As part of my new web series, The Role Model In You, here is my most recent interview. The Role Model In You series discusses how individuals were influenced as a child to lead a healthy lifestyle. It covers who influenced these individuals, the changes they made in their life to be healthy, and the message they would like to convey to the youth of today. Our guests include doctors, soccer stars, Super Bowl champions, NBA players, Olympic gold medalist, entrepreneurs, celebrities, and just regular people looking to share their story. I hope you enjoy it!
1. Your name, title, and age? What do you do (or did you do) for a living?
Marina Kamen a.k.a. MARINA…53….Music Producer, Vocalist, Fitness & Weight loss Expert
2. Who was the person that inspired you as a child to eat healthy and stay fit? What was their relationship to you?
At the age of 19 (1978) as a young singer & dancer in NYC I had the opportunity to study Jazz dancer with the legendary Luigi. This Master Jazz dance teacher has taught the “who’s who” of the Broadway & Film dance scene including Liza Minnelli, Ben Vereen, Chita River, John Travolta and countless others. Luigi taught the concept of Never Stop Moving which I carry on to this day and pay it forward to everyone I meet. Luigi, 87, and his partner Francis Roach have been lifelong friends since then and continue to inspire people all over the world. My entertainment career has been touched by Luigi’s spirit has helped to mold me and I tap into his vibe in my head on a daily basis.
3. What did they do to inspire you?
Luigi a major Hollywood dancer in the 50 with films under his belt like Singin in the Rain and American in Paris met me for the first time as I watched his class from the doorway with my mother as a chubby 19 year old singer in NYC. This was the era of A Chorus Line so of course I had picture and resume in hand together with a pair of black leg warmers and oversized dance bag. This was accompanied by a violin that I carried with me at all times.
4. How did their lesson change your life?
Luigi had suffered a terrible car crash as a young dancer in Hollywood and which gave him an unusual sensitivity towards talent that might have a non conventional package. He zeroed into me which such support..almost like a fan…and encouraged me with showering compliments on my voice, dance & musicianship. He used his disability to build his career and help others…..that is what I am living as a Musical Fitness & Weight loss Expert & Motivating Fitness Entertainer! Paying fitness forward through music & performance…sharing my story of food addiction…family balance & going for your goals while balancing a 30 year marriage..career…and raising children.
5. Do you convey their message to kids in your life presently?
oh boy do I ever!
I have raised 3 grown children..the oldest has just graduated Law School and has secure a job as an attorney in NYC. The youngest has acquired her Hair License and works as a stylist at a Fifth Ave prestigious salon as well as on Fitness Television Productions along side of me.The middle son attends Sarah Lawrence College and has just completed an internship in the Music Business Affairs office at HBO.
I have taught them and all young people around me the message …” Hear the music, feel the beat and Never Stop Movin in their bodies and in their lives!”
6. What would be your main message to children today to lead healthy lifestyles?
Family Fitness!!!!! Let’s all use entertainment to present fitness and not have fitness just try and be entertaining. There is a big difference. Let your entertainment time be your fitness time. Pop on those headphones and bang out your favorite music and walk…run…dance and bop around! Never Stop Movin’! Bring mom & dad along with that idea!!!!.Working out does not have to be a homework assignment..it can be fun!!!!!.Musical Health Baby!!!!Stay in touch with what your passions are as a kid and take them through your whole life!!!!!!!
7. Do you have a web site you would like to promote….web address only?