MEMBERS

Who We Are, What We Are About, & Why We Are Here

Myrna B. - Founder, Executive Director of S.H.W.E.R.k

My goal is to Make Fitness a Part of Everyone's Life I touch... S.H.W.E.R.k. has enabled me to do just that! This organization came to fruition because of a conversation I had with my dad before he lost his battle with cancer. He made me promise him that I would find a way to bridge my passion for fitness with my talent and gifts for music and the arts. When I was a little girl, he told me that I was supposed to change the world; I thought that was a wish most daddies have for their little girls. However, through the years and my accomplishments and now with this group, I think my dad was onto something. Our group came together so organically and continues to develop that way. I am humbled by the level of talent and intellect that has been drawn to this cause. We are dedicated to help support those who have been affected by chronic diseases. We believe that our passion and fun for what we do is so infectious that it will play an integral role in finding a cure for the organizations we support. Simply put, S.H.W.E.R.k. has changed my life and the lives of people around me in so many ways. I am proud to be a part of an organization whose members so strongly associate it with family, friendship, community, fun, support and dance. Our goal is to provide Super. Hard. Working. Energy. Required. (k)now to every endeavor in which we participate.

Khalyle J. - Assistant Director of S.H.W.E.R.k.

S.H.W.E.R.k. has done a lot for me, including being my second family. It has been a way to give back to the world I have learned and taken from. It gave me my first official teaching experience and friends and mentors that I could always count on through thick and thin. Despite my cheerful disposition, I used to have some pretty lonely days before I met them. Now I never feel alone because even if I were to move to Pluto I would always feel the love from my family in S.H.W.E.R.k.

Melissa M. - Business Manager, QFLC

S.H.W.E.R.k. is another chance. To dance, to be healthy and to be inspired. I found my way into the group when I was having a difficult time in my life with my health and dealing with stress; joining S.H.W.E.R.k. helped me heal physically and emotionally. It is a privilege to know and work with such incredible people and to be given the opportunity to help others by doing something that I love with a group of men and women that I adore.

Mara G. - Buisness Manager, S.H.W.E.R.k.

Throughout our adolescence, we are told that we need to choose a direction in life, and work as hard as we can to reach the end of that path. A true student of life, I expended as much energy as possible into my educational journey. When I reached the end, however, I found myself more lost and confused than ever. Unsure about the future, I relocated back to NY in hopes of re-defining myself. There, at a Saturday morning dance class, I found a group of amazing and inspiring women. Not only did we share a passion for dance, but each of us had a story to share and a dream to strive towards. Our individual passions quickly melted into one, and the inspiration for S.H.W.E.R.k. was born. I was truly lucky to have stumble onto such a great group of individuals and even luckier to get to work with them everyday to achieve amazing and beautiful things.

Billie D. - Fashion Consultant

To me, SHWERk means family. Dancing doesn't just help me relieve stress; it helped me cope with my mother's battle with pancreatic cancer. I've developed long lasting friendships by being a part of S.H.W.E.R.k. and I am grateful for the unconditional support and love.

Celine Z. - Website Designer

What does S.H.W.E.R.k. mean to me? I have always been a fan of relating life to music and dance. Hearing about the cause of S.H.W.E.R.k. motivated me on a whole new level. Raising awareness for chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes truly means a lot to me. I feel so blessed to be a part of this group to motivate others and introduce them to the love of dance that all of the S.H.W.E.R.k. family shares.

"Only the good die young . . ."

Brooke C.

I joined S.H.W.E.R.k. because it was a way for me to intereact with other people that enjoyed dance as much as I do. Dance helps me to relieve stress and it is a part of my weekly routine. I also support the purpose of S.H.W.E.R.k. by staying fit and healthy through dance as well as raising money for chronic illnesses since that hits very close to home for me.

Carla A.

I joined S.H.W.E.R.k for my overall health. I also needed to lose a lot of weight and to strengthen my heart. I believe that dancing has gotten me once again to take interest in how I feel and the ability to be proud of myself. I believe one needs to find something that will make them move, which will then encourage them take that first step towards good health. I have to come to love and feel the encouragement when attending class and it is like exercising with your family as I consider everyone in S.H.W.E.R.k. to be an extension of my family.

Lauren G.

For me, dancing has never been my strong suit (I still don't think it is). To be adventurous I decided to try a dance class at the gym. After that, I never looked back; not only because of the enjoyment I was getting from dancing, but because of the people I had met. Through being a part of S.H.W.E.R.k., I have met some wonderful and amazing individuals, as well as made some great friends. I bring myself to practice to be with people that bring a smile to my face and make me laugh. For me, S.H.W.E.R.k. is a way to support my friends and help promote what S.H.W.E.R.k. means to them.

Vanessa W.

S.H.W.E.R.k. to me means:
Support; Strength; Solace; Second Chance at Dance
Healthy Lifestyle; Heart full of warmth; Hope
Welcoming environment
Edifying Experience
Real lives, Real people and Real testimonies
Kingdom building; Kindness

Alisa K.

I joined S.H.W.E.R.k. as a way to reconnect with my love of dance. I have had a passion for dance since childhood but thought I would have to leave that behind once I graduated from college. S.H.W.E.R.k. has given me back the gift of dance and provided me with a positive outlet for sharing that gift with others. S.H.W.E.R.k. was formed as a means of giving back to the community, yet within our group we have formed our own community built on friendship and support, and a shared love of dance.

Jennifer H.

Before I heard about S.H.W.E.R.k. I had to have leg surgery to remove a large bone tumor. The pain had prevented me from being physically active and I became out of shape as a result. During my recovery I kept thinking of the things I wanted to try with my 'new leg'. I never danced outside of Equinox classes and when I heard about S.H.W.E.R.k. and its purpose I had to join. I was lucky enough to be able to motivate myself. I am happy to be a part of a group that not only motivates me, but can help other people as well.

Heather K.

When I first joined S.H.W.E.R.k. it was to have fun and dance, dance, dance. It has become so much more than that - I have met a great group of people who I have come to admire. They inspire me to really push the limits in more ways than they could imagine. I am fortunate to not have lost any family or friends to illness or disease, but I am part of S.H.W.E.R.k. to support prevention as well as the resources and cures so absolutely necessary for the sick. I hope to inspire others that it can be fun getting fit and that we all need to practice a healthy lifestyle not only for ourselves, but for the loved ones around us. Have fun and keep smiling.

Melodie E.

I have loved being a part of S.H.W.E.R.k! And it's pretty funny to think that it all started by a group of us taking Myrna's dance class at NYSC. S.H.W.E.R.k has not only allowed me to dance on a regular basis, but to dance and participate in worthwhile causes. Also it's nice that we don't just "dance" or "perform", we relate to each and every piece of choreography on a deeper, more meaningful.

Natalia C.

Growing up, I didn't have the chance to dance. However, S.H.W.E.R.k has given me that opportunity, that second chance at dance. I am grateful for this group because I am doing something I always wanted to do. S.H.W.E.R.k has become that nice happy place we all need, where worries or preoccupations don't exist. It is what in psychology we call "flow." S.H.W.E.R.k is my flow.

Phil O.

Behind the Scene S.H.W.E.R.k. Members

Paula S.

Finding S.H.W.E.R.k. was a little bit like finding my way home. For as long as I can remember, dance has played an important role in my life. As a life-long dance student, fitness instructor and choreographer, I have always welcomed any and all opportunities to incorporate dance and movement into day-to-day life. What sets S.H.W.E.R.k. apart from other dance troupes, however, is the diversity of the dancers- our different occupations, lifestyles, ages, levels of fitness and dance experience become insignificant as we meet on common ground. The people that I have met and goals we have commonly set and attained have made S.H.W.E.R.k. a vibrant component of my life.

Nancy K.

Why do I like S.H.W.E.R.k.? It's simple - it's good for me - physically, emotionally and socially. I love the dance classes and the quality of the teaching is terrific. I get a great work out and I have fun. That of course makes me feel good! I get stronger and more fit. But the other great part are the people. It's hard to believe that we didn't all know each other before we started dancing together. I may be the old lady in the group however everyone is welcoming and just plain nice. Who wouldn't want to be a part of something that is so good for you? Lastly, S.H.W.E.R.k. is about fitness and helping others who are less fortunate than we are and being able to give back is very worthwhile.