MADONNA GRIMES

 

By: C. Harrison 8/26/13

 

         

 

                            She wants to live stress free and become financially able and stable—–via to 

                                          live for her daughter.  “It is all about my daughter Madison.”

 

 MaDonna Grimes came to New York on vacation to relax she stated but, as luck would follower her, it would have its way. While here, she found herself juggling a million things (so to speak).  It was mid July and I got an email requesting that I give credence and an interview to a fitness expert by the name of MaDonna Grimes. It was a name I did not recognize. The inquiry came from a Monica Alexander, owner of  Pr  Wizzzz Entertainment, she had gotten my name from  a mutual associate Mary Moore, President of So Much Moore Communication, naturally I obliged.  The following week I sat down with Mrs. Grimes at her hotel (poolside) in midtown Manhattan.

Upon first sight. my first though was she looked just as petite as I was—–go petite women, I gest. moreover, she was quite the youngster I voiced to her at her delight because unbeknownst to me she was much older than I. I couldn’t get over the fact that she had done so much and looked this good (young). There we made our way to a randomized area for the interview, the poolside, which was much cooler. There,  people were splashing, children playing jumping in and out of the pool but, none did not look our way too much.

Grimes was born in Knoxville Tennessee and grew up in Daton Ohio, she attended Ohio State University, where she earned a B.A. in Dance. There she was versed in Dance, Education, Theatre and Choreography. Here also, she owned and operate a popular dance studio where she did fitness classes and choreographing. Later, she moved to New York and entered New York University-Tish and earned a Master’s in dance. She had been dancing all of her life.

I asked her how did she become the fitness expert that she was? with a stirred look she blankly revealed that before she became an established expert, she was first a model. Apparently while the multi-facet teacher was doing aerobics, dancing, going to fitness classes and doing choreography, she was modeling.  Grimes gave me a slight glimpse into her career from the beginning:

Back in Ohio, Grimes owned and operate a very popular dance studio, as mentioned before. It became so popular people in her town came from all over to visit her place. Soon, magazines came knocking. She revealed that there after Essence asked her to do a spread——-going forth Glamour, Flex, Her, Allure and others followed suit. Soon after this, newspapers asked her to model leotards for people who dance. She explained further that it was one year later away from doing modeling that she started teaching fitness classes thus, earning her herself the title Miss. Fitness International and U. S. A. Aerobics Champion.

The transition from modeling to fitness, really took shape while Grimes was still in Ohio.  There, she was doing her thing teaching  aerobics, dancing and choreographing with some cheerleaders at Ohio State, they were training for a competition in dance-fitness and Grimes ended up doing the competition with them—they won. Thereafter, the bunch entered a New York dance competition and won this one as well; from there they were flown to L. A. for another dance competition segment and literally cleaned up here as well—winning the competition. It was here, she noted that her career has a fitness teacher really started and doors began to opened.

At this juncture, I probe her for answers as to why or how did she know at this point in her life that fitness was what she really wanted to do for the rest of her life? “I knew it would because It was good for me,” she confided. She confessed that everyone around her at that interval was healthy and into health so, she knew that she was on the right path. Her students were in there 50s and 60s at this point.

In addition, I questioned her about what kind of life-style dance and fitness was really? and without hesitation she made it clear that the life-style is what she envisioned  and that the fitness culture is what it’s cracked up to be. “It all have its stress-full moments but it is all on the up side,” she said. Grimes further contends that fitness is not just a pass time thing and that it’s not about getting into shape but, it has to do with ones whole being.

This expert, creative style brand, and vision took her the world over.  She explained that it was a combination of who she is has a person and the emulations borrowed from the 1970s through to todays dance styles, that she vised. Moreover, she reiterated that not all fitness programs are created equal—she claimed that one should study more who they want to learn from and get more out of; to look for what you want and when you go to the gym, do not do what everybody else is doing; that is not putting yourself in shape she said—instead she pointed out that one should find something that he/she really likes and tailor it to what they want from it.

Grimes who is turning 51 this year–is not afright and doesn’t look a day of 40-years.  she says that at her age, she runs into people the same age that were questioning themselves as to what really mattered for their future after age 40. Thus the life-style they live lead to fitness. A bitter sweet note to tag is that while Grimes look good for her age and does look very healthy, this is a woman battling an health issue. Currently she is battling Colon Cancer and is going through colon therapy—–where she just finished a round of Kemo and radiation therapy.

In closing she explained her days this way: I start my day with a prayer and meditation. After words I make a decision as to what I want to do for the day; which classes I want to take and work around this. I have to have a beginning to start my day then look at my schedule and plan that day. In so doing I also plan how to get my personal space out of that day.  Grimes does have clients on a daily basis, she teaches at different locations for now. She confided that by this September, she should have her own spot there in L. A.  Speaking of her celebrity clients she doesn’t have any right now because they do not pay, she says.

Last year, Grimes started an online magazine  called “Be Black Be Fit.com,” ironically her first issue dealt with Cancer.  She said that she had never dealt with a disease before this year—–dealing with her cancer.

Grimes have hosted ESPN, BETs–screen scene and Nubian Goddess. She has honed an a list of international engagements; and in 2008 proudly received and  accepted  the NAACP award for best choreographer in theatre. She is the author of  “Work it out” and has 22 bestselling dance and fitness videos on the market and continues to tour globally with her world dance competition group.  All her DVDs  are online.   Grimes had also been on the Discovery Health Channel.

At the time of this interview with her the very next day she had a class to teach at 12 noon. She had several meetings to attend; host an event for a Broadway company and choreograph a set for a friend. So, Much much  credence to her , so much for her vacation—she is going to need another one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By: C. Harrison/Editor

Each Year the Jamaican Independence Celebration Foundation Inc., celebrates their biggest moments in history, right here in the big apple NYC, in the heart of Manhattan. The foundation’s projection for 2013 is no different but, will be even stunner since Jamaica is also celebrating its 51^st year of independence.

Photo Credit: C. Harrison-Members of  (JICFI) Committee).

New York,  NY—– A press reception held by the Jamaican Consulate at 767 Third Avenue, took place here in New York City,  Wednesday July 31, 2013.  The event was put on by the committee for the Jamaican Independence Celebration Foundation Inc.  There, Jamaican Consulate General Dr. LaMont accommodated special guests and the Press for the evening.

It was one year to date, that Jamaicans were in a jubilant state; because not only were they celebrating their 50^th year of Independence but, they were infact also celebrating the incredulous milestone of freedom bestowed on the tiny populated Island and its 3 Million plus people. Indeed it was celebrated the world over; Jamaicans on a hold are spread out across the globe. Needless to say, that momentum continued on into 2013, were Jamaicans are in a frenzy now celebrating their 51-year of independence via a slue of activities which will coincide with the Independence Ball August 17^th 2013, and will continue on for the rest of the year.

According to Paulette Willoughby, chairperson for (JICFI) who spoke about the background on the Ball and the dos and don’ts of the Ball, also noted briefly that there is a stiff silent auction yearly—which of  course is quite the catch of the Ball. She explained that the Ball could do much much more with vastly more contributions, then it is doing.  She said  more participation is needed from the Diaspora’s business sector as well as forged partnerships friendly with Jamaica. When asked what’s in it for the corporations to support the Ball, she pointed out that sponsors would get a level of entitlement, free ad, free publicity, to mingle with VIPs and get a table of ten (10), this, via the great gift bags the corp. get each year.  And for which I would be so lucky to get; these among other goodies……. to our bemusement, the argument spiked into the fact that companies who do participate, are actually showing a level of respect to the community and do need to engage, especially Jamaican companies here in the Diaspora, who needs to hone it for themselves and own the Ball at this level, so voiced Irwin Clare.

In addition, Willoughby also spoke about the pricing of the tickets, to the delight of those who complained that tickets were too much.  The Chairwoman, told the room full of press core that the Ball started out with tickets at $100 dollars each to attend the ball and that 22-years later they are now charging $200 dollars each. She said that each year a % is added on to the cost of doing business with the hotel and that the hotel has notified them that food price has gone up.

I who have attended several of these Balls and can attest to its 5-course meals, its lavish cocktail hour of which you don’t want to miss this, its super presentations and laughs and yes, its dance the night away to the very end. I promised you, you will not leave disappointed.

Additionally, Willoughby contends that over the years proceeds from the Ball, have helped with the Maxfield Park School and Boys town school. She quipped that it was the Jamaica Progressive League, who started these Independence Balls in New York.

Honoree for the night will include: Ms. Heather Foster, Office of Public Engagement,  the White house; Ray Golboume, Executive Vice President  of Black Entertainment Television (BET); Dr. Answorth A. Allen, Orthopedic Surgeon and Irie Jam Media. Host for the evening will be Sherylee Ralph. The Ball, will be held at the New York Hilton Hotel, in New York City.

Moreover, during the course of the evening we heard many innuendos and stories regarding challenges facing the committee and ways for solutions. . We listen to different speakers; in particular Dr. LaMont, who thanked the business community for their support and the media (us), for coming out and participating.  We also heard from Vincent Hosang, CEO of Caribbean Foods Delight, who spoke on and continues to asked for just $10 dollars to buy a  machine that would help people at a hospital in Jamaica; which would other wise cost tens of thousands of dollars to get in Jamaica without our help. Hosang’s company also helps the Jamaican Track Sprinters and sport developments in Jamaica. Another particular we heard from was Clare, again, who is CEO of  Team Jamaica Bickle. He pounded on us to bring out or encourage young Caribbean’s to come out, especially young Jamaicans in the Diaspora, to come out and celebrate their heritage’s biggest moments in history. He center pieced that when Jamaicans throw a party its for the whole Caribbean.

Another noted speaker was former Councilwoman, Una Clarke,  who voiced that Caribbean people should go out and vote and that this community should get access from whichever person wins for Mayor and comes into office. Bill Thompson, also of Caribbean heritage and running for the Mayoral post, also stopped by, to congratulate Jamaica on its 51^st independence celebration and answer of course questions from the media (Yours truly). He promised not to miss the official celebration August 17.

Honorable guests included:  the honorable Courtney Rattray–Jamaican Ambassador to the United Nations; Mr. Christopher Ellwood, Dr. Unna Clarke former NYC, Council Woman; Leslie Clarke, Mrs. Pat Chin, CEO of VP Records; Mr. Anthony King,  JTB; Sabrina and Dr. Vincent Hosing, Caribbean Foods Delight; Mr. Trevor Smith- Tower Isle Patties; Ms. Sophia Jones, Caribbean Relations, office of the Brooklyn Borough President and the New York Media Core.

Sponsors consist of: Quality Ford Auto Mall; Ford Motor Credit; Ford Motor Company; Fly Jamaica; Caribbean Foods Delight; Royal Caribbean Bakery; Grace Foods U. S. A.; Golden Crust Caribbean Bakery and Grill; Gleaner Company/USA;  Tower Isle’s Frozen Foods; VP Records; Carob News.