My heart quickens a bit when I see the familiar mouse-ear-shaped utility poles, as I approach the Wyndham Resort in Orlando, and anticipate the International Aquatic Fitness Conference. Everyone is familiar with Orlando’s “Magic Kingdom®,” but relatively few, outside the Aquatic Exercise Association, are fortunate enough to experience the magic that occurs once a year at the IAFC.
Please, don’t misunderstand. The IAFC doesn’t happen by magic. The planning for the next conference begins before the current one ends. Yet, the AEA officers’, staff‘s, and crew’s dedication and determination to make each conference exceed each delegate’s expectations is a driving force in making our experience as pertinent and pleasurable as possible. This year’s conference called for more stamina from the AEA than usual, but the magic still happened.
When volcanic eruptions half a world away halted air travel from and to Europe, it threatened to disrupt the line-up of international presenters on our schedules. From both sides of the Atlantic, AEA staff and the presenters, themselves, worked feverishly to find flights and make arrangements to see that we were not disappointed. Mark Grevelding, Craig Stuart, and others stepped up to fill the vacancies and present the programs that were scheduled until their international counterparts arrived. The apparent seamlessness of their presentations disguised the fact that their efforts involved much communication and unexpected preparation, thrust on their already demanding schedules. Thanks to the efficacy of the internet and video streaming, person-to-person communication made the hand-off look effortless.
Meanwhile, hundreds of stranded tourists from the UK and other parts of Europe were housed at the Wyndham until normal air travel resumed. The Wyndham’s hospitality and courtesy was apparent as, every evening, tables were set up in the courtyard, where the stranded families ate breakfast, below our hotel balconies, each morning. A struggle of inner character occurred when I, scurrying from one pool session to another, had to resist the smell of their fresh-brewed coffee and entrees. Yet, it made me grateful to walk on homeland, safe, well-fed, and in a community of friends that is knit so closely. As someone described it, the IAFC “is like a family reunion, except we look forward to seeing each other.”
The decision as to how you experience the IAFC is your choice. You can attend as many or as few sessions as you like. You can doze by the pool, while working on a tan, or participate fully in land or aquatic classes. I am one, who chooses to fill my dance card, although I have to admit that despite my best intentions and efforts to set the alarm clock, I never did make it to AEA President Julie See’s Wake Up and Walk with Julie at 6:45 AM. Next year, I will be bringing my own alarm clock, in an effort to surpass my own “personal best.”
Registration was a breeze, thanks to Donna Blackmon’s administrative skill and know-how. Somehow, I have become both a rose and a thorn to the AEA office administrator. Through the years, Donna has come to accept that I will be one of the first to register for the IAFC. Yet, if there is any website problem, any registration glitch, any question that could possibly appear unanswered, it is my registration that will surely call it forth. And Donna, master of magic that she is, in one phone call or one email, can make the problem virtually disappear. Voilé! No wonder she was selected for the 2010 AEA Staff Member Award.
The energy, generated poolside, on Tuesday afternoon, set the stage for the surprises that the days ahead held. The presenters combined every ounce of energy, creativity, and athleticism to deliver programs that kept the participants clamoring for more. To our astonished amazement, they demonstrated moves delivered with purpose, style, and fun that sent reactions soaring. Jaws dropped and laughter rang out when a particular move was taken in an unusual or different way than the limits of our own creativity would never have taken us.
Wednesday offered specialty tracks, including AEA certification, and sessions in the classroom and in the pool. Vendor programs gave participants a chance to try out equipment in the pool, as well as useful tips for using drag, buoyant, and resistance equipment. Eyes lit up as the next generation of product was introduced, demonstrated, and tested. Minds are busy. It’s as if you can see the clockwork, as each person imagines the next progression or “trick” to be performed, or how to push the envelope a little farther.
I get more than a little excited at the IAFC, and this year’s schedule seemed designed for the likes of me. Session offerings were as diverse and unique as any magician’s hat could hold. The humor and light-hearted touch of our presenters made our workouts as delightful, fresh, and seemingly effortless as child’s play until we felt the fatigue of a good workout at each class‘s end. Each evening’s schedule ended with a selection of cool-down, chill-out, stress-relief classes, the perfect way to unwind and relax. My Wednesday evening’s choice of EASY Integrations had the class looking and thinking of the sky and moon above us. When asked to wish for a dream that expressed our heart’s desire, I made a silent wish. Asked to unblock any negativity or doubt that might be making that dream smaller or less than we truly hoped for, I dreamed big and rested in the knowledge, as suggested, that our dreams when cherished deep within, from a source of light and love, really do come true. It, too, seemed effortless to do so. Although as I reflect on that moment, logically, I realize that a thousand things must align to create and achieve our fondest dreams.
Friday’s IAFC Breakfast & Global Awards gave us a chance, perhaps for the first time, to see just how many people are involved in making this conference a world-class event. As I scanned the room, I thought about what a privilege it is to network and access the finest professionals in their fields. I thought about the number of people whose enjoyment and quality of life would improve as a result of their instructors attending these informative sessions. Thinking back on what I have learned in years past, I wondered what new information I would receive this year and how I could put best put it to use. Again, I scanned the room, and I thought back on last year’s IAFC awards, and thought about how much time and effort went into research, information presentations, choreography, and production. I remember imagining what it must feel like to carry that silver Speedo bag, made specially for the awards, and what it must feel like to be acknowledged by your peers for your contributions to research and teaching.
Then Angie Proctor called Mark Grevelding to the podium. The IAFC was acknowledging an essay written in anticipation of this year’s convention. The essay was authored in applying for the Aqua Society of Greater Atlanta’s 2010 Pat Carmen Scholarship. How it came to the attention of the AEA was beyond me, but as Mark read the introduction, I recognized my own words being read! Mark asked me to stand, and I could hardly believe that my joy, my excitement, my love of this conference had brought me to this point. Then Mark called for me to come forward, where Julie See and Angie Proctor presented me with my own silver Speedo bag. Never in my wildest dreams had I thought I would ever receive one, and I could not believe this was really happening! As I turned to walk back to my seat, Angie called me back and presented me with an envelope, containing money to help with my expenses. This money was made available through the AEA Scholarship Fund, offering financial help to those who would otherwise have difficulty attending the conference. I was truly humbled to receive this recognition, and I thank all my aqua family for your well-wishes and support.
From that point, I felt like I was walking on a cloud. Bathing suits looked fabulous on me(!), and this year’s assortment of styles by the IAFC vendors were as attractive as they were practical. New music kept me energized. The variety of vendor’s offerings provided something special for any class demographic or style. The equipment, research, educational helps, and wellness products kept me focused on my goals.
The item I used most, next to my badge and badge-holder, was the two-color pen on a rope. This was such a time-saver for me, by eliminating my need to keep track of another item. It simply went on and came off with my badge and fit securely in the back, badge-holder pocket. Thanks, AEA!
Although I am struggling at the moment to decipher my own handwriting and pondering how such meticulous note-taking could go so far awry, I nevertheless was astounded by the new information available since last year. New for 2010, The Aquatic Fitness Professional Manual, available through the AEA, contains the most up-to-date information, including the new aquatic heart rate formula. Updated and reorganized, mine, the 6th edition, will be delivered shortly.
The Mardi Gras party on Friday night brought the whole aquatic family together for a celebration. As a camera scanned the crowd, we were treated with close-up views of the partiers, costumes, and fancy footwork. My admiration and envy of Lori Sherlock’s quick-stepping feet was multiplied exponentially, as she danced her way, toe-to-toe, with others’ vying for extra drawing tickets, thus increasing their odds of taking home some wonderful equipment for their classes. Lori’s efforts paid off at the closing reception, where she won four, huge equipment bags full of aquatic gear. West Virginia University’s Mountaineers will be reaping the benefits!
Five days of fun, water, laughter, and movement quickly flew by. I struggled to retain all that I had learned, still knowing that any answer, any clarification, any help was as close and immediate as needed. That’s the beauty of having such a large family with which to gather. The KPH Finale Class brought a line-up of our favorite presenters and a quick refresher course on things we had learned. When I tell people that the class generates twelve-inch waves in the pool, they don’t believe me. Yet, each year I emerge from that class completely soaked from head to toe and loving it! It’s a good thing no one takes pictures.
At the Closing Reception, following the finale class, Fun and Fitness Cruises, in association with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, gave away an eight-day, seven-night, Alaska cruise, in recognition of twelve years of association with AEA. The winner had to be present to win. The first name was drawn, and unfortunately, the winner was not there. A second, lucky winner’s name was drawn, and that person was not there. The third name was drawn and announced, “Dorthy Griffith.” Not recognizing my formal name, and probably feeling the fatigue that would rest heavily on her shoulders after such a demanding week, Angie asked, “Is there a Dorthy Griffith here?” As I screamed and jumped to my feet, she said, “Oh, Dodo!,” and I heard the welcome shouts of so many people, cheering for my good fortune, my wish coming true. And, yes, with wet hair and swimsuit, my picture was taken with the vice-president of the cruise line.
Now, some people say I should have played the lottery that night. I’m not one to push my luck. I do know that, somehow, between April 20 and 24, 2010, some magic seemed to happen in Orlando. It wasn’t the result of some sorcerer’s apprentice or a cute, little cricket singing in my ear. It was the result of lots and lots of hard work by people who are as passionate about water fitness as I am. They “work their magic” in their own special way, each as individual, as unique, and as focused as they can be. That magic fell upon me somehow. Maybe it was the evening pool’s quietness when we made our wishes; maybe it was the fortune-teller’s reading of my future at the Mardi Gras party; maybe it was the sunlight reflecting off my silver Speedo bag. I rather think that it is just like the magic you perform each time you teach an aquatic class. Some splendiferous bit of you takes spark and ignites your class, changes a life, or inspires a new way of living.
I’m still wearing my IAFC bracelet, and I’m not the superstitious kind. It serves as a reminder that for the magic to occur, I have to work hard and give my best effort. When I give my best as an aquatic fitness professional, I have the power to change a life and bestow the real gift of wealth --- health, wellness, and wholeness.
Dorthy 'Dodo' Griffith teaches water aerobics as an independent contractor in the metro-Atlanta area. 'Dodo,' as she is known to family and friends, graduated from Ashland University. The nickname, given to her by a childhood friend, relates to the story of David's mighty men in I Chronicles. Her fascination with water exercise began while working with developmentally-challenged children. Licensed in all adult Zumba Fitness formats, she also teaches Aqua Zumba, as well as Aqua Pi-Yo-Chi. Dodo, an active member of the Aqua Society of Greater Atlanta, will present the ASGA's July program.