By Isabella Zarate
Jenna Jeffers is dancing her way through life, quite literally.
Growing up in Lincoln, Illinois Jeffers knew a thing or two about dance. Her great-aunt owned a studio, the perfect place for Jeffers to go and bust a move. And when she was not there, she was likely performing or competing in the dance world in some aspect.
“Dancing has been a part of my life for a really really long time,” Jeffers said.
While it was a fun little activity, the little girl in Jeffers never saw it as becoming a lifestyle.
Eventually, that little girl grew up, started a family, and moved to Mahomet. After some time Jeffers became both a stay-at-home mom as well as a daycare operator. Though sometime later, Jeffers found herself at a low point.
Following the loss of her mother and the birth of a new baby, Jeffers was struggling.
“I felt like I lost myself a little bit.”
Soon after, the mom found herself signing her kids up for activities like soccer and t-ball, but something stood out. On the Mahomet Parks and Recreation website Jeffers noticed something labeled as adult fitness – a Zumba class taught by Kristina Robinson.
Jeffers was intrigued.
After taking the class, Jeffers never looked back.
“I just absolutely fell in love with her class [Robinson’s],” she exclaimed.
Now five years later, Jeffers finds herself teaching that very class. After the original instructor, Robinson welcomed a baby, Jeffers stepped up and offered to sub in. Sometime later, what was supposed to be temporary became a regular thing.
Jeffers and Robinson now have what Jeffers calls a “collaborative partnership.”
Robinson teaches a low-impact class during the day, and Jeffers takes on a more intense, high-impact course at night.
“We make a great team,” Jeffer shared.
Classes are offered Tuesday and Thursday evenings in the Mahomet Parks and Recreation Building. This week’s Tuesday class runs from 6:30 – 7:30, and the Thursday times are 5:45 – 6:45.
Jeffers is excited to share her passion with the community as she hopes to remind everyone that “it’s more than just fitness. It is mind, body, and soul.”
