WERQ Rep #2 – KAREN OSBORNE – CHICAGO, IL

WERQ Fitness would like to welcome Karen Osborne to the WERQ Rep Program as WERQ Rep #2.  

Karen completed WERQ Instructor Training in May 2011 and has been teaching in the Bloomington area since June 2011. She holds a valid group fitness certification through AFAA. Karen has been in the fitness industry for over 20 years and teaches countless formats – including, gasp, advanced step.

Karen teaches primarily for 4 Seasons Health and Fitness Clubs in Bloomington but you can also find “Professor Karen” teaching WERQ as a P.E. Credit class at Illinois Wesleyan University.  Karen is a University of Iowa grad, a former Elementary Ed teacher, and a mom of 4 (NinaClaire, Owen, Sophie and Ella). If you follow Karen’s adventures on Facebook, you’ll quickly notice how committed she is to furthering the WERQ brand.  Her inner teacher still appears regularly – she’s known to put WERQ stickers on almost everything including most recently, Champagne glasses filled with Gatorade at a New Years Day event.

Karen has hosted 2 highly successful afterWERQ events in Bloomington bringing WERQ Master Trainer Julie Steffen down from Chicago to WERQ it with 60 people!  She had helped to put together 2 Bloomington trainings and traveled to Las Vegas with WERQ Master Trainer Haley Stone and Julie Steffen to help present WERQ at Club Industry in October 2012. Karen and Julie have worked together on the Choreography for several WERQ songs – most notably Everybody Talks, Heart Skips A Beat, and Beauty and A Beat.

WERQ would like to recognize Karen for repping WERQ at the highest level. (WERQ Reps are WERQ Instructors hand-selected by WERQ Fitness due to their commitment to the WERQ format, mastery of cueing and star power.  To be considered email info@werqfitness.com.)

CONGRATULATIONS KAREN!

WERQ Rep #3 – KATE FARLEY POTTS – BLOOMINGTON, IL

Kate Farley Potts (pictured left) with her partner in WERQ crime, Pam Morbitzer at afterWERQ in Bloomington, IL.

WERQ Fitness would like to welcome Kate Farley Potts to the WERQ Rep Program as WERQ Rep #3.  Kate became a fitness instructor in early 2006, completed WERQ Instructor training in September 2011 and currently teaches in the Bloomington, IL area.  She holds a valid group fitness certification through AFAA and is studying for her ACE Certified Personal Trainer Certification.

Kate’s video application to WERQ Fitness as part of her WERQ Rep Application was absolutely fierce.  We saw a love of WERQ that came through the camera.  She faced her class and appropriately instructed on her left side so her participants could dance right lead.  We saw appropriate use of WERQ Choreography and appropriate layering used to help her students achieve.  Perhaps most impressive, KATE NEVER MISSED A CUE.  Both her vocal cues and her non-verbal cues were spot on the 2 beat, precise and engaging.

Kate’s known around Bloomington for teaching special 2 hour WERQ classes – this girl just loves to WERQ and WERQ hard.  Some more random trivia about Kate:  She went to Illinois State University, works a full time job at State Farm Insurance, has 2 Great Danes and loves baking and cooking.  [WERQ says:  Good thing she loves to cook - even WERQ Reps must refuel after 2 hour WERQ classes!]

WERQ would like to recognize Kate for repping WERQ at the highest level.

Pam Morbitzer and Kate Farley Potts

WERQ Reps are WERQ Instructors hand-selected by WERQ Fitness due to their commitment to the WERQ format, mastery of cueing and star power.  To be considered email info@werqfitness.com.

CONGRATULATIONS KATE!

WERQ Rep #4 – ANGIE SHRINER – BUFFALO, NY

WERQ Fitness would like to welcome Angie Shriner to the WERQ Rep Program as WERQ Rep #4.

Valparaiso, Indiana native Angie Shriner got her first taste of the spotlight at the age of 2 when her parents enrolled her in dance classes. Her first performance onstage was to “I’m A Little Teddy Bear” and she STILL remembers the choreography. Angie still loves performing. In 2010, Angie moved to Chicago, IL where she served as an ensemble member for the critically acclaimed Shattered Globe Theatre Company.

Haley (and baby) Julie Angie

In addition to acting, Angie is a NASM certified Personal Trainer. She crossed paths with Haley Stone and Julie Steffen in Chicago in 2011 and hasn’t looked back since. Angie knew she was a WERQ believer when she choreographed Foster The People’s “Pumped Up Kicks” in a DREAM. …REALLY!  She has also choreographed Don’t Stop by Foster The People, This Kiss and Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen, Want U Back by Cher Lloyd and What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction and Around The World by Justin Beiber.

After training under the WERQ Master Trainers in Chicago, Angie launched WERQ.dance.fitness.workout classes in Buffalo, NY in 2012. One by one, she is turning the people of Western New York into WERQaholics. She is an instructor at Buffalo Jewish Community Centers, Buffalo Yoga, and TrainSmart Buffalo.

When not WERQing, Angie enjoys her sweatpants, a cup of tea, and her record collection (remember vinyls?) includes The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Michael Jackson.

WERQ would like to recognize Angie for repping WERQ at the highest level and welcome her as a member of the WERQ Choreography QREW. (WERQ Reps are WERQ Instructors hand-selected by WERQ Fitness due to their commitment to the WERQ format, mastery of cueing and star power.  To be considered email info@werqfitness.com.)

CONGRATULATIONS ANGIE!

WERQ Rep #5 – ALLISON MECHER – CHICAGO, IL

WERQ Fitness would like to welcome Allison Mecher to the WERQ Rep Program as WERQ Rep #5.

Allison spent her childhood as a competitive figure skater and has also had ten years of studio training in jazz, hip hop, and ballet. She was a member of the Primo Dance Troupe at the University of Illinois and continued to take dance classes at various studios in Chicago as she studied at Chicago-Kent School of Law. After starting her career as an attorney and spending most of her day at a desk, Allison craved a fun group dance fitness class and decided to try WERQ with WERQ Master Trainer and Co-Creator, Julie Steffen. She was hooked instantly and the rest is history.

After a few months as a WERQ student, Allison made the leap from student to Instructor and obtained her WERQ certification in October 2011. She also holds a current AFAA Primary Group Fitness Certification.

Allison has co-choreographed several songs in the WERQforce library including Let’s Go, Titanium and Young, Wild and Free, but contributes choreography primarily for the WERQ Old Skool library.

WERQ would like to recognize Allison for repping WERQ at the highest level and welcome her as a member of the WERQ Choreography QREW. (WERQ Reps are WERQ Instructors hand-selected by WERQ Fitness due to their commitment to the WERQ format, mastery of cueing and star power.  To be considered email info@werqfitness.com.)

CONGRATULATIONS ALLISON!

WERQ Rep #6 – KIM (KC) RICKENBAKER – SUMMERVILLE, SC

WERQ Fitness would like to welcome Kim Rickenbaker to the WERQ Rep Program as WERQ Rep #6

AAFA Certified Fitness Instructor Kim (KC) Rickenbaker believes she was destined to teach WERQ dance fitness.  ”Sometimes people, just destined, destined to do what they do…” ~Justin Timberlake.

Kim became a certified WERQ instructor in October 2011 and taught South Carolina’s very first WERQ class on January 19th, 2012. That first WERQ class doubled in size by week two and now she teaches five to six WERQ classes per week.  WERQ started at Bold Fitness in Summerville, SC and is now at two YMCA Summerville locations, Contours, East Shore Athletic Club; as well as the YMCA and Anytime Fitness in Greenwood, SC.  Julie’s heading back to SC for the 3rd SC training in April 2013 and as Kim says “This is only the beginning – SC has caught on to the WERQ craze!”

Kim was selected by WERQ Fitness Headquarters to help launch the WERQ Old Skool format. She has been responsible for hundreds of new WERQaholics in SC, is a frequent contributor to the WERQ Fitness Blog, mentors new WERQ Instructors in South Carolina and is constantly looking for ways to grow the brand.  She has contributed several songs of choreography to the WERQ Old Skool library including Tush, Footloose, Like I Love You and Super Freak.

WERQ would like to recognize Kim for repping WERQ at the highest level and welcome her as a member of the WERQ Choreography QREW. (WERQ Reps are WERQ Instructors hand-selected by WERQ Fitness due to their commitment to the WERQ format, mastery of cueing and star power.  To be considered email info@werqfitness.com.)

CONGRATULATIONS KIM!

WERQ Rep #7 – BIANCA BERGER – CHICAGO, IL

WERQ Fitness would like to welcome Bianca Berger to the WERQ Rep Program as WERQ Rep #7.

Park City, Utah native Bianca took dance classes in grade school but did not pursue dance in high school because her time was spent training, traveling and competing in snowboarding. Bianca was a professional snowboarder competing in the halfpipe. She was on the US Jr. World Snowboard Team and competed in World Cups and the Olympic trials through 2002.  Bianca has been a certified Group Fitness Instructor for 13 years teaching in Utah, Colorado, NYC and for the past 7 years in Chicago.  Her favorite class to teach was Step because she loved creating challenging choreography…until she discovered WERQ.

Bianca loves to dance, sweat and burn calories so when she took WERQ training in October 2011 she immediately became a WERQaholic.  Bianca’s most famous WERQ Choreo contribution is WERK ME by Hypercrush which has become an anthem in WERQ Fitness classes across the country.

When not WERQing you might find Bianca traveling, recycling or saving the world one low calorie cocktail at a time (her full time job is Midwest Regional Manager for TY KU – a low calorie liquor company).

WERQ would like to recognize Bianca for repping WERQ at the highest level and welcome her as a member of the WERQ Choreography QREW. (WERQ Reps are WERQ Instructors hand-selected by WERQ Fitness due to their commitment to the WERQ format, mastery of cueing and star power.  To be considered email info@werqfitness.com.

CONGRATULATIONS BIANCA!

WERQ Rep #8 – LORRIE BROOKS – CHICAGO, IL (pictured left)

WERQ Fitness would like to welcome Lorrie Brooks to the WERQ Rep Program as WERQ Rep #8.

Lorrie completed her WERQ Certification in March 2011 and has been teaching WERQ since September 2011. She holds a valid group fitness certification through AFAA and teaches at several fitness facilities in the downtown Chicago area.

Kiley, Lorrie, Bianca, Allison

A native of Nashville, TN, Lorrie has always had a passion for dance and fitness. At age 6 she enrolled in dance classes at a local studio in her hometown where she studied ballet, tap, jazz, modern and gymnastics. She also joined her middle and high school cheerleading teams.  During her freshman year in college at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville she was accepted into the University of Tennessee Dance Company.  She graduated with a degree in Advertising and moved to Detroit, MI for a year before moving to Chicago.  By day she’s an Advertising Supervisor and by night, a WERQ Instructor.

Lorrie has contributed many songs to the WERQ Choreography Library including Chasing The Sun, Two Of Us, So Good, Lights and more.  Fun fact – Most of her choreography design begins on the Chicago Public Transit System.

WERQ would like to recognize Lorrie for repping WERQ at the highest level and welcome her as a member of the WERQ Choreography QREW. WERQ Reps are WERQ Instructors hand-selected by WERQ Fitness due to their commitment to the WERQ format, mastery of cueing and star power.  To be considered email info@werqfitness.com.

CONGRATULATIONS LORRIE!

WERQ Rep #9 – Missy Vacala – CHICAGO, IL

WERQ Fitness would like to welcome Missy Vacala to the WERQ Rep Program as WERQ Rep #9.

Melissa (Missy) Vacala has been dancing for over 20 years and has taught every fitness format imaginable from Barre Burn to Step to Heavy Bag Kickboxing.  She holds a Bachelors of Science in Sports Medicine from ISU and is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor.  Missy became a certified WERQ Instructor in January 2012.

When asked to define the WERQ brand Missy replied, “I love WERQ and everything it stands for.  I share my enthusiasm with anyone who will listen!  WERQ is energetic and really gets your heart pumping.  This is a cardiovascular workout for all ages and fitness levels.  Health benefits include increased cardiovascular endurance, agility, coordination and balance.”

When she’s not teaching WERQ you can find Missy with her family (her self described #1 priority).

Missy teaches WERQ at LifeTime Fitness in Skokie, IL and at Park Center Health and Fitness in Glenview, IL.

WERQ would like to recognize Missy for repping WERQ at the highest level. WERQ Reps are WERQ Instructors hand-selected by WERQ Fitness due to their commitment to the WERQ format, mastery of cueing and star power.  To be considered email info@werqfitness.com.

CONGRATULATIONS MISSY!

WERQ Rep #10 – MEREDITH WARD – DES MOINES, IOWA

WERQ Fitness would like to welcome Meredith Ward to the WERQ Rep Program as WERQ Rep #10.

Meredith has been teaching WERQ since August 2012 in Des Moines Iowa at Des Moines University and Aspen Fitness Clubs of Des Moines.  She is re-locating to Florence South Carolina and will be bringing WERQ classes with her to the Florence SC YMCA.

Meredith recently visited the Summerville, South Carolina WERQaholics at Bold Fitness.  Meredith is pictured seated second from left with Kim Rickenbaker (WERQ Rep #6) who is pictured lower right.

In addition to her WERQ Certification, Meredith holds a valid AFAA Group Fitness Instructor Certification.

When asked to define the WERQ brand, Meredith replied, “WERQ is all about confidence, expert instruction and a great fitness class experience. Through practice and hard work I have learned the 3Q1 Method of cueing WERQ classes, which lets students see exactly what they will need to do before they do it so it’s easy to follow.  WERQ classes are an asset to any gym schedule.  They are structured, easy to follow and FUN!  WERQ is appropriate for all ages, fitness levels, requires no dance history and it’s perfect cardio for a group setting”.

WERQ would like to recognize Meredith for repping WERQ at the highest level. WERQ Reps are WERQ Instructors hand-selected by WERQ Fitness due to their commitment to the WERQ format, mastery of cueing and star power.  To be considered email info@werqfitness.com.

CONGRATULATIONS MEREDITH!

WERQ could not be prouder of the instructors who represent our brand. 

In gyms, fitness centers, dance studios and everywhere else WERQ is taught across the country, participants are smiling, gaining confidence and improving their cardiovascular endurance because of the hard work put in by our instructors learning choreography, practicing cueing at a master level and being the best at teaching the format they love.

WERQ Rep #8 Lorrie Brooks (L) and WERQ Rep #1 Kiley Elfring (R).

Here at WERQ HQ we hear such inspiring stories from both participants and instructors about their class experiences and we wanted a way to positively recognize those instructors who are the best of the best – those instructors who represent WERQ at the highest level – those instructors who eat/sleep/breathe/dream about WERQ.

The selection process is intensive.  Most applicants are not selected.  WERQ Reps must be actively teaching WERQ at a master level with a minimum of 1 year active teaching experience.  They must have been teaching WERQ dance fitness exclusively for a 6 month period prior to applying to the Rep program (all non-dance formats may still be taught).  They must commit to teaching WERQ classes exclusively in the dance fitness category and must, like all WERQ Instructors, hold a current and valid group fitness certification or personal training certification.  WERQ Reps must submit a video audition to WERQ Fitness HQ for review and feedback and complete a written application.

WERQ Reps commit to knowing and living the WERQ brand, inside and out, and commit to representing WERQ at the highest level.  They strive to create a strong and supportive WERQ community both among their students and among their fellow WERQ Instructors.  WERQ Reps may host official afterWERQ events.  Maybe most importantly, WERQ Reps will hold their heads up high, confident knowing they have been selected by WERQ Fitness as the best of the best of the best.

Do you take class with a WERQ Rep?  Congratulate them on their accomplishment!  And then sit back and enjoy WERQ at its best.

Instructors interested in applying should contact WERQ HQ at info@werqfitness.com.

Featured Image WERQ Rep #6 Kim Rickenbaker and WERQ Master Trainer Julie Steffen.  Picture shot 4/19/13 in Summerville South Carolina.  Blog post image WERQ Reps Lorrie Brooks (#8) and Kiley Elfring (#1).

WERQ Rep #11 – ERIN WINN – BLOOMINGTON, IL

WERQ Fitness would like to welcome Erin Winn to the WERQ Rep Program as WERQ Rep #11.

Erin completed WERQ Instructor Training in June 2011 and teaches WERQ at Four Seasons Association in Bloomington, IL.  She holds a valid AFAA Primary Group Fitness Instructor Certification.  ”I absolutely love that WERQ must be taught by certified fitness professionals!  This requirement makes WERQ worthy of respect in our field.  WERQ takes fitness seriously but brings it to the masses in a fun, achievable way!”

When asked to describe WERQ’s 3Q1 Method of cueing, Erin replied, “The 3Q1 Method of cueing is what makes WERQ doable for so many people.  This method of cueing allows our participants to know what’s coming next and have confidence in their movements which allows for the intensity a WERQ class can deliver.  Cueing is a part of every song and part of every choreography.”

WERQ would like to recognize Erin for repping WERQ at the highest level. WERQ Reps are WERQ Instructors hand-selected by WERQ Fitness due to their commitment to the WERQ format, mastery of cueing and star power.  To be considered email info@werqfitness.com.

CONGRATULATIONS ERIN!

WERQ Rep #2 Karen, Haley, Julie, WERQ Rep #11 Erin

*Pictured – Kiley Elfring, Lorrie Brooks, Bianca Berger, Allison Mecher

WERQ Fitness classes are driven by chart-topping hit music and the freshest choreography on the planet.

So where does this choreography come from and how do WERQ Instructors access it?

Kim Rickenbaker and Julie Steffen

WERQ Instructors log into www.werqfitness.com and access a video library of over 150 songs of choreography to choose from to design a playlist for their WERQ classes.  They are able to access the choreography on a computer, iPhone, or iPad with an internet connection.  The video library is updated weekly so instructors always have new and exciting choreography to keep their classes as hot as the chart-topping hits on local radio stations and the Billboard Charts.

WERQ’s Lead Choreographers are Haley Stone and Julie Steffen.  Both Haley and Julie are WERQ Master Trainers and are actively training new WERQ Instructors across the country.  All choreography in the library ultimately goes through either Haley or Julie ensuring the quality and consistency of the videos WERQ instructors access to pick their class playlists.

Each member of the WERQ Choreography QREW was hand-selected for their proven ability to produce the absolute best dance fitness choreography in the fitness industry.  Only WERQ QREW members may submit choreography for consideration by WERQ’s Lead Choreographers.

Want to meet them?

WERQ Rep #1 – Kiley Elfring – Architect by day.  Hip Hop Choreography Genius by night.  Kiley has earned her WERQ Rep #1 title again and again providing approximately 50 songs of choreography to the WERQforce library as of 7/2013.  She holds a valid AFAA Group Fitness Certification.  Kiley has 10+ years of dance training and is a former member of the University of Notre Dame Pom Squad.

Angie Shriner

WERQ Rep #2 – Karen Osborne – Karen was the first of the QREW to launch WERQ Old Skool classes and afterWERQ events in Bloomington IL.  She credits her 20+ years of teaching Advanced Step classes for teaching her how to design choreography and layer appropriately.  Karen is a mother of 4 and her maternal nature makes her very protective of the other members of the WERQ QREW – and her kids keep her on the cutting edge of today’s pop music.  Karen supports any and all clapping included in WERQ Choreography, “The single clap, the double clap, the single single double clap, all clapping!”.  She holds a valid AFAA Group Fitness Certification.

WERQ Rep #4 – Angie Shriner – Angie found herself on the QREW after the choreography to “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster The People came to her in a dream.  She is proud to be a working actor which keeps her busy outside of being a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and working on WERQ Choreography to Bubblegum Pop and Indie Rock.  While wearing a Green WERQ tank, Angie was once mistaken for Tinkerbell by a 6 year old!

Karen Osborne

WERQ Rep #5 – Allison Mecher – Allison is an attorney by day and teaches WERQ in the evenings.  Allison primarily choreographs for WERQ Old Skool.  The WERQ QREW calls Allison “our little jumping bean” because of her energetic style of choreo guaranteed to make your heart muscle work!  Allison holds a valid AFAA Group Fitness Certification.

WERQ Rep #6 – Kim Rickenbaker – Kim was the first WERQ Instructor to teach in South Carolina and lead South Carolina’s first afterWERQ class!  Kim has since moved to Virginia and is excited to again launch WERQ in a new state!   Kim is an AAFA Group Fitness Instructor as well as IFTA Certified Personal Trainer.

WERQ Rep #7 – Bianca Berger – Bianca is everywhere and anywhere.  It’s not unusual for this MBA to be in 7 states in 3 days traveling for her dayjob and choreographing in her hotel room.  She is WERQ’s EDM dance party animal and has been known to cue with her ponytail!  Bianca holds a valid AFAA Group Fitness Certification and has been teaching group fitness for 14 years.  Bianca is a believer in natural foods and all things local and organic

WERQ Rep #8 – Lorrie Brooks – Lorrie is a former cheerleader and dancer who writes most of her choreography in her head while riding the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) during her commute to work as a marketing professional.  She holds a valid AFAA Group Fitness Certification.

WERQ Lead Choreographer Haley Stone

WERQ Rep #12 – HEATHER SMITH – HEYWORTH, IL

WERQ Fitness would like to welcome Heather Smith to the WERQ Rep Program as WERQ Rep #12.

Heather completed WERQ Instructor Training in July 2012 and teaches WERQ, Strength and Interval classes at J’s Dance Studio in Heyworth, IL.  She holds a valid ACE Personal Training Certification.

Heather describes WERQ as a “fun dance fitness class that uses music people hear on local pop/rock radio stations with cueing to ensure participants will be successful and achieve a great workout”.  She takes pride in telling people WERQ can only be taught by Certified Fitness Professionals because this is unique in the dance fitness industry and “gives the WERQ brand a sense of prestige because of it”.

WERQ would like to recognize Heather for repping WERQ at the highest level.

WERQ Reps are WERQ Instructors hand-selected by WERQ Fitness due to their commitment to the WERQ format, mastery of cueing and star power.

CONGRATULATIONS HEATHER!

WERQ Fitness would like to welcome Jennifer Dahl to the WERQ Rep Program as WERQ Rep #13.

Jen completed WERQ Instructor Training in July 2012 and teaches WERQ, Strength, and Spin classes in the downtown Chicago area.  She holds a valid ACE Personal Training Certification.

Jen pictured far left with Chicago area WERQ Instructors at charityWERQ

Jen’s WERQ journey started when WERQ Master Trainer Julie Steffen taught a master class at the fitness center Jen manages.  It was obvious that Jen was simply meant to teach this format as Jen smiled ear to ear the entire class.  Jen put it best, “Shooting Straight, I LOVE WERQ!”  After completing WERQ Instructor Training, there was no going back and Jen has become a familiar face in the downtown Chicago WERQ Instructor Community.

Jen not only teaches WERQ in the fitness facility she manages, she has taught WERQ to Jr. High Students in Chicago, has helped organize charityWERQ events and she has taught WERQ alongside WERQ Master Trainers at Chicagoland afterWERQ events.

WERQ would like to recognize Jen for repping WERQ at the highest level.

WERQ Reps are WERQ Instructors hand-selected by WERQ Fitness due to their commitment to the WERQ format, mastery of cueing and star power.

CONGRATULATIONS JEN!

Jen teaching at WERQ’s Promotional Video Shoot in Chicago IL in July 2013.

WERQ Fitness would like to welcome Katie Slaughter to the WERQ Rep Program as WERQ Rep #14.  

Katie Slaugher and WERQ Master Trainer Julie Steffen

Katie completed WERQ Instructor Training in February 2012 and teaches WERQ in Flint Michigan.  She holds a valid AFAA Group Fitness Certification.  She is an Elementary Education teacher.

Kate prides herself on being a leader in fitness – not a follower and she’s excited to be a part of WERQ describing it as “Fresh!  Something people love!”.  ”WERQ is a company of fitness professionals who bring joy into people’s lives.  ”WERQ is dedicated to the safety of its participants and mutual respect between headquarters, instructors and students.”

When asked to describe why a club should add WERQ to its group exercise schedule, Katie replied, “Facilities should consider adding WERQ because it’s the HOTTEST class around!  WERQ uses music people understand, relate to, sing along to, connect to!  WERQ’s unique warmup makes the class easy to follow allowing many different backgrounds to participate.  Fitness takes people on a journey.  Participants get a chance to let go, laugh, play, sing, be carefree and experience together.”

WERQ would like to recognize Katie for bringing WERQ to the Flint Michigan area and repping WERQ at the highest level.

WERQ Reps are WERQ Instructors hand-selected by WERQ Fitness due to their commitment to the WERQ format, mastery of cueing and star power.

CONGRATULATIONS KATIE!

WERQ Fitness would like to welcome Katie Randazzo Erway to the WERQ Rep Program as WERQ Rep #15.  Katie completed WERQ Instructor Training in February 2012 and teaches WERQ in Traverse City, Michigan.  She is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and Certified WERQ Instructor.  She also teaches strength training classes.

“I love teaching, taking, learning, explaining, and sharing WERQ and I want everyone to do it with me!  I want to help people find WERQ and to understand what it is all about.  I want them to know they can take WERQ for a workout that is not only safe and effective but one they can accomplish and feel awesome about!  I love telling people that WERQ is taught only by Certified Fitness Professionals which alone sets WERQ apart and makes it great.  WERQ is consistent, effective, fun, and it gets students results!”

WERQ would like to recognize Katie for bringing WERQ to the Traverse City Michigan area and repping WERQ at the highest level.

WERQ Reps are WERQ Instructors hand-selected by WERQ Fitness, LLC in recognition of their contributions to the WERQ brand.  Reps earn their titles by demonstrating a strong commitment to the WERQ format and strong understanding of the WERQ brand.

CONGRATULATIONS KATIE!  

Katie and WERQaholics in Traverse City, Michigan

Katie’s WERQaholics spell out “WERQ!” after class in Traverse City

Pictured above:  WERQ Master Trainers Haley Stone and Julie Steffen with Sonja Burns at the 2013 IDEA World Fitness Conference in Los Angeles CA.

WERQ Fitness would like to welcome Sonja Burns to the WERQ Rep Program as WERQ Rep #16.  Sonja completed WERQ Instructor Training in January 2013 and teaches WERQ in Maryland.  She is an AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor.

When Sonja describes WERQ she talks about the music.  ”The music is pop, rock and hip hop that is currently charting.  We hear it on the radio, in the malls, everywhere.  It’s amazing how fast people pick up on the choreography when they are familiar with the music!”

WERQ would like to recognize Sonja for her role in bringing WERQ to Maryland and repping WERQ at the highest level.

WERQ Reps are WERQ Instructors hand-selected by WERQ Fitness, LLC in recognition of their contributions to the WERQ brand.  Reps earn their titles by demonstrating a strong commitment to the WERQ format and strong understanding of the WERQ brand.

CONGRATULATIONS SONJA!  

Pictured below:  Trainees at WERQ’s first Instructor Training in Maryland with WERQ Master Trainer Haley Stone and WERQ Instructors at WERQ’s second Maryland training with Julie Steffen.

Pictured above:  Mallory pictured at HiFi Personal Fitness in Chicago IL with Chicagoland WERQ Instructors Julie Steffen, Sara Barrick, Angie Shriner, Allison Mecher, Melinda Criglar, and Lorrie Brooks.

WERQ Fitness would like to welcome Mallory Feyen to the WERQ Rep Program as WERQ Rep #17.  Mallory completed WERQ Instructor Training in February 2012 and teaches WERQ in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  She is an AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor.

“A couple of years ago I was searching for a super fun way to work out and I stumbled upon WERQ. I fell in love with it immediately. As a life-long dancer, especially in hip-hop, I had found my perfect workout. I have so much love for the pop, rock, and hip-hop styles in this format and appreciate the well-thought-out choreography. I tell people about WERQ every chance I get; that it is exhilarating and ANYONE can do it. I love representing the WERQ brand and am honored to be called a WERQ Rep.  I am proud to be a WERQaholic!”  ~   Mallory

WERQ would like to recognize Mallory for her outstanding dance, cueing and performance ability and for repping the WERQ Brand.   

WERQ Reps are WERQ Instructors hand-selected by WERQ Fitness, LLC in recognition of their contributions to the WERQ brand.  Reps earn their titles by demonstrating a strong commitment to the WERQ format and strong understanding of the WERQ brand.  For more information about the WERQ Rep program click here.  Each WERQ Rep plays a slightly different role.  Some Reps are selected for their contributions to growing the WERQ brand worldwide through assisting with booking and facilitating trainings.   Some Reps are selected for their celebrity star power.  Some Reps are selected for their mastery of cueing and exceptional dance ability.  Some Reps are selected to the WERQ QREW for their ability to write and contribute WERQ Choreography.  The entire Rep team WERQs together toward one goal – bringing WERQ to more people and enriching more lives though the WERQ class experience.

CONGRATULATIONS MALLORY!  

Pictured below:  Mallory with Grand Rapids WERQ Instructors Nikki, Emily, Elsie, Katie, Natalie, Kate and Janitza.

Pictured above:   Mary Williams

WERQ Fitness would like to welcome Mary Williams to the WERQ Rep Program as WERQ Rep #18.  Mary completed WERQ Instructor Training in March 2011 and teaches WERQ in Downtown Chicago.  She is an ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor.

Mary Williams pictured in Chicago’s Millennium Park

“I believe that WERQ is the BEST dance fitness format out there.  I’m extremely proud to represent this format in it’s true form.  It’s not only the best cardio class but it branches the world of dance, something I know personally to be highly exclusive, to the world of fitness making dance INCLUSIVE for all ages and genders.  The WERQ brand certifies the best of the best – highly trained fitness professionals who teach the 3Q1 Method of Cueing so that participants feel comfortable and confident following along in class.  The WERQ brand is current pop, rock and hip hop so that people coming into class are familiar with the songs and therefore able to give their maximum effort.  WERQ makes dance a positive experience.  The choreography is strategically designed to use all planes of motion and give participants a full body workout while building confidence and burning calories.  It can also produce general feelings of awesomeness!”  ~  Mary Williams

Mary is from Harrisville, Michigan and has been dancing since the age of 3.  She attended Western Michigan University graduating magna cum laude with degrees in Dance and English.  Mary has been involved in several Chicagoland productions such as Chicago Takes Off, Dance Chicago and Thodos New Dances.  She was a company member at Inaside Chicago Dance for 8 years touring nationally and internationally.  Mary works as a membership advisor at the Lincoln Park Athletic Club and teaches at Des Plaines School of Dance.  She has taught the WERQ format for several clubs and studios in the Chicago area and is thrilled to be instrumental in the launch of WERQ at Chicago Athletic Clubs with classes opening early 2014 at Lincoln Park Athletic Clubs and Bucktown Athletic Clubs.  Mary loves the WERQ format and the way it allows it to bring her love of dance to the masses.  She has worked with the WERQ Choreography QREW as a guest choreographer with WERQ Fitness, LLC.

In December 2013 Chicago Athlete Magazine reviewed one of Mary’s WERQ Classes.   “The most surprising part of the WERQ class for me was how much fun it really was. I found myself smiling and laughing throughout the hour long class both at myself and while watching Williams completely throw herself into the class. It was impossible not to join in and go all out. The most ardent wallflower wouldn’t be able to resist the energy of the class.”  ~  Kyle Thele   (The entire write up can be found HERE.)

WERQ would like to recognize Mary for her outstanding dance, cueing and performance ability and for repping the WERQ Brand.   

CONGRATULATIONS MARY!  

WERQ Reps are WERQ Instructors hand-selected by WERQ Fitness, LLC in recognition of their contributions to the WERQ brand.  Reps earn their titles by demonstrating a strong commitment to the WERQ format and strong understanding of the WERQ brand.  For more information about the WERQ Rep program click here.  Each WERQ Rep plays a slightly different role.  Some Reps are selected for their contributions to growing the WERQ brand worldwide through assisting with booking and facilitating trainings.   Some Reps are selected for their celebrity star power.  Some Reps are selected for their mastery of cueing and exceptional dance ability.  Some Reps are selected to the WERQ QREW for their ability to write and contribute WERQ Choreography.  The entire Rep team WERQs together toward one goal – bringing the joy of WERQ to more WERQaholics and enriching more lives though the WERQ class experience.

Pictured below:   Mary teaching at Cheetah Gym Bucktown and with students at Cheetah Gym Andersonville.

Mary teaching at Cheetah Gym Bucktown

Mary with WERQaholics at Cheetah Gym Andersonville

Pictured above:   Annette Dalloo

WERQ Fitness would like to welcome Annette Dalloo to the WERQ Rep Program as WERQ Rep #19. 

Annette Dalloo, WERQ REP #18

Annette completed WERQ Instructor Training in November of 2012 and teaches WERQ in Downtown Chicago.  She is an AFAA Certified Group Fitness Instructor.

“I want to further inspire people to get involved in the WERQ brand.  I want to help people find fitness they LOVE and WERQ does it all.”  ~  Annette Dalloo

Annette is the definition of a WERQaholic.

She started taking WERQ with WERQ Master Trainer Haley Stone at Cheetah Gyms in Chicago and to say she was hooked is an understatement.  She had found the fitness format that would make her look forward to going to the gym!  A year later Annette became a Certified WERQ Instructor and AFAA Group Fitness Instructor.  ”I had been wanting to start teaching WERQ for a while but feared if I did it would become “a job” and I would no longer love my WERQ class experience – but the exact opposite has happened.  It has not only become something I look forward to on an almost daily basis but something that I am so proud to be a part of.  I still take classes when I’m not teaching and it’s just as fun as it was that first class I took 3 years ago”.

When not WERQing, Annette owns her own design business Dalloo Design, Inc. and has started working with the WERQ Marketing Team to further the WERQ brand nationally.  Annette helps WERQ HQ design logos, fliers, postcards and other miscellaneous marketing design work.    ”Being a designer by day, I spend a good portion of the day sitting behind my desk.  I was looking for a class that would make me look forward to going to the gym, and I found it.  I have been on a weight loss journey for about three years, have lost over 60 pounds and I have kept it off. WERQ has been a really big part of that.”

WERQ would like to recognize Annette for her thankless behind the scenes contributions to the WERQ marketing effort and for being such a positive example of what the WERQ brand is and represents.  

CONGRATULATIONS ANNETTE!  

WERQ Reps are WERQ Instructors hand-selected by WERQ Fitness, LLC in recognition of their contributions to the WERQ brand.  Reps earn their titles by demonstrating a strong commitment to the WERQ format and strong understanding of the WERQ brand.  For more information about the WERQ Rep program click here.  Each WERQ Rep plays a slightly different role.  Some Reps are selected for their contributions to growing the WERQ brand worldwide through assisting with booking and facilitating trainings.   Some Reps are selected for their celebrity star power.  Some Reps are selected for their mastery of cueing and exceptional dance ability.  Some Reps are selected to the WERQ QREW for their ability to write and contribute WERQ Choreography.  The entire Rep team WERQs together toward one goal – bringing the joy of WERQ to more WERQaholics and enriching more lives though the WERQ class experience.

Pictured below:  Annette with her students at Cheetah Gym Edgewater and Annette with fellow WERQ Instructors at HiFi Personal Fitness.

Annette with WERQaholics at Cheetah Gym Edgewater

Annette with fellow WERQ Instructors at HiFi Personal Fitness in Chicago.