LET'S ROCK
Even when you can’t get outside to play, there are ways to stay active indoors beyond the typical gym or fitness center. Of course, indoor trampolines, foam and ball pits, roller skating, bowling, and the like are always fun, but we’re turning our attention to one of the coolest new offerings in our area: a bouldering gym!
Kids of ALL ages can climb to the top at Brunswick Rocks. This newly opened bouldering gym, located at 1509 Newcastle in Historic Downtown Brunswick, is not only a play area where fun and fitness combine, it’s a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Their mission is to provide a fun learning environment for self-improvement and self-confidence, promoting health, fitness, and personal growth for people of all abilities. They actively work with other community partners to provide a place where kids can be kids, progress at their own pace, learn that effort equals improvement, and ultimately provide opportunities beyond the gym. “When you join Brunswick Rocks, you're joining a gym AND a community."
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Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop
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Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop
Brunswick Rocks partners with the Keep Golden Isles Beautiful, Boys & Girls Club, YMCA of Coastal Georgia, Safe Harbor, United Way, Communities In Schools, Coastal Community Health, SOAR, and Hope 1312, the Terror Buddies, Morningstar, local homeschool groups, among others.
Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop
Rock climbing works almost every muscle in your body, making it an excellent full-body workout. Changing climb routes keep the mind challenged as you strive to reach the top. Climbing is available to all ages and skill levels. You’ll love the colorful walls and unique holds like the Atomik Alligator and cute panda, which are funded by contributions from generous donors.
The Brunswick Rocks volunteer staff will check you in, assist you with your digital waiver, provide you with climbing shoes, and give you a tour/introduction to the gym on your first visit. From rigging to reaching the top, they want to make sure you’re secure and will help you reach your goals. If you just want to drop by and check them out, they’re open during most First Fridays and they post hours on their Facebook page.
To get climbing, become a member! Brunswick Rocks currently has a limited number of Founding Annual Memberships available with exclusive perks: get your name on our wall of gratitude, receive an Annual Membership, 12 free guest day passes per year, 10% discount on in-store retail, discounted day passes ($8 for non-member friends) and so much more. It's an opportunity for YOU to play a part in the revitalization of downtown Brunswick while supporting a local nonprofit organization. If you don't climb but want to support Brunswick Rocks’ mission you can donate to help them purchase essential equipment and gift memberships to families in need. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop
Brunswick Rocks is also available for private gatherings and special events. If you’re looking for a place to hold a unique birthday party or team-building experience, contact them for pricing and information about reserving the gym. Everybody should get a chance to reach their peak—and you can help! Visit brunswickrocks.org.
Annaliese Kondo, Studio Pixel Pop
DO YOU WANNA DANCE?
Southern Strut Dance Center in Brunswick to find out more about her background, studio, and award-winning dance teams.
Ellen began dancing at Eleanor Brooks School of Dance at the age of 5, and began teaching for her at the age of 15. Ellen says, “Eleanor took me under her wing and made me the dancer and teacher I am today. I then went on to receive my formal training in NYC under many masters of dance, the main one being Joe Lanteri, who is now the owner and director of the prestigious New York City Dance Alliance.” She continues, “I became a certified member of Dance Masters of America, Dance Educators of America, Professional Dance Teacher Association and Dance Makers while living in Atlanta and running Marietta Academy of Dance before deciding to return home to St.Simons and the beautiful Golden Isles where I was born and raised.”
Upon her return, Ellen took over Eleanor Brooks School of Dance, and when Eleanor announced her retirement, Southern Strut Dance Center was born. In 2001, Ellen also established The Golden Isles Corps de Ballet, where each year over 160 students bring a new and exciting story to life, all told through the art form of Ballet to bring more of the arts to our community.
Southern Strut Dance Center competes on both a regional and national level. With four students winning National Titles this year alone. The studio caters not only to competition dancers, but also has a thriving recreational program. Ellen says, “The journey to any competition is paved with hard work, dedication, a desire for excellence and a passion and genuine love for what you do. Most of our competitive dancers train multiple times a week along with attending conventions and workshops to further their education from teachers around the world. Ballet classes are required for all competitive dancers strengthening their foundation to make them the most versatile dancers they can be.”
Southern Strut Dance Center had over 130 entries at each competition this year, with more than half placing in the top 10 Overalls of their respected categories. They also took home the Highest Scoring Recreational Act of the entire competition, in both 11 & Under, and 12 & Over and the Highest Scoring Intermediated Act in 12 & Over, as well 6 choreography awards. Ellen says, “Beyond the outward success, the real reward is the memories, comradery and authentic encouragement and pride for one another that comes with competition weekends.”
She emphasizes that Southern Strut is more than just a dance studio, they are family. One that was built with multiple generations that supports, encourages and provides a safe space for every student to perform, discover and express their own artistic voice. A standout highlight for the studio was winning the Sportsmanship Award, because one of their core values is kindness and lifting up others with integrity and overall encouragement. Ellen believes the role of teamwork and camaraderie is invaluable to any successful team. She says, “Just like any team sport, every teammate has a role they play on the team and something unique that they bring to the table and when that is unified the team values every player equally and continues to elevate the goal and potential set ahead of them.”
What drives Ellen and the Southern Strut staff? She says, “It all boils down to the love and passion for the art form that is Dance and getting the opportunity to create and grow that with and within our students.” She explains, “Challenges will always arise when you are striving for excellence. But we focus on getting our students to believe in themselves as much as our staff believes in them, and with that they will always persevere.” Ellen has these words of encouragement for dancers: “Work hard, strive for excellence, stay humble and remember the reason why you love to dance. Doing this with a heart posture of gratitude and knowing your motivation for why and who you dance for will keep the art of dance alive.
Southern Strut is gearing up for the 2024/2025 dance season with classes already underway. They are looking forward to the growth of what this season will bring as they continue to nurture the next generation of artists and leaders through the love of dance. For more information about classes, lessons, team competition, and more visit southernstrutga.com.
LIFE'S A PEACH
If you’re interested in gymnastics, tumbling, and yoga programs, St. Simons Island has a new studio that might just be the right fit for you. The Peach Pit, a Boutique Gymnastics, Cheerleading & Dance Studio recently opened at 50 Aviator Plaza, Suite 101, near Wake Up Coffee. The Peach Pit offers programming for children and adults and they’re thrilled to be on the island.
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Owner & Director Sarah Wharton Rhino is a native Atlantan and past competitive gymnast, collegiate cheerleader, and director. She has a Masters degree from Georgia State University in College & Professional Sports Administration with her undergraduate degree in Recreation & Sports Management from Indiana University. Sarah has coached gymnastics and cheerleading at Peachtree Presbyterian Church, Georgia Tech, and Pace Academy, The Lovett School and North Springs Charter School for the past 11 years. She was a professional cheerleader for the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers from 2009-2011. Sarah has managed and directed a gymnastics & cheerleading program and coached for over 20 years in both Atlanta and St. Simons Island, Georgia and Bloomington, Indiana.
In addition to gymnastics, cheerleading, tumbling, dance and other programs, The Peach Pit offers camps and can be rented for birthday parties and other events. Visit their website at peachpitgym.com.
UP YOUR GAME
Another popular trend is indoor golf! Here in a golf mecca where summer heat can be grueling or the weather may turn on a dime, virtual golf options at places like TopGolf and mobile golf simulators are excellent options for those wanting to work on their swing or play a round regardless of rain.
Fitted Fairways Golf Studio at 1624 Frederica Road, Suite 5A, on St. Simons Island is a perfect spot to practice, play, compete, and have fun. This unique golf experience offers vacationers and local golf enthusiasts to take part in focused practice or play a round at some of the best courses in the world.
Owner Michael Morgan became fascinated with golf at an early age and that ignited his enduring passion for the sport. In 2011, he earned a degree in Professional Golf Management at the Professional Golfer's Career College in Bluffton, SC. He is currently completing the PGA professional Golf Management program and is a certified Trackman Professional Level 2.
He invites you to come in and discover why the Trackman experience at Fitted Fairways stands out from the rest. The simulators are powered by the most comprehensive and exciting software package in the industry, including Trackman Performance Studio and the Trackman Golf app. The state-of-the-art simulator bays at Fitted Fairways use industry leading hitting mats designed to be as close to real turf as possible while preventing injury from "turf shock" of traditional indoor mats. This enables you to enjoy a top tier practice or play session. Play 9 holes, 18 holes, or book self-guided practice times in 15-minute blocks.
You can even improve your performance on the golf course with a personalized fitting session. If your putting game needs some help, ask about PuttView X, a tool that provides instant feedback to determine what your tendencies are with different types of putters and can show you in real time what putter is right for you. If you purchase the equipment from a personalized fitting session, the fitting is free.
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Michael and his team at Fitted Fairways want to help people love the game and make the most of their experience. “Indoor golf has opened the doorway to even more ways to enjoy the sport. and we want to be a place for you to get that exposure. Everything from learning the game, custom fit equipment, competitions, to family fun.” Drop by between 5-7pm on Thursday, September 19 to enjoy refreshments and experience the latest golf technology and meet Michael at their first Open House event. Fitted Fairways is open Tuesday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday by appointment, stop in or visit fittedfairways.com.
