Hello friendly faces! It’s a new Chicago North Shore Moms spotlight brought to you in part by Mary Gifford of Gifford Law. In this Meet a Mom spotlight we’re introducing you to a Highland Park mom of two and the owner and chief fitness instructor of Dance Sculpt, Jenny Muslin!
Jenny Muslin’s mind-bending photographic memory may or may not have anything to do with it, but rest assured, she’ll have you moving, grooving, sweating and generally feeling uplifted by the end of both her Sculpt and Dance fitness classes. In our exclusive interview, Jenny tells us about her favorite North Shore spots (yes, Bright Bowls is one of them!), a few great book titles that this bookworm is loving, the evolution of Dance Sculpt, which she launched in March of 2020 and what this creative entrepreneur did before this career move. We’re simply gushing about this kind-hearted mom who’s spunk is getting adults and children moving! Welcome, Jenny Muslin!
Nicole Carrow photography
Hi Jenny! Please introduce yourself. Where do you live?
Hi! I’m Jenny Muslin. I grew up in Wilmette and now live in Highland Park. I have 2 children, my son is 11 and my daughter is 7.
What’s something fun to know about you?
I have a photographic memory and can remember as far back as being a baby! A best friend of mine jokes that I have to tell her things about our childhood because I remember it all!
What are your favorite North Shore places, spaces and eats to frequent?
For breakfast, I love Bright Bowls for fresh, healthy options and Country Kitchen for the best omelettes. For lunch, AO Sushi in Wilmette and Spirit Elephant in Winnetka are go-tos. For dinner, Pomeroy, Abigails, and Washington Gardens are my favorites.
What are you reading and watching?
I’m reading constantly! Just finished Pretty Things by Janelle Brown and I couldn’t put it down. Other recent favorites are The God of the Woods by Liz Moore and This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub.
I’m currently watching Tell Me Lies. I’m hooked!
Your go to family-friendly dinners… go!
If it’s on the go, I run over to Maddies Market or Foodstuffs. Otherwise, I find recipes in one of the countless Instagram cooking accounts I follow or make something out of Gwyneth Paltrow’s cookbooks or Barefoot Contessa’s.
Your mantra?
I have a few….
Kindness is the highest form of intelligence.
The heart that gives, gathers. (my grandmother’s)
You don’t ask, you don’t get (my grandfather’s)
Let’s get down to business. Please introduce Dance Sculpt. When did you establish this business and where do classes run?
As a lifelong dancer, I had always worked out and had tried a variety of programs. I couldn’t find the exact workout I wanted in Chicago so I created it myself after becoming certified in fitness instruction. Dance Sculpt was officially born in March of 2020 and since it was right when the pandemic hit, the classes all started unexpectedly via Zoom. Eventually, we moved outdoors. Today, all of my weekly classes take place at Bright Bowls studio in Highland Park. I love the vibes there.
What classes do you offer at Dance Sculpt?
Dance Sculpt has two types of classes for adults. “Dance Cardio” where we learn choreographed dances to fantastic music and “Sculpt” where we use a mat and light weights to tone, lengthen, and strengthen without the dance component.
My classes employ intentional movement to prevent injury. During class, a goal is to work the parts of your body you may not work during conventional workouts. We target the smaller muscle groups, also known as “accessory muscles.” Doing these smaller, more focused movements improves your overall workout and day to day movement.
Trevor Brody photography
Aside from awesomeness and fun, what can we expect to experience at your classes?
No class is the same and you are constantly moving from one exercise to the next. Sometimes, we incorporate props like a chair or towel. There is something about moving your body freely, and doing exercises that keeps your body guessing, that becomes addictive. For instance, you will work on your balance, tighten your core, open up your hips, and get into the deep gluteal muscles.
Additionally, I offer private group classes and have taught at quite a few milestone birthday parties.
What children’s programming do you offer?
About a year in, I added “mom and me” classes to the roster. It was such a fun activity to do with your child- learning the latest, popular dances together. The feedback was so positive that I added “day off school” classes just for kids. These are themed- Barbie, Taylor, Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo, Tik Tok dance, etc.
Now, there is always a 2 hour class on a day off of school be it in Winnetka, Wilmette, Glencoe, Highland Park, etc. Depending on what suburb is off school that day, the location changes to make it most convenient for the clients. These classes are separated by age. We start at preschool and go up to 5th grade but I’ve also done private group classes for 8th graders, girl scout troops, and day camps.
I combine an hour of dance with an hour of art (with my friend and art teacher, Sheri Lucterhand. There are correlations between combing art and dance… we always tie our lessons together. For example, last year, I ran many Taylor Swift classes where I taught the choreography from the concert and then the children designed their own record covers with Sheri. The children get so into each part of the class and truly love attending since the classes are always evolving.
This fall, Sheri and I have added a weekly Monday preschool enrichment class with both morning and afternoon options at Bright Bowls.
You’re clearly a creative! What did you do before starting Dance Sculpt?
Yes, I have always been creative! I am a certified makeup artist, formerly had my own clothing line, was a freelance writer for multiple magazines, and was a beauty editor for 10 years. I still enjoy writing and look at it as another outlet.
What is your favorite dance or music era and why?
I love everything from 90’s rap to current hits. I mix all different eras because you really get something from each one. Every week, I really take time to curate a playlist that mixes genres and artists. Music gives us momentum and pushes us as we workout. I love playing it loud in class, too!
I try to play music that motivates but also play music that might introduce my clients to a new artist or song they’ve never heard. Music can instantly take you back to a moment in time, resurrect a memory, and make you feel something.
Trevor Brody photography
Jenny, I love your mission: “to enhance the lives of adults and children with movement.”
I love sharing my passion for movement with others. It has been proven- dance makes you happier. Moving your body, in general, is therapeutic. It boosts your brain and body health. The shared energy that happens in class is simply the best!
Is there anything else you’d like us to know about Dance Sculpt?
My workout is for anyone and everyone, regardless of age or ability. There are no attitudes in my class- my clients are the most welcoming group of women. I am really proud of the community that has organically happened from starting this business.
I want you to walk away from my class feeling energized and more confident in both body and mind. Hope to see you there!
About our Meet of Mom Sponsor
A very heartfelt thank you to CNSMoms’ Meet a Mom sponsor, Lake Forest mom of three and owner of Gifford Law, a solo Estate Planning Firm (wills and trusts). Mary, we appreciate your support of local moms in our North Shore communities! Learn more about Mary by visiting her Meet a Mom spotlight here! Contact Mary directly here: [email protected].
