Meet Emerald Heights’ Zumba Instructor: Alexandra Clark
November 5, 2018
A performer at heart, Alexandra Clark has always loved bringing people joy.
Before her current role as programs manager at Emerald Heights, Alexandra co-founded and toured with Last Leaf Productions a theatre company dedicated to bringing theatre to communities, specifically the youth, through performances in schools, libraries and Shakespeare in the Park throughout western Washington, from Canada to Oregon.
Alexandra is originally from Los Angeles, CA and earned a degree in theatre arts from Cal State University, Northridge.
As programs manager, Alexandra established activities at Emerald Heights that enrich resident’s life in the form of music, dance, pet therapy and a number of creative craft projects.
“I came to Emerald Heights because I enjoy making people happy and improving their lives,” Alexandra said. “I aim to find out what residents are looking for and make sure they have access to activities that are healthy and fun.”
Alexandra finds great joy in dance and physical exercise and has been a certified Zumba and Zumba Gold instructor for eight years. She has taught Zumba throughout the Pacific Northwest including gyms in Bellevue, Mukilteo and Monroe.
Now at Emerald Heights, she offers Zumba to independent living residents on Wednesdays and seated Zumba to assisted living residents on Mondays.
“Zumba is different than any dance,” Alexandra said. “You modify as you need to, make it your own and just have fun. There’s no judgement and no competition allowed.”
The classes, very popular among residents, combine physical exercise with fun, energetic dance moves. Alexandra’s seated Zumba class allows for all residents to participate including those with physical limitations. The class is modified so all participants can sit comfortably in a chair while still dancing through arm movements.
Alexandra and her team offer a variety of daily activities and events to residents. It is rewarding work, most apparent in the frequent smiles and positive testimonials they receive from residents.
“We get so many happy moments,” Alexandra said. “Moments when you’re sitting with someone and they say they, ‘I haven’t been out of the house since my husband died and because of you and these activities, I am out and having fun.’ That’s when you know you made a difference and that’s a pretty great feeling.”
