Raquel Sa, Special to The Chatham Voice
An energetic spirit with loads of creativity, Julie Ross wears many hats and brings all of her talents to the community.
For five full years, Ross has welcomed everyone into her Fit as a Fiddle studio. It’s a safe and fun environment with fitness, music and art components.
“A regular week for me is usually quite hectic. I work seven days a week, half a day each day. There are always lots of checklists to keep up with,” said Ross.
Though it is sometimes difficult to keep up, Ross loves the positive life she leads. With a generous heart, she loves aiding others.
“I love helping people learn their strengths, and helping them empower themselves in fitness, in music, or in their daily life.”
“We want to make you feel better,” is the catchphrase at the studio. The classes available are meant to be attainable by all fitness levels where folks can move without judgment, but with encouragement and positive feedback.
The studio currently offers, boot camp, Pilates, body ball classes, Hatha yoga, dance, boxing, kickboxing, personal training, one-on-one coaching, and off-ice training. There are many ways to participate including drop-ins, 10-class passes of times and/or type, and monthly memberships.
Many know Ross for the open mic nights she has hosted for the past 15 years, currently being held at Frendz Tapas & Martini Lounge every Tuesday at 9 p.m.
Ross has two self-written studio albums, generally pop and acoustic folk rock, for which she has won several awards. She is currently in writing, recording, and producing mode.
“I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember; the love for music has always been there. I thought at one point I would become a teacher and in many ways I have become just that,” said Ross.
She is also presenting the Songwriters Series II that has recently started up again, taking place on the rooftop of the Capitol in the Mainstreet Lounge. The next event will be on July 8 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Implicit Jam is the newest event held at the studio every other Thursday at 9 p.m. It’s a spontaneous and fun atmosphere with full band gear and a bunch of talented folks.
SONGC!RCLE is also held at the studio for artists to share compositions, and to challenge one another to become better writers and better storytellers. It begins at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday.
“I feel blessed and full of gratitude that I am able to collaborate with so many fantastic people at this stage in my life, so many talented musicians, and teachers, inspiring people whom I feel I have much to learn from still,” said Ross.
To soothe the soul, Ross brings painting workshops, jewelry design, and other crafty gatherings like painting Christmas ornaments every year at the studio.
To see what Ross has going on at the studio throughout the week or for any upcoming events, visit her Facebook page or www.julieross.ca.
