Staff Spotlight: Lisa Pritzl & Empowered by Movement
Welcome to our "Staff Spotlight" series! In this collection of ongoing posts on The Western Blog, we shine a light on the incredible individuals who make Western special! From passionate trainers & instructors to knowledgeable nutritionists and tennis pros, and many other dedicated staff members, we'll introduce you to the talented team behind the scenes.
This week we’re doing something a little different and featuring former Western barre instructor Lisa Pritzl! Though Lisa no longer teaches Barre at Western, we wanted to shine a light on the 5-year anniversary of her Empowered by Movement dance program, which she teaches at Western every Tuesday afternoon.
Keep reading to learn more about Empowered by Movement and Lisa's expertise, background, and some fun facts!
The Dance Life
Lisa's lifelong passion for dance began at the age of 3 and led her to become a founding Company Member of the Wisconsin Ballet Theatre by age 14, where she honed her skills and learned valuable life lessons. After years of teaching and developing ballet programs at Barb’s Center for Dance, Lisa's dance journey took a temporary pause as she focused on raising her family and building a career in marketing and advertising. Her love for dance was reignited in 2015 and 2018 when she participated in the American Red Cross – Dancing with Our Stars fundraising event, raising over $60,000 for the Green Bay community. Inspired by her faith, Lisa made the courageous decision in 2018 to leave her career and pursue her passion full-time by founding Empowerment Dance. Through her Empowered By Movement class at Western and her work in assisted living facilities, Lisa is dedicated to bringing the joy of dance to underserved populations, helping her students rediscover movement, music, and joy.
What is Empowered by Movement?
Empowered By Movement is a unique dance experience designed for anyone living with movement concerns. Based on the internationally acclaimed Dance for PD program, this class offers a welcoming and judgment-free environment where participants of all abilities and mobility levels can rediscover the joy of dance. With a focus on enhancing mobility, flexibility, and overall well-being, the class incorporates a variety of dance styles, including ballet, modern dance, and musical theater, offering modifications to suit every participant.
Why Dance?
Involves a range of activities aimed at helping you walk tall, stay steady, and keep those pesky tremors at bay.
Boosts your brainpower and sharpens your memory, focus, and all-round thinking skills.
Makes your brain do a happy dance by letting loose some dopamine!
Unleash your creativity and explore new ideas, opportunities, and experiences.
Experience a joyful space where everyone can groove to their own beat and share in the joy of music and movement without any judgment.
Classes are for all levels of experience—yes, even if you’ve never danced in your life! If you or someone you know has Parkinson’s, or other movement concerns, check out the Empowered by Movement website and find out how to get started.
Classes take place every Tuesday at Western from 1:30pm-2:45pm and every Thursday in Appleton at Touchmark Senior Living from 1:00pm-2:15pm. All classes are also available via Zoom!
Happy 5-Year Anniversary!
To celebrate Empowered by Movement’s 5-year anniversary, all September Empowered by Movement classes are free! Visit their 5-year Anniversary webpage to learn more about the free classes and register.
Learn More About Lisa
Want to learn more about the woman behind Empowered by Dance? Keep reading for some fast facts!
Q: How long have you been teaching group fitness?
A: 6 years
Q: What are your certifications or relevant education?
A: Dance for PD Certified Teaching Artist, Rhythm Works Integrative Dance, Barre Instructor (Lotte Burke Method, Gus Giordano jazz
Q: What is your favorite kind of workout?
A: I love to take group ex classes. I also work on a lot of mobility training and stretching.
Q: Do you participate in any other fitness activities outside of Western?
A: Hiking. And I am part of an adult contemporary dance group, and also take adult tap lessons.
Q: What’s your favorite non-fitness hobby?
A: I love a good campfire!
Q: What motivates you?
A: Knowing that what I do makes a difference in the lives of others. And to see joy on their faces is the biggest reward!
Q: Who inspires you?
A: Anyone who has faced adversity and comes out the other side shining!
Q: Do you have a favorite quote or any words of wisdom you can share?
A: My husband and I have a tattoo that reads "No More Somedays". We know that life is short and we strive to make the most of each day. Work hard so you can play harder!
Q: What’s the most interesting place you’ve ever visited?
A: New Zealand! I got to check swimming with the dolphins off my bucket list. We saw three different pods with no less than 100 dolphins in each pod. It was an amazing experience!
Q: What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
A: Elton John
Q: What’s your favorite junk food?
A: I can only name one? 🤣 I have to go with sour cream doughnuts from Festival Foods.
Q: What is one thing on your bucket list?
A: Go on an Africa safari
Q: What’s the best part of your job?
A: The friendships that I've created!
Q: What’s something you’re proud of?
A: My two adult boys and our first granddaughter!
Q: What are some fun facts about you?
A: I love a good adventure: skydiving in Las Vegas, spelunking, horseback riding, zip lining, rafting, hiking over boulders, and through rivers. I love being outdoors!
Lightning Round
Coffee or tea? tea - daily
Cats or dogs? dogs - I have two golden retrievers
Early bird or night owl? night owl
Power of flight or invisibility? flight - what an awesome feeling to soar like a bird
Tattoos or piercings? tattoos - 2 of them
Outer space or the bottom of the ocean? The bottom of the ocean. It's like one big dance where everything glides through the water.
Christmas or your birthday? Christmas. I'd much rather give than receive.
Breakfast or dinner? Dinner. I'm finding more joy cooking these days. Put on some good tunes, dance and chop away!
Texting or calling? Texting.
Burgers or tacos? Tacos.
Movie at home or movie in the theater? At home on the couch with my favorite blanket, two fur babies and popcorn.
Introvert or extrovert? I'm both. I love sharing my energy in a class to get everyone excited to be there. But I also enjoy quiet/focused time with no distractions to get stuff done.
