Sound Bites - Issue #82 - February 2023 /info/landing/SoundBites-February2023

In March of 2022, after two years of teaching my SMC classes online, I got back to teaching in person. And while I’d be happy to say that after the long two-year Covid hiatus teaching in person felt just the same as it did prior to the pandemic, I’m even happier to say that it was - and has continued to be - much more fun.

As to why, I think back to the first day of classes. Many new students, as they entered the classroom, seemed surprised to see what they saw. It was as if, right up until the moment they walked into the classroom, they’d been convinced that due to a nefarious Russian bot, the SMC website had been full of fake news. Or they’d misread the SMC brochure. One way or the other, classes really being offered in person had to be a mistake. And so, when they entered the classroom and saw that it was full of other humans, they were surprised. And relieved. And delighted. In March of 2022, students were still required to wear face masks. But that these students were grinning ear-to-ear, was un-maskable. As one student said to me, “I feel like I’ve been invited to a party.”

Since then, some version of that sentiment has been expressed by many students. Of course, the classes I offer aren’t literally a party. Writing funny stories – in the form of jokes, prose, screenplay or whichever – requires a seriousness of effort. Also, cake, not to mention alcoholic beverages, aren’t allowed in SMC classrooms. And a mariachi band would be distracting. But being with other humans, live and in person, supporting each other creatively, laughing with each other, after two years of doing so only virtually, continues to feel celebratory.

For that reason, if you want to learn all about humor writing, or learn about stand-up (and perform at the World-Famous Improv Comedy Club), I hope you’ll sign up for one of my once again, in-person classes. And BTW, my classes are worth signing up for many reasons. (I say this in all humility, but I think folks who attend – some of whom retake the classes many times – would agree.) During classes we watch the work of wonderful comedians. We watch and analyze great movie comedies and legendary sitcoms. We read profound – and profoundly funny – prose. Also, there’s the in-class writing exercises, the writers circle, and more. All designed to take you from “?” to “!”

And BTW #2, yes, studying online has advantages. During the pandemic I took lots of classes online. I saved money on gas, I studied with “the masters,” I could attend class in my pajamas. And best of all, I could attend class in my messy kitchen, but in front of a virtual background that made it look like I was on the beach in St. Barts. So, I get why some folks, even now that the pandemic has eased, have decided to stick with only online classes. But as another one of my students said to me, “It’s like the old Porsche slogan, ‘In-person classes - there is no substitute!’” (And, while the average Porsche costs $93,000, SMC Extension classes cost considerably less.)

Consider being funny with Jonathan in “How to Write the Funny” and “Stand-Up Comedy Workshop with Graduation Show”.

Jackline Daneshrad is a force to be reckoned with, and she's ready to bring her extensive experience to your workout routine. With a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Art in French from San Jose State University, Jackline used to work for Intel Corporation as a chemical engineer in Silicon Valley. But in 1992, after moving to Los Angeles, she decided to pursue her passion for health and fitness. With a Group Exercise Teacher and Personal Training Certifications from ACE (American Council on Exercise), the highest authority in health and fitness research, as well as several other certifications and workshops in related fields, Jackline is an expert in her field.

For the past 20 years, Jackline has been leading a variety of classes, including Cardio Sculpt, Core Strength, Mat Pilates, Low Back Strength, Barre Fusion, Stretch and Release, and Latin Cardio Dance (Cardio Salsa) at Bay Club in Pacific Palisades. Additionally, she has been offering Chair Salsa classes in Rehabilitation facilities such as Beverly Hills Rehab and Atria to great acclaim. Jackline has been teaching at SMC Community Education in Santa Monica for over 15 years, and she continues to teach remotely via Zoom since 2020.

After the pandemic, Jackline resumed teaching in-person classes at the Palisades Performance Studio and the Malibu Center. And now, with the opening of the SMC Malibu Campus, she's thrilled to offer two classes: Barre Fusion on Mondays from 12:PM-1:PM, and Salsa & Stretch on Wednesdays from 12:PM-1:PM.

The Barre Fusion class is a dynamic class that combines various disciplines such as Barre, Pilates, Strength training, Core Strength, Balance, and Stretch and Release. It's the perfect class for anyone who wants to transform their physique in one hour. Jackline promises to deliver a fun and dynamic workout that will help you gain strength, muscle definition, flexibility, and overall mind-body health. All you need is a mat, hand weights, and resistance bands.

If you're looking for a fun and energetic Latin Dance class that will give you a good cardio workout while teaching you new dance steps, Salsa & Stretch is the perfect choice. This brand new class offering at SMC features the latest Latin hits, teaching you Salsa, Cha Cha, Merengue, Bachata, and cooling down with Tango. After the dance session, Jackline will lead you through a comprehensive Stretch and Release segment that will elongate your muscles and release the tension in the supporting tissues (fascia). No dance experience is necessary, but you'll need a mat, sneakers, and a resistance band.

Jackline's personal training clients rave about her expertise in Strength, Functional Training, Balance, and Injury Rehabilitation. With a big following and many long-time clients reporting much improvement in their strength, core, balance, and endurance, it's clear that Jackline knows what she's doing. Join her at the SMC Malibu Campus to see for yourself what all the fuss is about!

To view a segment of the Barre Fusion and Salsa & Stretch class, please use the following link: https://youtu.be/LoeAVLS5tFQ .