11.12.24
Let’s find our Groove, find our gratitude — and dance!
One of the scientifically proven ways to change our brain and improve our mood is practicing gratitude. Experiencing gratitude helps regulate cortisol production, which reduces stress and anxiety, enhances empathy and increases energy and confidence! I know that feeling grateful - even for small stuff - isn’t always easy. That’s why it’s a practice.
Dancing is also a proven brain-changing stress reducer and mood enhancer. Starting with some appreciation for how unique and wonderful you are is a pretty good recipe for finding your gratitude. So let’s get together this week to celebrate the things we CAN be grateful for — and dance!
In-Person: Thursday, November 14 - 6:30 PM in Oakland
East Bay Dance Center, 1318 Glenfield Ave in Oakland’s Glenview neighborhood.
$15 per single, drop-in class. Prepay $45 for four consecutive classes via Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal, Zelle:kwertman@gmail.com, check or cash.
Please bring a yoga mat and water and arrive 5 minutes before class.
No prior dance training needed!
Online: Sunday, November 17 - 10 am Pacific, 1 PM Eastern on Zoom
Please RSVP for our online class. Then please click here to join. PW is Groove
$10 per person via Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal or Zelle:kwertman@gmail.com
Text or call 510-239-3026 for more info!
11.05.24
Friend, whatever happens today, we’ll keep dancing!
I have never experienced an election period with as much tension and information overload as this one. And today, Election Day, there’s a little voice inside me asking: “How can you talk about DANCING at a time like this?” But I know that coming together for movement, music and connection in our Groove class grounds us. It helps us feel a little better and a little more like ourselves — every time.
We live in our heads so much these days, and that exhaustive information overload doesn’t make it easier to break away. That’s why I’m inviting you this week and the rest of November to “Come to your senses and Groove!”
Every culture since the dawn of humankind has danced. In good times and in bad. The prosocial behavior of dance, (encouraging bonding, empathy and cooperation) couldn’t be more more needed at this time of uncertainty and stress!
When we connect to our senses we create the chance to get out of our head. We get to pause the repetitive, familiar stories and often negative self-talk and open up to something new. Our senses connect us to the present moment—the place where it’s possible to tap into our aliveness and feel different. So, while you can’t always talk yourself into feeling better, I firmly believe you CAN dance your way into a fresh perspective. Join us and see for yourself!
In-Person: Thursday, November 7, 14 and 21 - 6:30 PM in Oakland
East Bay Dance Center, 1318 Glenfield Ave in Oakland’s Glenview neighborhood.
$15 per single, drop-in class. Prepay $45 for four consecutive classes via Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal, Zelle:kwertman@gmail.com, check or cash.
Please bring a yoga mat and water and arrive 5 minutes before class.
Online: Sunday, November 10 and 17 - 10 am Pacific, 1 PM Eastern on Zoom
Please RSVP for our online class. Then please click here to join. PW is Groove
$10 per person via Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal or Zelle:kwertman@gmail.com
Text or call 510-239-3026 for more info!
10.22.24
Friend, I want you to “get lit” with me this week — and enjoy some fun Grooves with finger lights!
As the days get darker, we have the chance not only to play with music and dance moves but with lights. As adults, it’s important to nurture and invite playfulness into our experience.
There are plenty of serious things to occupy our hearts and minds these days, and, as important as they are, we still need to make room for joy and connection.
This Thursday, we’ll once again have the chance to Groove with finger lights to some of our songs. It’s the same yummy dance party and chance to move together and do great things for our body, but with a little bit more playfulness.
So let’s do what the lyrics in one of my current favorite songs tells us: “Light up our hearts and light up the dark”! Join us for our last, in-person October class! *
In Person: Thursday, October 24th - 6:30PM in Oakland. RSVP here to let me know you’re coming! And do take advantage of super discount for a 4-class pack.
*Reminder, no class on Thursday, October 31 because of 🎃.
East Bay Dance Center, 1318 Glenfield Ave (around the corner from Marzano)
$15 per single, drop-in class. Prepay $45 for four consecutive classes Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal, Zelle: kwertman@gmail.com or cash.
Please bring a yoga mat and water, and arrive at least 5 minutes prior to class.
Text or call 510-239-3026 for more info!
10.15.24
Friend, treat yourself to an hour of delicious dancing this week — Groove with us in person in Oakland, or online from anywhere!
Free yourself in a dance class where you can’t get it wrong.
Explore a playful world of music and movement.
Connect with a sweet, supportive community.
Enjoy a creative, full-body workout that feels so good!
Join in-person this Thursday, October 17, 6:30 PM in Oakland:
East Bay Dance Center, 1318 Glenfield Ave (around the corner from Marzano).
$15 per single, drop-in class or prepay $45 for four consecutive classes: Venmo @karen-wertman, Zelle: kwertman@gmail.com, or cash.
Please bring a yoga mat and water, and arrive at least 5 minutes prior to class.
Join online this Sunday, October 20, 10 am Pacific, 1 PM Eastern on Zoom:
Please RSVP for our online class. Then please click here to join. PW is Groove
$10/person via Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal or Zelle: kwertman@gmail.com
Text or call 510-239-3026 for more info!
10.08.24
Friend, are you feeling a little overwhelmed? Here’s a way to fill your cup…
When so much in the world feels overwhelming, it’s normal to experience feelings of sadness, grief, anxiety and sometimes hopelessness. Even if our own lives aren’t directly impacted by current events, we empathize with the pain of others.
Yet, in the midst of it all, it is so important to take the time to press pause – whether that’s scrolling the news, managing our to-do list, or worrying about the state of the world - to move our bodies, connect to the present moment and DANCE.
We hear it and know it from our own experience: we can’t help others when our cup is empty, our energy is depleted and our hearts are shut down. I fully believe that joyful movement is our birthright, and that Groove is a wonderful path to discover and practice this in community. It’s why I’m so passionate about it! I occasionally struggle with this question: Is helping other people dance a frivolous pursuit in our current moment?
But each week, from the friendly greetings in the beginning of class, the playful laughter during, and relaxed smiles at the end, I get my answer: When we take just an hour to tap into the joy of dancing, and do it together in Groove, we are strengthening not only our minds and bodies, but our hearts. And not just in the cardiovascular sense!
We remind ourselves of our capacity to experience and share joy, and to celebrate our uniqueness. We fill our cups and go back into the world with a little more presence, a little more peace, and hearts a little more capable of helping ourselves and others. So I warmly invite you to join us - either in person this Thursday or online this Sunday, fill your cup and DANCE!
Text or call 510-239-3026
10.02.24
Friend, plan for some fun and fabulous dancing this October and do lovely things for your body!
While I often talk about the mental and emotional benefits of dancing, our Groove classes offer a truly unique way to help you stay fit at any age. How is Groove different than other dance or fitness classes?
Because of how much fun it is you may not be aware that each Groove song has varied and purposeful benefits. While enjoying a fabulous dance party, we’re also working on flexibility, range of motion, strength, endurance and cardio conditioning as well as balance, agility and coordination. In Groove you get to do this creatively and in your own way, whatever your age, experience or ability!
And of course, we dance (a proven mood and memory-booster) while connecting in a friendly community where there’s joy not judgment. So mark your October calendar, grab a friend, and plan to join us!
In Person: Thursday, October 3, 10 17 and 24 (no class on 10/31 🎃 ) at 6:30PM in Oakland. RSVP here to let me know you’re coming.
East Bay Dance Center, 1318 Glenfield Ave (around the corner from Marzano)
$15 per single, drop-in class (or a nice discount if you prepay $45 for four consecutive classes) Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal, Zelle: kwertman@gmail.com or cash.
Please bring a yoga mat and water, and arrive at least 5 minutes prior to class.
Online: Sunday, October 13, 20 and 27 at 10 am Pacific, 1 PM Eastern on Zoom
Please RSVP for our online class. Then please click here to join. PW is Groove
$10 per person via Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal or Zelle: kwertman@gmail.com
Text or call 510-239-3026
09.17.24
Friend, join us this Thursday for that “aaah” feeling…
Enjoy a fun, creative workout.
Move a way that works for YOUR body.
Connect with others, in a relaxed, friendly environment.
Dance your heart out to music from around the world!
Bring a friend, join the party and Groove this week in our lovely, Glenview studio.
Thursday, September 19th, 6:30 PM, East Bay Dance Center, 1318 Glenfield Ave (around the corner from Marzano).
$15 per single, drop-in class. Prepay $45 for four consecutive classes Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal, Zelle: kwertman@gmail.com or cash.
Please bring a yoga mat and water, and arrive at least 5 minutes prior to class.
Text or call 510-239-3026 for more info.
09.24.24
Friend, would it feel good to get out of your head and into your body with a fun, creative dance workout? Enjoy two chances to Groove this week!
Explore a playful world of music and movement.
Connect with a sweet, supportive community.
Move authentically in a way that works for your body.
Enjoy a dance class where you can’t get it wrong!
In-person this Thursday, 6:30 PM in Oakland:
East Bay Dance Center, 1318 Glenfield Ave (around the corner from Marzano).
$15 per single, drop-in class or prepay $45 for four consecutive classes: Venmo @karen-wertman, Zelle: kwertman@gmail.com, or cash.
Please bring a yoga mat and water, and arrive at least 5 minutes prior to class.
Online this Sunday, 10 am Pacific, 1 PM Eastern on Zoom:
Please RSVP for our online class. Then please click here to join. PW is Groove
$10/person via Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal or Zelle: kwertman@gmail.com
Text or call 510-239-3026
09.10.24
Have you enjoyed the fun and freedom of our Groove class? This Thursday is the perfect time to invite a friend!
Whether you’ve joined once or twice or twenty times, you know that Groove is a chance to move your body, enjoy music from around the world and connect comfortably with other folks in a warm and friendly environment. And most of the people who join our classes are there because someone they knew told them about it!
I’m putting together a special playlist this week with some of my all-time favorite Grooves. It will be the perfect introduction for newcomers and I’d love you to consider bringing a pal. It’s a blast to dance with your friends, and they get to take the class for free. So let’s make it a party!
Thursday, September 12th - 6:30PM in Glenview. RSVP here to let me know you’re coming!
East Bay Dance Center, 1318 Glenfield Ave (around the corner from Marzano)
$15 per single, drop-in class. Prepay $45 for four consecutive classes Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal, Zelle: kwertman@gmail.com or cash.
Please bring a yoga mat and water, and arrive at least 5 minutes prior to class.
For info or txt/call 510-239-3026
09.03.24
Are you ready to regroup and feel more grounded after summer holidays and traveling?
September is the perfect time for it, and for starting (or getting back into) good habits, like dancing! Dancing is a mood booster, community connector and a beautiful way to stay fit at any age. On the Groove dance floor it’s also the chance to feel free, be yourself and get a fun, full body workout. (And is why some participants report being “joyfully obsessed” with our friendly classes!)
I’ve got some new and deliciously danceable music from around the globe I’m excited to share with you. So bring a friend, get yourself to a class and into the joyful habit of Groove!
In Person: Thursday, September 12th, 19th and 26th - 6:30PM in our beautiful Oakland studio in Glenview. RSVP here to let me know you’re coming! And do take advantage of super discount for a 4-class pack.
East Bay Dance Center, 1318 Glenfield Ave (around the corner from Marzano)
$15 per single, drop-in class. Prepay $45 for four consecutive classes Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal, Zelle: kwertman@gmail.com or cash.
Please bring a yoga mat and water, and arrive at least 5 minutes prior to class.
Online: Sunday, September 8th and 29th, 10 am Pacific, 1 PM Eastern on Zoom
Please RSVP for our online class. Then please click here to join. PW is Groove
$10 per person via Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal or Zelle: kwertman@gmail.com
For info txt/call 510-239-3026
08.28.24
Enjoy a bonus class this Thursday, August 29th!
This month has a blue moon, a super moon and a bonus 5th Thursday. While I had thought I’d be away, I’m here and so glad we can get together for a final August hurrah!
Start your holiday weekend with some delicious dancing in a Groove class that will put a smile on your face and make your body feel yummy. It’s the chance to dance and connect in community with friendly folks where there’s joy not judgment. With simple steps and awesome music you’ll find yourself enjoying dancing with new freedom. No prior experience needed!
Have you thought about a friend who might enjoy our class? Bring 'em! They get to try the class for free and you get to introduce them to a fun, new experience.
Thursday, August 29th, 6:30PM in our wonderful, Glenview studio space in Oakland. RSVP here to let me know you’re coming.
East Bay Dance Center, 1318 Glenfield Ave (around the corner from Marzano)
$15 per single, drop-in class. Prepay $45 for four consecutive classes Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal, Zelle: kwertman@gmail.com or cash.
Please bring a yoga mat and water, and arrive at least 5 minutes prior to class.
For info or txt/call 510-239-3026
RSVP NOW!
08.20.24 Newsletter
Take a musical journey on the Groove dance floor!
One of the deepest pleasures in life for many of us is music. And our weekly playlists are a musical adventure that I love to bring you!
Each song we use in Groove is curated for rhythmic and musical qualities that allow for easy-to-learn choreography and other characteristics that encourage you to dance with freedom. Whether we’re building strength and balance, playing with creative self-expression or diving into styles like Latin, our playlists are also designed to help you connect more deeply to the music – and to have fun connecting with others.
But Groove isn’t only about dancing. Our friendly class has diverse participants with varied musical tastes. You’ll get to explore music you don’t know, with styles that may be unfamiliar. But it’s an adventure that can surprise and delight you! Come enjoy the journey!
This Thursday, August 22nd, 6:30 - 7:45 PM in our wonderful, Glenview studio space in Oakland. RSVP here to let me know you’re coming. And bring a friend - their first class is free! No prior experience required.
East Bay Dance Center, 1318 Glenfield Ave in Oakland’s Glenview neighborhood.
$15 per single, drop-in class. Prepay $45 for four consecutive classes Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal, Zelle kwertman@gmail.com or cash.
Please bring a yoga mat and water, and arrive at least 5 minutes prior to class.
For info or txt/call 510-239-3026
08.06.24 Newsletter
Ready to light up your week?
You know that “aaah” feeling when you’ve done something good for your body? Imagine feeling that post-workout glow, but with a side of infectious fun, fabulous music and a sprinkle of community magic. That’s the Groove dance experience!
Whether you're shaking it in our studio or grooving from home, you'll find a welcoming space to move and dance - no prior experience needed! Bring yourself, bring a friend and let’s light up your week together!
In-Person: This Thursday, August 8th - 6:30 PM in Oakland
East Bay Dance Center, 1318 Glenfield Ave in the lovely Glenview neighborhood.
$15 per single, drop-in class. Prepay $45 for four consecutive classes via Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal, Zelle:kwertman@gmail.com, check or cash.
Please bring a yoga mat and water and arrive 5 minutes before class.
Online: This Sunday, August 11th - 10 am Pacific, 1 PM Eastern on Zoom
Please RSVP for our online class. Then please click here to join. PW is Groove
$10 per person via Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal or Zelle:kwertman@gmail.com
For info or txt/call 510-239-3026
07.30.24 Newsletter
Would you like to feel just a little more free? Dance!
Moving easily and joyfully to music our birthright — even babies do it! Sadly, that spontaneity vanishes as we get older. We start to believe we need a particular body, special skill, grace, a sense of rhythm and a heap of self confidence - just to DANCE.
I’m convinced that dancing is a kind of magic that we can ALL access and enjoy if we give ourselves permission and we’re in a comfortable environment. That’s exactly what Groove class provides: the chance to let go, move authentically and re-discover the fun and freedom that dancing offers.
This month there are 6 chances to rediscover that playful joy of dancing. Bring yourself, bring a friend, and enjoy the magic!
In-Person: Thursday, August 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd - 6:30 PM in Oakland
East Bay Dance Center, 1318 Glenfield Ave in the lovely Glenview neighborhood.
$15 per single, drop-in class. Prepay $45 for four consecutive classes via Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal, Zelle:kwertman@gmail.com, check or cash.
Please bring a yoga mat and water and arrive 5 minutes before class.
Online: Sunday, August 11th and 25th, 10 am Pacific, 1 PM Eastern on Zoom
Please RSVP for our online class. Then please click here to join. PW is Groove
$10 per person via Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal or Zelle: kwertman@gmail.com
For info or txt/call 510-239-3026
07.23.24 Newsletter
Let’s get together and “feel mighty real”!
There was a disco song in the late 80s: "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" and when the tune popped into my head recently, that refrain inspired me. #4E73E1It's powerful and positive.
I never imagined that feeling would be possible in, of all things, a dance class! But in Groove, we’re not just encouraged to be authentic. We celebrate the different ways our bodies move and express themselves. We dance together but aren't trying to imitate some ideal or perfect form. Because rather than technique, we focus on creativity, freedom and connection!
It's my honor to guide an experience where YOU get to "feel mighty real" and have the pure joy of dancing. So come join the party in person in Oakland on Thursday or on Zoom this Sunday!
Traveling or want to introduce an out-of-town friend to Groove? If you’ve never done a Groove class, join us live from anywhere on Zoom. Enjoy the same fun playlist and opportunity to dance, connect and feel good!
In-Person: Thursday, July 25th - 6:30 PM in Oakland
East Bay Dance Center, 1318 Glenfield Ave in the lovely Glenview neighborhood.
$15 per single, drop-in class. Prepay $45 for four consecutive classes via Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal, Zelle: kwertman@gmail.com or cash.
Please bring a yoga mat and water and arrive 5 minutes before class.
Online: Sunday, July 28th, 10 am Pacific, 1 PM Eastern on Zoom
Please RSVP for our online class. Then please click here to join. PW is Groove
$10 per person via Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal or Zelle: kwertman@gmail.co
07.16.24 Newsletter
When the world seems crazy, dancing helps!
Life out there has been A LOT lately and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Take time this Thursday to get out of your head, into your body and connect to awesome music and friendly folks at Groove. Dancing won’t solve world problems but it will surely will take your mind off them!
I’m working on a playlist of songs to lift our spirits and celebrate our aliveness. I really hope you’ll join us!
This Thursday, July 18th, 6:30 - 7:45 PM in our wonderful, Glenview studio space in Oakland. RSVP here to let me know you’re coming. And bring a friend - their first class is free! No prior experience is needed.
East Bay Dance Center, 1318 Glenfield Ave in Oakland’s Glenview neighborhood.
$15 per single, drop-in class. Prepay $45 for four consecutive classes Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal, Zelle kwertman@gmail.com or cash.
Please bring a yoga mat and water, and arrive at least 5 minutes prior to class.
Check out karengrooves.com/classes for info or txt/call 510-239-3026
07.09.24 Newsletter
Join us and celebrate this Thursday, 7/11 in Oakland or Sunday, 7/14 (Bastille Day!) on Zoom.
Bonjour, Francophiles and dance enthusiasts! As former French student I'm thrilled to share my love of the language with a special Bastille Day playlist at Groove this week! 🇫🇷 Get ready for some fun and fabulous French tunes from around the globe as we remember the fight for liberty, equality and freedom.
Groove is its own small revolution: a welcoming dance class where we move together but you dance your own way. You get to explore your creativity with your own unique style, no matter your age, size, or experience!
So plan to join us this week and let’s celebrate freedom through joyful movement! We're in our Oakland studio this Thursday, July 11th, and on Zoom for Bastille Day itself, Sunday, July 14th. 🇫🇷 Vive la revolution!
In-Person: Thursday, July 11th 6:30 PM
East Bay Dance Center, 1318 Glenfield Ave in Oakland’s Glenview neighborhood.
$15 per single, drop-in class. Prepay $45 for four consecutive classes Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal, Zelle: kwertman@gmail.com or cash.
Please bring a yoga mat and water and arrive 5 minutes before class.
Bring a friend! Their first class is free!
Online: Sunday, July 14th, 10AM Pacific, 1PM Eastern, 7PM CEST on Zoom. Please RSVP for our online class.
$10 per person via Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal or Zelle: kwertman@gmail.com
07.03.24 Newsletter
Karen, I hope you’re staying cool and feeling well!
Due to the July 4th holiday there are no classes this week. But we’re back the rest of this month with options to dance in-person and online. Do plan to join us in our Oakland studio OR on Zoom (or both.) I’ve got Summertime Grooves to move your body and lift your spirits. Forget the mirror, forget judgment, and join a class that’s a fun dance party with fabulous music where you get to be completely yourself!
Want to introduce an out-of-town friend to Groove? Invite them to a Zoom class! They can join from anywhere and enjoy the same fun playlists and opportunity to dance and connect. If they mention you in their RSVP, their first Zoom class is FREE!
P.S. Our Sunday Zoom class is also the perfect way to keep up with Groove from anywhere when you’re traveling or if you miss a class. Why not give it a try?
In-Person: Thursday, July 11th, 18th and 25th - 6:30 PM
East Bay Dance Center, 1318 Glenfield Ave in Oakland’s Glenview neighborhood.
$15 per single, drop-in class. Prepay $45 for four consecutive classes Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal, Zelle: kwertman@gmail.com or cash.
Please bring a yoga mat and water and arrive 5 minutes before class.
Online: Sunday, July 14th and July 28th, 10 am Pacific, 1 PM Eastern on Zoom. Please RSVP for our online class.
$10 per person via Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal or Zelle: kwertman@gmail.com
Check out karengrooves.com for info or txt/call 510-239-3026
05.14.24 Newsletter
Friend, this week has been an especially joy-filled one for me and I want to share the love with you!
There are many ways to fall in love, and because a brand new, four-legged creature recently joined our family my heart is full and I’m completely smitten. (Scroll down to meet Kody the puppy!)
I also fell in love was when I discovered Groove. The freedom to dance and be myself and the opportunity share that with the world was and continues to be truly heart-filling. THANK YOU for continuing to be on the journey with me!
While I can’t promise you’ll feel in love, the chance to tap into joy and have fun this week on the Groove dance floor is yours for the taking. Because feeling comfortable moving your own way to great music is a blast - and when we do it together it’s a party!
So join us this Thursday in person in Oakland, or Sunday from anywhere on Zoom.
Thursday, May 16, 6:30 - 7:15 PM in our spacious Glenview studio in Oakland. Register here to let me know you’ll be there! Bring a friend, their first class is free!
East Bay Dance Center, 1318 Glenfield Ave around the corner from Marzano.
$15 per single, drop-in class. Prepay $45 for four consecutive classes Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal or cash.
Please bring a yoga mat, water and arrive 5 minutes before class.
Sunday, May 19, 10:00 AM, PST, 1 PM EST on Zoom - Please RSVP to sign up. Ask your friend or family member to join the fun!
Zoom link here to join the class. Passcode: Groove.
$10 per person Venmo @karen-wertman or PayPal.
Check out karengrooves.com for info or txt/call 510-239-3026
05.07.24 Newsletter
Come as you are Friend and join the party this Thursday in Oakland. Don’t miss our next, feel-good community Groove dance class!
Using deliciously danceable music from around the globe, I’ll unite us in simple steps we’ll do together, because magic happens when we connect. But with Groove, you get to move your own way — which means you can’t get it wrong! No intimidation, no judgment, just the chance to add little more joy and a creative workout to your week.
Why not invite a friend, neighbor or family member to join you? It’s even more fun to Groove with friends and their first class is free! The vibe is warm and welcoming and you don’t need prior dance experience.
Please click here to RSVP!
Thursday, 5/9, 6:30 PM - East Bay Dance Center, 1318 Glenfield Ave in Oakland’s Glenview neighborhood.
$15 per single, drop-in class. Prepay $45 for four consecutive classes Venmo @karen-wertman, PayPal or cash.
Please bring a yoga mat and water and arrive 5 minutes before class.
Check out karengrooves.com for info or txt/call 510-239-3026