ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—It was fun and then some! A dozen kids ages 2 to 7 got into the swing of things at the Englewood Public Library’s Fun and Fitness dance party on July 24.
The hour-long class was presented by Housel Fun-n-Fitness, a Marlton, N.J.-based company that holds fitness programs in many New Jersey and Pennsylvania locations.
At 3:30 p.m., Jennifer O’Brien, a young and energetic instructor from Housel Fun-n-Fitness, was all smiles and ready to lead the youngsters through a series of high-energy games, exercises, competitions and jubilant dances.
“It a great program!” O Brien beamed as she set up her speakers on the plaza in front of the library. “And today is ‘Wacky Wednesday,’ so we’re really going to have fun!”
The lively music included rock, hip hop, show tunes and classic oldies—everything from “Happy” by William Pharrell to “Eye of the Tiger” and “Jail House Rock.”
In conjunction with this year’s national library theme of “The Universe,” O’Brien held up a chalk board with the motto: “Reach for the moon. Even if you fall short, you’ll land among the stars.
The group then followed her in the Martian Hop, Blast Off, Asteroids and Planet Toss. As the group danced around, O’Brien incorporated rigorous fitness moves into the routine, such as jumping jacks, fast spinning, pushups and situps.
O’Brien made use of many props such as poppers, large Styrofoam noodles, hula hoops and a boatload of “space junk” (sheets of paper with comics on them).
Even the youngest kids excelled at hilarious activities, such as the “Peanut Butter Jelly Dance,” “The Freeze” and “Selfie Dance.”
By the end of the non-stop program, the kids were shrieking with joy, and even some adults had joined in the fun.
“This is really great!” said one mother.
“I wish the library could have this program on a regular basis,” added her friend.
Housel Fun-n-Fitness is just one of the many programs presented by the Englewood Public Library. The library, located on Engle Street, is a major hub of the community, offering activities for all age groups all year long. This summer, in addition to regular weekly classes and movies, residents and visitors have been enjoying “Jazz under the Stars” on Thursday nights, and other concerts, lectures and “Shakespeare in the Park” performances, to name a few.
Another exciting upcoming event is a gala on Thursday, Sept. 5, hosted by Englewood Public Library and Friends of the Englewood Library, to benefit the cultural institution, held at Space, 491 Dean St. For information and reservations, go to: Englewoodlibrary.org/friendsfundraiser.
