between 7-8pm we’ll show off some sizzling Salsa Spice, Bollywood Babes and Burlesque Beauty moves… and from 8-9pm you can taste our “Happy Feet” Tap class, the ever popular Zumba (done up MiE Style) and some boot scootin’ Country Linercise dance.

Come and see just why women all around are feeling just a little more beautiful each day as their discover their beautiful, feminine selves!

Celebrate the Holiday of LUV!

Merry, Merry Monday!!! A couple quick but important things for this week:

First, former President Jimmy Carter is coming to the shopping center for a book signing on Friday... which means that parking will be CRAAAAZY and the north entrance to the studio will be blocked off for "his people." So, plan extra time to find a spot and then you'll have to come either through the breezeway by Trader Joes or around the back of Trader Joes to get into our building. What an adventure!

Second, whether you have a "special someone" to enjoy the holiday of hearts with this Saturday or not, take it as an opportunity to celebrate the world of possibilites in love. And, treat yourself to something especially cute and saucy... see below for ideas!

Don't forget we have another FABULOUS Showcase coming up on Saturday night the 21st - mark your calendar now and prepare for a FUN night out with your friends, compliments of MiE!

And, last but not least, all of our danicng fools (aka lovely teachers) are back from LA and ready to rock your booty in classes... look forward to lots more fun this week!

Hugs,Christie

Featured Fitness Class: Yoga - MiE Style!

Tai-Yo-Chi-Ga

Yoga like none other...

While this may sound like an appetizing dish, it is actually a unique fitness class that blends together the best of Tai Chi and yoga to create a workout that is both strenuous and soulful. The blend of slow, flowing movements and traditional yoga poses will relax and tone you. Rasoul is an amazing teacher... check him out every Friday at Express MiE!

Click here to see the schedule of classes
Remember... Club MiE Girl members get unlimited dance fitness classes (excl Pole~ah~Tease) for FREE!

The Key to Love

The key to success isn't much good until one discovers the right lock to insert it in.

~ Tehti Hsieh

Is this good or what... a quote that spans both the current Express MiE session theme (DREAM) and the current holiday (Valentine's/LOVE)!

I am a total believer that we are most successful and happy and just plain fabulous when we are doing that which is in line with who we really are and what we are passionate about. AND, I like the fact that this quote separates the fact that we may already have the right key... in other words we have what it takes... we just need to find the right place to use it.
That, my dear friends, is also true in love... in my humble opinion! For every Yin there is a Yang, for every Tweedle-dee there is a Tweedle-dum, and most certainly for every She there is a He. Just be completely true to who you are so you can see the shape of your beautiful key, and then you will absolutely know it when you find the perfect lock. And, if this year isn't your year to stand next to your Prince Charming (actually, even if it is!)... spend a little time smiling over the possibilities of all the happiness yet to come your way. Celebrate Love!

Lingerie Land: Never Say Never!

Looking for a little something special? Want to buy yourself a little pick me up? Cosabella's Never Say Never thong is just perfect! The one size fits all, seamless lace thong, retails at $22 and comes packaged in a red, black, or white heart shaped pouch (that can double as a change purse later!). With only a few days to go, you might want to head over to Hip Undies right away and purchase yours!

Weekly News & Introducing Kourageous Kathy & Her Blog

Hello!

Merry, Merry Monday!!! So many fun things this week… the Ahwatukee paper ran an article on Me… and MiE.. ;> You can check it out here.

But, even BETTER than that, I’m excited to tell you about one of the fabulous MiE Girls in the studio, hereafter known as Kourageous Kathy, who has chosen Express MiE as her health, fitness, and SMILES solution and is already documenting her journey on a blog. I am SO proud of Kathy for being so vulnerable as to share her journey with everyone… if you see her in class make sure to give her a big HUG and kudos for all she is doing! And, you will find a link on our newsletter each week to go check out what she’s up to.

We have another FABULOUS Showcase coming up on Saturday night the 21st - mark your calendar now and prepare for a FUN night out with your friends, compliments of MiE!

Oh - and one last thing - make sure to check our online fitness class schedule frequently for updates - you’ll notice that the last half of this week Express MiE is not running many classes… several of the teachers are heading to LA for a dance field trip so we can continue to bring you the latest and greatest in dance fitness! We’ll be back to dance your booties off next week. :)

Hugs,
Christie

PS: Pole~ah~Tease classes will still be held all week, but the Friday night class will be from 7-9 instead of 6-8… this week only.

Tempe Phoenix Pole Dance Classes ~ Sign up Now for March!

Now enrolling for the next Pole~ah~Tease Session!!

Next Session:
INSPIRE 3/1 - 4/11

INSPIRE Level 1 Classes:
~ Mon 10-12am w/Danielle
~ Mon 6-8pm w/Lauryn
~ Mon 8-10pm w/Lauryn
~ Tues 6-8pm w/Melanie
~ Weds 6-8pm w/Dawn
~ Thurs 8-10pm w/Christie
~ Fri 6-8pm w/Danielle
~ Sat 10-12am w/Hannah

INSPIRE Level 2 Classes:
~ Thurs 6-8pm w/Christie

50% Deposit required to hold your place in class. Reserve your spot today!

Pole~ah~Tease Journey Classes
Cost: $180 for 6 week session, $35 drop-in classes as space permits(50% deposit to hold your spot in class, 50% bal due at 1st class)Length: 2 hrs per class, 1 class per week, 6 week session

Learn the art of sensual dance in this progressive series of classes leveled 1-7. Each class begins with an incredibly motivating and inspiring Kundalini Yoga warm-up followed by an intense workout that trains all the right body parts needed to be successful in the same level dance moves. In every level you will build and improve your sensual dance skills on the pole, floor, chair, wall and also learn to bring out your Inner Goddess full of sultry, sassy tease.

Each level is a 6 week journey and you are welcome to repeat levels to learn at your comfort level. This is one workout you will never tire of! This is the MOST fun you can have getting in shape and building your confidence in yourself as a beautiful woman!

Kourageous Kathy Starts Her Quest for Health & Smiles

Kathy had a fun week working out… check out her story and cheer her along!

Sing & Dance Your Way into Good Shape!

Sound Body

Song, Dance and Soul!

Are you ready for something new and incredible? This unique class is simply amazing. A blend of vocal training exercises (think: may-me-mah-mo-moo) and medium intensity workout moves (you WILL feel it!) are blended together and presented as a journey through the Chakras. By the end of the class you will have improved your body, voice and soul. Highly recommended for anyone studying voice/singing/theater.

Click here to see the schedule of classes



Remember… Club MiE Girl members get unlimited dance fitness classes (excl Pole~ah~Tease) for FREE!

Safety is for the BIRDS!

A ship in harbor is safe… but that is not what ships are built for.
~ John A. Shedd

This is SO true… and although I do understand the human need for safety… it seems that it is in taking the right risks that we get to reap the best rewards.
An easy way to look at whether or not a need for safety is serving you well is to try and get in touch with if the feeling is a matter of protecting your pride… aka… keeping yourself “safe” from feeling unworthy (dumb, wrong, like a failure, not good enough, etc!) in some way. You can almost bet that if that is the underlying motivation or fear you are going to be going the opposite direction to the opportunity to express yourself and become the fullness of who you are meant to be. OK, so that sentence we really jumbled, but read it twice and you’ll get what I mean!
Take a chance… follow your dreams ONE STEP AT A TIME if that makes you feel better. And, make sure to help others along their path. As I already mentioned, I am SO proud of our Kourageous Kathy for her willingness to put herself out there and share the road of her quest for health and wellness - I’m 100% sure it doesn’t feel all that “safe” to her! But, I’m also 100% sure that she’ll be delighted and surprised at the huge difference this choice will make in her life. Makes me smile already!

Express MiE in the Ahwatukee News

Check out the article the Ahwatukee Foothills newspaper just did on Christie and her journey to creating Express MiE. It captures her passion for helping women build their confidence through dance fitness classes and Pole~ah~Tease Pole Dance lessons… all throughout the Phoenix area!
Click here to hear Christie tell the story of creating Express MiE, in her own words.

Inspired by MiE: Live Your Passion

The whole secret of a successful life is to discover your destiny, and then do it.

~ Henry Ford

Boy do I EVER feel lucky to have the opportunity to live my DREAM and be on such a happy path - enjoying every step of the journey.

I remember a presentation I gave a few years back encouraging the team I worked with to really consider aligning their career path with their passions. Here’s a quick summary:

To start, think of something you love doing. I used the example of tap dance for me (big surprise there… dance strikes again!). Then, try to look at what you love about it. I like the exact counting of the beats, the challenge of mastering a new step, the feeling of accomplishment as I perfect new skills, and the opportunity to perform - to share my creativity with others.

If I stand back and look at what I like about tap, then apply it to a business situation I can see why I’ve always been so drawn to creativity in providing accounting solutions to businesses. I like the squareness and exactness of math, the challenge of solving the problems just right, the satisfaction I get delivering a solution, and the fun I have presenting the package and teaching the people to understand how to manage their information.

It is true that the most successful people are the ones that are doing what they are passionate about. What are you passionate about? Let yourself dream… you might be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to transition to doing what you love.

Featured Fitness Class: Learn to Club Dance!

I (could have) Danced All Night!

My, my, MY fair lady!!!

Where else can you learn the fine art of feminine club dancing? Come wallflowers, come those who insist the bar will fall over if they are not holding it up… we can help! Not only will you get a fabulous workout but you will also leave each week feeling a little more confident in your free-style dance abilities… until one day… shaZAM… your friends won’t be able to peel you off that dance floor. This class is a favorite!! Click here to see the schedule of classes

Remember… Club MiE Girl members get unlimited dance fitness classes (excl Pole~ah~Tease) for FREE!

Share Your Love for Valentines Day

Merry, Merry Monday!!! Week #1 was fabulous… we already love our regulars (you KNOW who you are you little dance-a-holics, you!) and are enjoying each new person that stops in. Welcome to Express MiE!

We are ready to help you get a little head start on planning your Valentines gift… give him a special smile this year by coming to our lapdance/striptease workshop this Sunday! The 2-4 and 4-6 classes are full, but we still have room in the 12-2 one. I know it’s superbowl Sunday and all… but we are talking about some serious fun, here! Register online soon if you want to hold a spot. This is the last workshop before the holiday.

See you in classes this week!

Hugs,
Christie

MiE Music: DREAM by Priscilla Ahn

As we enter the DREAM session I had to suggest this little tune. As children it was so easy for us to let ourselves DREAM, but as we age and become all “practical” we tend to quit believing in possibilities - resulting in a limited experience of life. If you don’t believe that something is possible you will not try to attain it… and then of course it will not happen. Believe in possibilities!!

Join me in taking a chance to believe in the possibilities of your DREAMs over the next 6 weeks. Express MiE is my dream come true… and with a little hope, help and hard work your dreams can come true, too!

Cheerleading for Women in Phoenix... literally!

Cheer-ful Fitness

Cheerleading is not just for kids!

Whether you were a cheerleader once or just wanted to be one… this class will keep your heart pumping while you bounce through one of the most entertaining workouts you can find. Pom-poms provided! Click here to see the schedule of classes

Remember… Club MiE Girl members get unlimited dance fitness classes (excl Pole~ah~Tease) for FREE!

Inspired By MiE: Loving Life Lessons

What I’m looking for is a blessing that’s not in disguise.

~ Kitty O’Neill Collins

Oh how I understand that one!! This quote makes me laugh - one of those if you didn’t laugh you’d cry type of laughs. ;>

Time is quite a teacher, and with enough distance from life’s crazy times I’ve not experienced anything that I haven’t learned from (and if you know me you know there have been many mighty crazy times!). BUT, I am all about getting some blessings and lessons in a much more pleasant way now. I used to believe in the old “no pain, no gain” way of life… but I’m going for the “learning with love” route now-a-days. It’s much more pleasant and, so far, seems to work just as well!! Try it… you’ll like it!

Express MiE is OPEN!

Merry, Merry Monday!!! First things first… a big CONGRATS to Lisa H. who won the FREE POLE this weekend - I’m sure she’ll have it up and be dancing in no time.

The Grand Opening was fun and fabulous and amazing… there were hundreds of women that showed up and joined in the fun! One of my favorite moments was seeing a 64 year old woman with a big smile on her face as she danced to the Bollywood beat in one of the fitness class demos.

The Salsa and Zumba classes had everyone sweating off the pounds in minutes, the country demo was a huge hit, and there was nothing quite so cute as watching Hannah pull her glove off and throw it at people during the Burlesque fitness class. And, of course, the Pole~ah~Tease demos were saucy and electric. Express MiE is finally open and running… and our new studio offers a ton of fun to help you stay in shape.

See you in classes this week!

Hugs,
Christie

PS: Enroll NOW to get the spot you want for the Pole~ah~Tease DREAM session - enrollment closes TODAY - January 18th!

Express MiE Makes Getting In Shape Fun & Fabulous!

Phoenix, AZ (PRnine - January 13, 2009) - Women looking for a memorable “Girls’ Night Out” are invited to join the Express MiE Fitness & Beauty team at the studio’s Grand Opening Launch Party on Saturday, January 17, 2008 from 4 – 10:00 pm. In addition to numerous giveaways, the open-house style event will feature samples of several creative dance fitness classes; everything from workouts inspired by festive Bollywood movies to more local favorites like MiE Zumba, Salsa Pump and Country Linercise. Guests will also be treated to hourly demos of the Express MiE signature Pole~ah~Tease sensual dance class.

Founded by women for women, Express MiE offers a very unique experience by combining a spa-like environment where women are educated to grow in their confidence and beauty with dozens of fun fitness classes that make working out so much fun women love to do it. Rooted in the Express MiE philosophy is the importance of true body confidence – which includes acceptance of and love for the different shapes and sizes all women come in.

“Knowing how to work with what we’ve got makes it even easier to love what Mother Nature gave us,” states Express MiE founder Christie Simmons, “Our goal is to help women fully embrace their femininity while building true confidence.”

For this reason, fitness courses are available in a variety of dance styles to suit women of all ages, backgrounds, and dance abilities. Women can explore their sensual side in Express MiE’s Burlesque Babes or Pole~ah~Tease sensual pole dance classes, or indulge in rhythms of various Latin dance traditions, everything from Zumba to Salsa to Flamenco. Those looking for a more relaxing workout are encouraged to try classes like Burn by Candlelight, Mini-MiE Vacation or even learn the basics at the heart of dance in the elementary Dance Elements class.
In addition to all the dance-themed classes Express MiE also offers other fun, feminine fitness classes inspired by things like cheerleading, kickboxing, baton twirling and self-defense – all exclusively for adult women - plus all the basics like yoga, tap and ballet. Simmons assures prospective clients who are unsure of dance as an acceptable fitness route to “admit they’ve never tried dancing with MiE.”

“We do things different - and have never met anyone we couldn’t teach. And, we’d love a challenge,” Simmons adds.

Interested parties are encouraged to RSVP online at http://www.expressmie.com/ as space is limited. In addition to guaranteeing their space at the Grand Opening Party, registered guests will be sent a secret special by email.

More information may be found by contacting Christie Simmons by email at contactmie@expressmie.com or by visiting the Express MiE website at http://www.expressmie.com/.

MiE Music: Cher Sings the Shoop Shoop Song!

OK… so I KNOW the very word “Cher” makes most people cringe… but do you remember this fun little tune? No one does it better… so Cher gets the credit. :) Take a listen and I promise you won’t be able to keep the corners of your mouth from turning up. It’s a definite “feel-good” tune!

Inspired by MiE: Love Your Life

I have found that if you love life, it will love you back

~ Arthur Rubinstein

I cannot think of a better way to close the CHEER session and move into the DREAM session… whoever this Arthur dude is he’s pretty smart!! Life is fabulous and the more you discover the smiles available and spread them around… the more you find smiles coming back to you. Check out the MiE Music of the week if you need a little something to make you smile today.

How to Dance... For Beginners!

Dance Elements

New to dance? This class is for you!

We’ll break down the basics SUPER well for you and keep your body moving in the right direction until that magical moment when it becomes second nature. The levely Sarah has a wealth of dance education… and patience… to help you finally get your groove on! Click here to see the schedule of classes

Remember… Club MiE Girl members get unlimited dance fitness classes (excl Pole~ah~Tease) for FREE!

Win a Free X-Pole!

Merry, Merry Monday!!! We are SO looking forward to meeting all the fabulous ladies we’ve e-mailed and spoken to about the party this weekend… keep telling your friends and we’ll see you all soon!

Our new studio is just about ready (with any luck we’ll actually have floors done this week… if not… we’ll consider it an adventure!) and our Grand Opening is THIS Saturday! Make sure to call all your girlfriends and RSVP for the party… one lucky girl will win a FREE pole!!

See you Saturday!

Hugs,
Christie

PS: Enroll NOW to get the spot you want for the Pole~ah~Tease DREAM session that starts January 18th. Classes are filling up fast!