From Wild Blueberries to SOdanceFIT.
Dance has taken me places I never imagined.
From my childhood in Poland to performing on stage, teaching fitness and adventures around the world. There have been plenty of twists, turns and unexpected opportunities along the way.
And somehow, all those experiences came together to create SOdanceFIT.
Here's my story… ❤️
Seven-year-old Edyta — where the adventure began.
It All Started in Gniezno
Stage performance: One of my early dance performances with Ekspresja. Already loving the spotlight! 💃😂
Folk dancing: A completely different style! Traditional Polish folk dancing with Gnieźnianie.
I was about seven when my dancing adventures began, in a children's dance group called Jagódki — which means Wild Blueberries!
Our first teacher, Maria Sawinska, eventually retired, and Iwona Piechocka took over. Iwona has definitely helped us to burn the energy and saw us growing from kids to teenagers. This must have been a difficult task! Iwona and those early years sparked a lifelong love of dancing.
As we grew older, Jagódki evolved into Ekspresja, and our dance world kept expanding. There was Ekspresja Mieszana and the folk dance group Gnieźnianie, too.
It was a bit like pizza dough — it just kept growing and expanding! 😂
One of my earliest exciting dance memories was performing with Ekspresja in a dance competition. We came third and qualified for the national competition! Our performance was shown on Polish television during a Sunday afternoon children's programme.
And the excitement didn't stop there! Our teacher chose me and two other girls to visit the TV studio and record an interview about our dance group, which was also broadcast on Polish television.
My first little taste of showbiz! 😂📺
And then came Crazy Crew — a completely different world! While the other groups had organised classes and teachers, Crazy Crew was all about street dance. A bunch of boys teaching themselves breakdance, with no instructor, just music, determination and plenty of experimenting.
When they decided to start a hip-hop group, I joined them.
And suddenly I was dancing in FOUR different groups at the same time!
Some people collected stamps. I collected dance rehearsals! 😂
Crazy Crew & the Hip-Hop Years
Hip-hop arrived in my life and I was HOOKED!
Crazy Crew was a completely different world from my other dance groups. No teachers, no formal classes — just a bunch of boys teaching themselves breakdance, figuring out moves and practising together.
When they decided to start a hip-hop group, I joined in. And what an adventure that turned out to be!
We didn't have YouTube tutorials back then. We had MTV, Viva, VHS tapes and a LOT of practising! 😂
And all that practising paid off… we became Polish Hip-Hop Champions!” 🏆🔥
But it wasn't just about dancing. It was a whole culture — breakdancing, DJs, graffiti, rap music and friendships.
And then there were Breakowiska! ❤️
These legendary hip-hop gatherings took us travelling to different cities across Poland. Organised by passionate people like Dariusz Foerster, better known as DJ Larry, they brought the whole hip-hop culture together under one roof — and often out onto the streets!
There were DJs, rappers, graffiti artists, stalls selling CDs and clothes, and dancers showing off their moves in the streets. The energy was incredible!
The weekends were packed! Saturday was all about competitions — hip-hop, breakdance and electric boogie, with solos, duets and groups battling it out all day. Then came the evening party! 🥳 Sunday brought the finals, results and prizes.
But it wasn't just the competitors who travelled. Groups of friends and supporters came along simply to cheer, meet people and soak up the excitement.
I was about 15 when I attended my first Breakowisko with Crazy Crew.
Later, during my Poznań years, I introduced Iwetta to it. I'm jumping ahead of the story here, but I wanted to mention her because we met while working together in a bar, and she became one of my lifelong friends. She wasn't a dancer or even a massive hip-hop fan, but she absolutely loved the whole experience and caught the bug too! She was very supportive of my sometimes crazy ideas and helped me so many times! She was more like a sister to me.
And having Iwetta along had one VERY important advantage...
She had a CAR! 🚗🤣
The friendships we made at these events lasted far beyond the weekends. In fact, years later, bumping into people I'd met through that scene helped open the door to my opportunity in Opole. Funny how life works!
We weren't just learning moves. We were creating our own little world.
And I absolutely loved it! ❤️
Crazy Crew and friends — back when hip-hop was baggy clothes, VHS tapes, endless practice and a whole lot of attitude! 😎🎧❤️
One of my solo performances at Rytm Ulicy Breakowisko in Gniezno — those were the days! 🔥
That Time I Ended Up on Stage with Ice-T! 🎤😂
When I was about 17, I travelled to a music festival in Poland with my boyfriend, who was a HUGE Ice-T fan. We were both excited, but I don't think either of us expected what happened next!
During his performance, Ice-T asked whether Polish girls could dance.
Well, I wasn't going to miss THAT opportunity! I was practically shouting, “Pick me! Pick me!” 😂
And guess what? He did!
Next thing I knew, I was on stage dancing with Ice-T, in front of a HUGE crowd! My knees were shaking, but there was absolutely no way I was missing that moment! 😂
My boyfriend came to see his favourite rapper. I somehow ended up sharing the stage with him!
Not bad for a teenage girl from Gniezno! 🤣
Proof that shouting “PICK ME!” sometimes actually works! 😂 On stage with Ice-T, aged about 17. 🎤❤️
Poznań – New City, Same Passion! 💃🎓
In October 1997, I moved to Poznań to study Sociology at Adam Mickiewicz University.
New city, new people, new adventures… but one thing wasn't changing. Dancing was coming with me! 😂
I met Małgorzata (Gosia) Wieczorek, a fantastic dance teacher with seemingly endless energy! She was juggling several dance groups, choreographing, teaching and even performing alongside us. I honestly don't know how she found the time!
I became part of Omen, a street dance crew in Poznań, training, performing and competing. Hip-hop was still a huge part of my life, and I absolutely loved it.
Meanwhile, Gosia was starting a new adventure of her own, opening a fitness centre and moving into the world of aerobics.
She encouraged me to explore teaching fitness, and that's how another passion began!
I started teaching classes at Metrum, discovering how much I enjoyed creating routines, working with music and sharing that energy with a room full of people.
My Almost-Famous Showbiz Career! 🎭🎤😂
What did I want to be when I grew up? EVERYTHING! 😂
I think I've spent most of my life trying to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up.
An actress? Maybe. A rapper? Why not! A television presenter? Absolutely!
In fact, when I was about ten, I remember writing a school essay announcing that I wanted to become the President of Poland! 🇵🇱😂
I've always aimed high.
And look where all that ambition got me... Kirkby-in-Ashfield! 🤣🤣🤣
Joking aside, I've never been afraid to try something new, even if it meant discovering that I wasn't quite as talented at it as I'd imagined.
And believe me, there were a few discoveries along the way...
Alongside dancing, I also had a few other career ambitions. At one point, I seriously considered becoming an actress!
I'd been involved in drama at primary school (although, to be fair, I was involved in pretty much every club going! 😂). I even considered applying to the famous acting school in Łódź, Poland, but I knew how difficult it was to get in.
One of the entrance exam requirements was reciting poetry, so I decided to test my talents in a local competition. My thinking was simple: if I couldn't win in my hometown, how on earth was I going to compete with the best aspiring actors in Poland?
Well... I didn't win. I received a distinction, which was lovely, but apparently not enough to convince my teenage self that I was actress material! 😂
However, that competition brought an unexpected prize: a place on a professional radio and television presenting course at the Wielkopolska School of Radio, Television and Film in Poznań.
I completed the course in March 2000, learning presenting techniques, including performing on stage. I even remember being taught stage presentation by a Russian actor.
There was just one tiny problem. Apparently, my pronunciation of certain Polish sounds wasn't quite good enough for radio. They suggested I might be better suited to television instead! 🤣
And then there was my rap career...
I'd been writing poetry for years, loved hip-hop and could dance. Surely rapping would come naturally?
So my friend Iwetta and I travelled to a recording studio near Warsaw, run by Camey, whom I'd known from my Gniezno hip-hop days.
Armed with my own lyrics and plenty of enthusiasm, I stepped behind the microphone.
After hearing my performance, Camey gave me his professional verdict:
"Edzia, focus on dancing!" 🤣🤣
And just like that, another promising showbiz career ended before it had even begun!
Still, looking back, perhaps all those adventures were preparing me for something else. I might not have become an actress, rapper or television presenter, but I never lost my love of performing, entertaining and making people smile. ❤️
And somehow, all these adventures were happening alongside university studies and part-time jobs!
Lectures, dance rehearsals, competitions, fitness classes, work... Apparently, I hadn't discovered the concept of free time yet! 😂
In May 2002, I graduated with a Master's degree in Sociology. 🎓
And here's where I have to give a special mention to my lovely friend Magda. We studied together, shared accommodation, and somehow she always knew what was happening at university — while I was usually busy dancing somewhere! 😂
I'm not sure I would have made it through those five years without her. Thank you, Magda! ❤️
I'd moved to Poznań to study, but those five years gave me so much more than a degree. They helped shape the dancer, performer and instructor I was becoming. ❤️
Omen – street dance days
With Gosia Wieczorek
My professional radio and TV presenter qualification – March 2000 🎤📺
With my lovely friend Magda
My early fitness teaching days
And what else was happening during my university years?
Oh, I'm SO glad you asked! 😂
There are a few stories best saved for more private gatherings... but don't worry, I've still got plenty I can share with you!
Because apparently, studying, dancing, teaching fitness and exploring my questionable showbiz talents weren't quite enough to keep me busy...
There were more adventures waiting. Including Opole and America!
From Mercedes to the Opole Stage! 🎤✨
During my university years in Poznań, dancing was taking me in all sorts of directions.
One of my jobs was performing at the Poznań International Fair, where three other girls and I were presenting a brand-new Mercedes. Every hour we'd perform our routine, finishing with the big reveal of the car!
And who came to check out the Mercedes?
My ziomki from Scrap Beat! 😂
Ziomki is Polish slang for my mates, my crew, my people!
I already knew the guys from those legendary Breakowiska gatherings I mentioned earlier — such a big part of my hip-hop years! Scrap Beat, from Włocławek, were a very successful breakdance crew with plenty of titles and achievements.
We exchanged phone numbers, and a few weeks later, I got a call.
“Edyta, would you like to perform with us at Opole? We need another girl.”
Now, for anyone who doesn't know, the National Festival of Polish Song in Opole is one of Poland's biggest and most prestigious music festivals. It's a huge event, broadcast live on Poland's main national television channel, with some of the country's biggest music stars performing.
So imagine being a young dancer and getting THAT phone call!
WHAT?! OF COURSE I WOULD! 😂
There was just one little problem… I had a university exam!
Somehow, I managed to rearrange the exam, cram all morning and scrape through! But who cares about exam results when you're about to dance at Opole?! 🤣
We started rehearsing in Poznań for a performance with Reni Jusis, who was becoming a huge star with her hit Zakręcona.
Just before the festival, we travelled to Warsaw. The boys were recording a TV advert for Black & White chocolate bars, while I had a rather different assignment.
Find Reni and teach her some of our choreography!
I went to her flat, but rehearsing with a rising pop star wasn't quite as straightforward as I'd imagined. Between interviews, phone calls and everything else happening in her busy life, I ended up following Reni around Warsaw, visiting her recording studio and even accompanying her to an interview recording in Łazienki Park.
A little taste of show business! 😎
Then it was time for the National Festival of Polish Song in Opole.
And, naturally, things didn't go entirely to plan.
The boys were travelling separately in a van when heavy rain delayed them. Unfortunately, our costumes were in that van too!
So there I was, about to rehearse on one of Poland's biggest stages, with absolutely nothing to wear.
Thankfully, Reni came to the rescue and borrowed a pair of baggy trousers from Norbi!
But when the main rehearsal began, the boys still hadn't arrived. The director stopped the music — where were all the dancers?!
For a moment, it looked as though our big opportunity might disappear before we'd even performed.
Luckily, the boys made it just in time, and we got our chance to take the stage!
The lights, the cameras, the atmosphere… I was dancing at Opole, on national television, knowing my family was watching at home!
I even phoned my mum from backstage. ❤️
Afterwards, I was on cloud nine and ready to celebrate. The Scrap Beat boys, however, weren't quite so happy — one of their headspins hadn't gone as planned!
Typical dancers! 😂
Looking back, what an adventure. From dancing at breakowiska and unveiling Mercedes cars to wearing borrowed trousers on national television!
And to think it all started with my ziomki coming to have a look at a new car! 🤣❤️
With Natasza, Miciu and Chińczyk from Scrap Beat, Opole 1998.
With Reni Jusis in Opole, the day before our performance!
A backstage moment with Polish superstar Edyta Górniak!
Backstage with Polish singer Natalia Kukulska.
With Artur Gadowski from IRA, all dressed up and ready for the big performance! Opole 1998.
The big moment! Performing with Reni Jusis to “Zakręcona” at Opole 1998, live on Polish national television! 🎤✨
America – From the Kitchen to the Dance Studio!💃
In the summer of 2001, I travelled all the way from Poland to Massachusetts, USA, to work at Camp Romaca, a summer camp for girls.
My job? Working in the kitchen!
But, as usual, dancing wasn't going to stay out of my life for long. 😂
I discovered a beautiful dance studio by the lake. Nobody really used it in the evenings, so it became my little escape. I'd put the music on, turn up the volume and practise for hours, completely on my own.
Or so I thought…
One evening, completely unknown to me, a group of girls had been allowed to celebrate a birthday with pizza by the lake.
There I was, dancing away in the brightly lit studio, music blasting, completely oblivious to my audience outside.
When I finally switched off the lights and opened the door…
APPLAUSE! 👏😂
I nearly jumped out of my skin!
The girls had been watching me dance, and apparently, they liked what they saw.
So much so that they approached the camp managers and asked if I could come back the following summer to teach them hip-hop.
Unfortunately, there was a problem. The camp had a policy of not employing teachers from countries where English wasn't the main language. I was told it wouldn't be possible. Fair enough. Rules are rules.
And I went home without thinking too much more about it.
But getting home that summer was an experience I'll never forget.
I was still in America when the September 11 attacks happened. For a while, I wasn't even sure whether I'd be able to fly home.
On 17 September 2001, I finally travelled to JFK Airport in New York. It was a sight that stayed with me...My taxi took me close enough to see the empty space where the Twin Towers had stood just days earlier. It's an image that has stayed with me ever since.
I was incredibly relieved when I finally arrived safely back in Poland.
And then, in October or November, an unexpected email arrived.
The camp had discussed things with the parents and decided to make an exception.
They wanted me back the following summer — as their hip-hop teacher! 🎉
My mum's reaction?
“There is NO WAY you're going back there!” 😱
But how could I possibly turn down an opportunity like that?
A Polish girl travelling to America to teach hip-hop. You couldn't make it up! 😂
So in summer 2002, shortly after graduating with my Master's degree in Sociology, I returned to Camp Romaca.
This time, I wasn't working in the kitchen.
I was teaching dance!
Looking back now, as a mum myself, I can completely understand how worried my own mum must have been.
I suspect I added quite a few grey hairs to her head that year! 😂❤️
And remember that rule about not employing teachers from non-English-speaking countries?
Well, after I accidentally played a rather explicit rap song during one of my dance classes, I suddenly understood why! 😂🎤
Let's just say my English wasn't quite advanced enough to understand ALL the lyrics back then! 🤣
Two summers, countless memories, wonderful friendships and one very important lesson...
You never know who's watching when you think you're dancing alone! 😂❤️
The Legendary Kitchen Crew, 2001 😂
The Dance Studio by the Lake, 2001
Dance Teachers' Performance, 2002
Annex Girls and Councellors, 2002
Independence Day Celebrations, 2002
After five years at university, two unforgettable summers in America and one rather eventful summer in Finland (another crazy story, perhaps for another time! 🍓😂), I was back in my hometown, Gniezno.
Armed with a Master's degree in Sociology, plenty of memories and absolutely no intention of giving up dancing!
A Little Detour into European Politics!
Poland was preparing for a very important moment in its history – joining the European Union.
As part of a nationwide initiative to establish EU Information Points, I completed a special training programme about the EU.
And in March 2003, I started working at the newly opened European Information Point in Gniezno, alongside my colleague Anna.
Our job wasn't just sitting behind a desk answering questions.
We visited schools, talked to students about the EU, organised competitions, exhibitions and community events.
We even organised a European-themed party at a local nightclub!
See? Somehow I always managed to find my way to a party! 😂
It was an exciting time, and I really enjoyed being involved in something so important for Poland's future.
We even made it into the local newspapers several times! 📰
But of course, dancing and fitness were still very much part of my life.
Alongside my work at the Information Point, I was teaching fitness classes at Henryk Szymański's Fitness Centre in Gniezno.
Because apparently, one job was never enough for me! 💃
Back to Poznań – Businesswoman by Day, Fitness Instructor by Night! 💼💃
I knew the EU Information Point was only a temporary opportunity, so I started planning my next move.
And where better to go than back to Poznań?
I found myself a daytime job as a Sales Manager at Axel Studio, and an evening job teaching fitness classes at OLYMP Fitness Centre.
Businesswoman by day, fitness instructor by night!
At OLYMP, I continued developing my skills as an instructor, exploring different fitness styles, creating routines and learning as much as I could.
I attended fitness conventions, workshops and training events, including Reebok University, Nike Body Jam and Fitness School Polska.
New ideas, new techniques, new choreography... I loved it all!
I was constantly learning, experimenting and bringing fresh energy into my classes.
Looking back, I can see how much those experiences shaped the instructor I am today. ❤️
Meanwhile, my daytime job at Axel Studio was taking me in a completely different direction – advertising, sales and business.
And then came a rather exciting opportunity.
We were preparing a promotional proposal for TDK, and I came up with the slogan:
"TDK – I wszystko gra!" 🎶
A little Polish wordplay, roughly meaning "TDK – And everything plays!"
Off we went to Warsaw to present our ideas, competing against other advertising agencies.
And guess what?
We won! 🏆
My slogan was chosen!
From teaching fitness classes in the evenings to winning an advertising pitch in Warsaw.
Quite a combination! 😂
Life was busy, but I loved the variety.
Little did I know that one particularly frustrating day at work would soon send my life in a completely unexpected direction...
And this time, it wasn't just another city.
It was another country!🧳
Gniezno, Poznań... and Still Dancing💃
My old OLYMP timetable, complete with handwritten changes! Long before fitness apps and online booking! 😂
My last day at Axel Studio – saying goodbye before my next big adventure! ❤️
In the local newspaper – spreading the word about the EU!
Teaching fitness classes at OLYMP, Poznań
Having fun with my lovely friend Iwetta at OLYMP! 💃
The job offer that changed my life — complete with my handwritten notes! 📠😂
First on the left is Joe — the man who interviewed me over the phone and offered me the job!
My lovely Swedish friends — some of the wonderful people I met at Nidd Hall! ❤️
My beautiful friend Shortie (Chantel), who believed in me and encouraged me to join the entertainment team! ❤️
Nidd Hall promotional leaflet — and look, that's us in the photograph! 📸😂
Jimmy — our wonderful entertainment manager, who gave me my chance on stage! ❤️
The Nidd Hall entertainment department in all its glory! ✨💃
Performing in our Whistle Stop Around the World show! 🌍💃
The most energetic dance in the show — the cancan from Moulin Rouge! 💃🔥
With my bestie Marie! We loved attending hip-hop dance classes in Leeds whenever we had the chance. ❤️
All that jazz! 🎷✨
Backstage silliness with Marie and Jenni! 😂❤️
Sadly, we lost our lovely Marie far too soon. I'll always treasure the happy memories we shared. 🕊️❤️
England, Here I Come!✈️
It's 2004, and Poland is preparing to join the European Union.
British companies have already started recruiting in Poland, offering new opportunities to people looking for work abroad.
My boyfriend at the time had been offered a job in Harrogate, Yorkshire, and decided to take it.
Our relationship wasn't exactly perfect (that's a whole other story! 😂), so we'd actually decided it was probably best to go our separate ways.
After all, if we struggled to make things work while living in the same country, what chance did we have with hundreds of miles between us?!
So England wasn't really part of my plans.
Until one particularly frustrating day at work changed everything.
I won't go into the details of what happened at Axel Studio. If anyone is interested, I'll happily tell you the whole story over coffee one day... ☕😂
Anyway, that day I found myself wondering whether a fresh start somewhere else might be exactly what I needed.
I sent a quick email to my old school friend Ania, who was living in London.
“Do you think I could survive in England with just a basic job?”
Her answer?
YES!
So I started searching the rather limited internet of 2004 for jobs around Harrogate, where my boyfriend was heading.
I wasn't planning to depend on anyone. If I was going to England, I wanted my own job, my own money and somewhere to live.
Eventually, I found an advert for a position in the tea room and bar at Nidd Hall Hotel, with staff accommodation included.
Perfect!
I printed my CV, went to the post office and sent it off by fax.
Yes, FAX! Remember those? 📠🤣
A couple of days later, I phoned the hotel to check whether they'd received it.
The manager found my CV, read it while I waited, asked me a few questions about my previous experience and then said:
“When can you come?”
Excuse me?!
Was that an interview? Had I just got a job?! 😂
Coming from Poland, where hundreds of people could apply for one position, I couldn't quite believe it.
But I needed to give him an answer.
My birthday was on 2 June. Obviously, I would need 3 June to recover from the celebrations…
“I can come on 4 June!” 🤣
Never mind that I hadn't even checked the flights!
And that's how, on 4 June 2004, I arrived at London Stansted Airport with one bag and absolutely no idea how much my life was about to change.
Welcome to Yorkshire!
After a long journey by train, I finally arrived in Harrogate late in the evening and took a taxi to Nidd Hall.
The taxi kept driving further and further into the countryside.
Trees. More trees. Darkness.
Where on earth was he taking me?! 😳
Then suddenly, the trees opened up and there it was — a magnificent country house surrounded by beautiful grounds.
I'd never seen anything like it!
Buckingham Palace?! Have I accidentally got a job with the Royal Family?! 😂
My staff room wasn't ready, so I spent my first night in one of the guest rooms.
And that's when I discovered something rather peculiar about Britain.
Two separate taps in the bathroom. One hot, one cold!
Seriously?! How was I supposed to get warm water?! 🤣
Welcome to England, Edyta! This is going to be interesting... 😂
Getting to Know the British!😂
I started working in the tea room and behind the bar, and I absolutely loved it.
The staff came from all over the world, the guests were lovely, and my English was improving quickly.
Although I was constantly getting myself into little trouble — saying the wrong things, misunderstanding innocent questions, or accidentally showing hotel guests two fingers while presenting a quiz! ✌️🤣
And one thing that really fascinated me was the British sense of humour.
Here were these wonderfully polite, sometimes rather reserved people, greeting each other with “How do you do, sir?”
And yet, I kept discovering that so many everyday English expressions had two meanings.
And somehow, the second meaning was usually something naughty! 😂
Believe me, I've got enough stories about those misunderstandings to fill another chapter!
But I was learning, making friends and enjoying my new adventure.
Eventually, my boyfriend and I went our separate ways, and I suddenly found myself wondering what I was doing so far from home.
I decided I'd stay a little longer, improve my English, save some money and then return to Poland.
Well… that was the plan! 😂
And Then Dance Found Me Again! 💃❤️
There was one part of Nidd Hall that I particularly loved.
The entertainment department!
The dancers performed fantastic shows, wore beautiful costumes, welcomed guests and seemed to have the most amazing jobs.
I used to watch them and think how wonderful it must be to do that for a living.
Then one day, one of the dancers left.
And that's when my friend Chantel, better known as Shortie, stepped in!
She believed I could do the job, even when I wasn't convinced myself.
“You should apply!”
Me?!
I'd danced for years, of course, but this was a completely different world. I didn't have British dance qualifications, I wasn't trained in all those theatrical dance styles, and my English was still a work in progress!
But Shortie wasn't taking no for an answer.
So eventually, I applied.
The entertainment manager, Jimmy, was a lovely man who saw something in me. He particularly appreciated how confident I was talking to guests.
Me? Talking to people? Imagine that! 🤣
My English might have been questionable, but apparently my ability to talk was already international! 😂
And guess what?
I GOT THE JOB! 🎉💃
Suddenly, my working day looked completely different.
Instead of starting early in the tea room, I could arrive around lunchtime, often beginning with dance rehearsals.
Hang on a minute…
SOMEONE WAS PAYING ME TO PRACTISE DANCING?! 🤣❤️
Of course, the job involved much more than dancing. We organised quizzes, welcomed guests, performed shows, operated stage lights and played music for afternoon ballroom dancing.
But I loved the variety, the people and the atmosphere.
I'd arrived in England looking for an ordinary job in a hotel.
And somehow, once again, dance had found its way back into my life.
Funny how that keeps happening, isn't it? 😂❤️
New Beginnings, New Adventures… and Still Dancing!❤️💃
As much as I loved my time at Nidd Hall, I knew that living in a hotel staff room wasn't going to be my life forever!
I'd come to England for an adventure, but now I was ready to build a more independent life.
I found a job at Hobbs in Harrogate, started volunteering at Relate, a relationship-support charity, helping on reception, and, of course, found my way back into fitness!
In 2005, I started teaching classes at Brimhams Fitness Centre at The Hydro in Harrogate.
One job during the day, another in the evening!
Some things never change! 😂
I was enjoying my new life, meeting people, making friends and discovering more about England.
And somewhere along the way, during my time at Nidd Hall, I'd met someone rather special…
His name was Rob, and he was a British Army officer. ❤️
Now, there are plenty of funny stories about how we met, but I think we'd better save those for another occasion. Otherwise, this website really WILL turn into a book! 🤣
Everything happened rather quickly. We met, moved in together, fell in love and got married in 2006.
Looking back, it was quite a whirlwind! So many changes in such a short time, but somehow it all felt completely natural.
It just felt SO RIGHT! ❤️
Shortly after our wedding, we moved down south to Hampshire.
And there I was again — new surroundings, new people and new opportunities!
I loved discovering more of England, learning about British life and traditions, experiencing Army life and making new friends.
I was also incredibly lucky to have the love and support of Rob's family and friends, who welcomed me with open arms.
Although apparently, when Rob first told his mum he'd met a Polish girl who worked as a dancer, she had one rather important question…
"Not a POLE dancer?!" 🤣🤣
No! A POLISH dancer! There's a difference! 😂
But jokes aside, their warmth and kindness meant so much to me.
When I first arrived in England, my plan had been simple: improve my English, earn some money, experience life abroad and eventually return to Poland.
But now everything had changed.
I had married someone I loved, gained another family and was building a completely new life.
And I was beginning to realise something…
Home isn't always just a place. Sometimes, home is the person you love. ❤️
England was becoming my home.
A New Life Down South!
As usual, I wasn't going to sit around doing nothing!
I found a job at BMW Financial Services, initially as a temporary administrator before becoming a permanent employee.
And what a job it was!
Apart from working with some lovely people, one of the perks was getting a brand-new BMW every three months!
Not bad at all! 🚗😂
Not long after we'd moved, Rob was deployed to Afghanistan.
Suddenly, I was on my own in a part of England where I barely knew anyone.
Fortunately, I'd already started my new job, so I had the opportunity to meet people, make friends and keep myself busy.
And while it wasn't always easy having Rob so far away, I was determined to make the most of my time.
New people to meet, new places to explore, new things to learn!
I was in my element! 😂
I was discovering a completely different side of England. Army life, new friends, trips to London, work parties… and even learning how to look after our first garden! 😂
I loved it all.
And, naturally, it wasn't long before dance found its way back into my life!
I started attending dance workshops and classes in Alton, and in 2007 I was teaching junior dance activity classes at Alton Leisure Centre.
It felt wonderful to be involved in dancing again, learning new things and sharing my passion with others.
Different part of England, different people, different opportunities…
But the same old Edyta — always finding somewhere to dance! 💃😂
Another Move… and a Whole New Adventure!
We didn't stay down south for very long.
After a couple of years, we decided to leave Army life behind and start a family.
And yes, that meant packing our bags once again!
This time, we were moving from Hampshire to West Yorkshire.
But this move was going to be rather different from all the others.
I wasn't arriving in a new place on my own, with a suitcase and absolutely no idea what was waiting for me.
This time, I had a husband… and a baby on the way! ❤️
And just like that, another big chapter of my life was about to begin!
With the Hobbs girls, getting ready for a night out. A fire engine happened to be passing… so naturally, we couldn't resist a photo opportunity! 🚒🤣
Working at Hobbs in Harrogate. Surrounded by beautiful clothes… and occasionally trying a few on myself! Purely for professional reasons, of course! 😂
2006 — a new chapter, a new adventure, and someone special to share it with. ❤️
Discovering Army life — including the rather glamorous Christmas balls! 🥂
A BMW work party on the Thames. Making new friends and making the most of living down south!
One of the perks of working for BMW — a brand-new car every three months! I wasn't complaining! 🚗🤣
Life, Lemons… and Finding My Way Back to Dance! 🍋💃❤️
A New Chapter – Becoming a Mum!
In 2008, we moved to West Yorkshire, ready to start our next big adventure — family life!
Our first son, Thomas, arrived, and suddenly my world was completely different. I absolutely loved being a mum, but I have to admit, motherhood wasn't quite what I'd imagined!
I remember conversations with Rob during my pregnancy, confidently announcing that I was going to be a very strict mother. "You'll have to be the good guy," I told him. "I'll be the strict one!" And I genuinely believed it!
Fast-forward to today, and when I tell my teenage boys this story, they just burst out laughing. "Mum, you were the LEAST strict mum ever!" 🤣🤣
Well, clearly, some of my parenting plans didn't quite work out! But both our boys have grown into such lovely human beings. I know, I know, every mum probably says that about her children! 😂 Perhaps it was Rob's Army training that helped keep everyone in line, because it certainly wasn't my strict parenting! 🤣❤️
Although my life had changed, I knew how important exercise was for my physical and mental wellbeing. And I wasn't quite ready to give up teaching. Before simply joining a gym, I thought, why not see whether I could find a job teaching classes again?
So I approached Xercise4less at Xscape Castleford, and luckily, I got the opportunity! In 2009, I was back teaching fitness and dance. I also started a dance group for teenagers.
At the same time, I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do professionally. I was a mum now. Perhaps it was time to be sensible, mature and find a completely different career path? Yes, apparently I was considering becoming a responsible grown-up! 😂
So I decided to train as a Polish-English translator and interpreter. I completed my qualification and started working part-time at a local school and children's centre.
I was incredibly proud of myself, especially when I thought back to how much I'd struggled with English at school in Poland — not to mention all those hilarious lost in translation moments I'd experienced since arriving in Britain!
In fact, I still remember my very first evening working behind the bar at Nidd Hall. It was incredibly busy, and a gentleman approached me and politely asked:
"Please, can I have lemon and lime?"
I remember thinking, British people really are stranger than I expected! But rather than handing him a few slices of lemon and lime, I thought
I'd better check with my colleague first.
The look on his face said everything. I think he was thinking, Bloody foreigners! 🤣 He shouted across the busy bar: "He wants LEMONADE with LIME CORDIAL!"
Ohhhhhh! Now that makes sense! 😂 In my defence, we didn't serve anything like that in Polish bars!
And to think that a few years later, I was working as an interpreter! Life certainly has a sense of humour!
Two Under Two… and Another Move! 👶👶
Then came another surprise. Our second pregnancy happened a little sooner than planned! 😂 And, as if expecting another baby wasn't enough excitement, Rob received a new job offer.
Which meant… WE WERE MOVING AGAIN!
New job, new house, new baby. All at practically the same time! In fact, my due date was just one week after our planned move!
Luckily, Harry decided to stay in my tummy a little longer, giving us enough time to get everything ready before he arrived. Thank you, Harry! Very considerate of you! 😂❤️
So, in 2010, we found ourselves in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, with two boys under two, a new home and another completely new beginning.
Rob and I started joking that we'd better be careful from now on. New job, new house, new baby — everything seemed to come in threes! And this was the second time we'd managed it! 🤣
We were beginning to think that perhaps we should stop making quite SO many changes all at once. We were getting a little tired of moving house! 😂
We didn't know anyone locally. Rob's family were about 50 minutes away, and mine were back in Poland. But something I've learnt throughout my life is that people are generally wonderful, and so many are happy to help if you give them the chance.
We were incredibly lucky to have amazing neighbours who became our friends. I also met some lovely mums through local children's groups. (Thank goodness for Sure Start!) ❤️ Those groups were such a wonderful way to meet other parents, make friends and feel part of a community.
But returning to regular fitness teaching? That was another matter! With two very young children and no easy childcare arrangements, I simply couldn't commit to teaching classes.
So I tried exercising at home instead. Which sounds like a great idea… until your children decide that Mum doing crunches is the perfect opportunity to climb on top of her and sit on her face! 🤣🤣 Apparently, I was the entertainment!
But if you're reading this while looking after young children, I promise you… it gets easier! ❤️
Eventually, I was able to return to work part-time. Although financially, it wasn't exactly a brilliant business decision. After paying nursery fees for two children, I was left with approximately £10! 🤣 Yes, TEN POUNDS!
But I wanted to work, use my skills, meet people and do something outside the house. I found a job with the police, where I could also use my interpreting skills, and joined a local leisure centre.
After a while, I realised that working from home might make life a little easier. So I started my own business selling gourmet brownies, which I called It's Never Too Choco-late...! 🍫😂 And yes, I did spend quite a lot of time surrounded by chocolate!
One of my brownie customers happened to be an estate agent, and that eventually led to another opportunity — managing social media for their business.
From teaching fitness to translating, working for the police, baking brownies and managing social media… clearly, I still hadn't decided what I wanted to be when I grew up! 🤣
But through all those years, I continued attending fitness classes whenever I could. Dance and fitness hadn't disappeared from my life. I was just enjoying them from the other side of the instructor's microphone for a while!
2019 – The Year That Changed Everything ❤️
Then, in 2019, life threw something at me that I could never have imagined.
I was diagnosed with cancer.
What followed was a horrendous rollercoaster. Months of uncertainty, frightening conversations and not knowing what the future might hold. I remember wondering whether I would even get to see my boys grow into adults.
After surgery, I was diagnosed with a rare type of kidney cancer called chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. Strangely enough, the final diagnosis was actually better news than we'd initially been expecting.
But those few months of not knowing what my future might look like completely rewired my brain! (And yes, I've used that expression on purpose! I love learning from Joe Dispenza about our habits, how changing our thoughts can change the way we live, and how even little steps can help us make positive changes in our lives.)
Suddenly, I was looking at everything differently. My health, my priorities, what really mattered and what I wanted to do with the time I had. I started learning more about nutrition, meditation, breathing, stress and wellbeing. Most importantly, I wanted to enjoy my life and stop putting things off.
Before my diagnosis, I remember reading stories from people who said they were grateful for having had cancer. And I honestly couldn't understand it. How on earth could anyone be grateful for something like that?
But now, looking back, I understand what they meant.
Of course, I wouldn't wish cancer on anyone, and I certainly wouldn't want to experience it again. But I can honestly say that I'm grateful for the way that experience changed my outlook on life.
Because as the years pass, it's so easy to start thinking: Am I getting too old for this? Have I missed my chance? Is it really the right time to start again?
And while you're busy asking yourself those questions, another year goes by.
I don't know whether I would ever have found the courage to return to teaching without everything I'd been through. But I knew one thing.
Life is too short to keep putting off the things you love.
And I wanted to dance again! 💃❤️
Just as I was recovering from surgery and starting to get back into life, along came another unexpected experience… COVID!
Suddenly, the whole world seemed to stop. I think we all remember how strange those times were and how they changed the way we looked at so many things.
For me, having just been through my own health scare, it was another reminder of how precious life is. And although technology helped us stay connected, I think many of us also realised just how much we need real human interaction.
Not just messages, video calls and social media, but actually meeting people, laughing together, sharing experiences and being part of something.
Little did I know just how important that lesson would become in the next chapter of my life.
Finding My Strength… and a New Adventure!
As life gradually returned to normal and I regained my strength, I started getting back into exercise. I returned to the gym and began thinking seriously about teaching fitness classes again.
I decided to refresh my knowledge by taking another Exercise to Music qualification. I already had experience and qualifications from my earlier teaching years, but after such a long break, I wanted to feel confident and up to date.
And then one day, I received a message from my friend Louise. She was asking whether I'd like to join her and some other ladies to play netball.
A group of women getting together to play sport? That's a YES from me! 😂
So I replied straight away: "Yes, sure!"
And then I thought… Hang on. What actually IS netball? 🤣
Off I went to YouTube to find out how to play and learn the rules. We didn't play netball when I was growing up in Poland, so I had absolutely no idea what I'd just agreed to!
I remember wondering… Who on earth is going to want ME on their team?! 🤣
But I loved it!
And before I tell you what happened next, I have to tell you a little about Louise. I first met her when she was our neighbour. Although she'd since moved away, we'd stayed friends.
During my recovery from surgery, she somehow became my unofficial personal nurse! 😂 Despite having a busy life of her own, she'd come round to check my surgical scar and make sure I was doing all right.
I remember desperately craving Polish vegetable soup but not having the strength to chop all the vegetables. So Louise came over and helped me make it.
And as if that wasn't enough, she'd sometimes leave carrying a basket of our ironing!
Honestly, there are some truly amazing people in this world, and Louise is definitely one of them. ❤️
And now, thanks to her, I was playing netball! Little did I know that this new adventure would play a rather important part in the future of Dance Fit.
The Dancer Was Coming Back! 💃
By now, I knew exactly what kind of dance fitness class I wanted to teach.
Over the years, I'd attended plenty of fitness classes, including Zumba. But I missed the excitement of learning a completely new routine.
I wanted something where everyone started together, learnt the choreography from scratch and, by the end of the class, could dance through a whole routine.
A different song every week. Different styles, different decades, different challenges. Old School Hip-Hop, Latino, disco, country, brand-new releases… anything with a great beat!
And absolutely no pressure to be perfect. I wanted people to enjoy the music, have fun and feel free to add their own personality.
In September 2022, I completed my Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing (Exercise to Music). It wasn't about starting from zero. It was about refreshing my knowledge and giving myself the confidence to step back into teaching after all those years.
Now I was ready! Well… almost. I still needed somewhere to teach! 😂
From a Swimming Club Prize to Dance Fit! 🏊♀️💃
My original business plan was incredibly ambitious.
Find a few classes to teach at a gym and hopefully get my gym membership for free! 🤣
At the time, our boys were members of Mansfield Swimming Club, where Rob and I volunteered. We were organising an event, and I visited Anytime Fitness in Mansfield to ask whether they could donate a prize.
That's where I met Lauren. She was lovely and offered some free gym passes for our event.
And then, being me, I thought… Well, while I'm here…
"Don't you need a fitness instructor?"
And guess what? They did!
I couldn't believe my luck!
Lauren was incredibly kind and supportive from the very beginning. She gave me an opportunity at a time when I really needed someone to believe in me, and I'll always be grateful to her for that. Because it wasn't just about getting a job. It gave me the confidence to believe I could do this again. ❤️
I started covering various fitness classes at Your Space Mansfield in October 2022, and in September 2023, I began teaching at Anytime Fitness.
But something else was about to happen. Remember netball?
Well, we played matches at Ravenshead Leisure Centre. One of the girls suggested: "Why don't you ask whether you can hire a room here and run your own classes?"
Hire a room?
I'd always taught at leisure centres and gyms before. I'd never organised my own independent classes! But I thought… why not?!
And I'm SO glad I did!
In November 2023, I started my own Dance Fit class at Ravenshead. Then I began looking for more places where I could bring Dance Fit to the local community. The Acacia Centre followed in January 2024, and The Summit Centre in April 2024.
And just like that, my little idea was growing into something much bigger than I'd ever imagined!
SO Much More Than Fitness! ❤️
Something wonderful started happening after our classes.
We couldn't stop talking! 😂
Seriously! We'd finish dancing, and instead of heading straight home, everyone would stand around chatting, laughing and catching up. Sometimes we'd have to be reminded that the room was needed for something else and we actually had to leave!
And that's when I knew. This wasn't going to be just about exercise. There had to be a social side too!
So we started organising coffee mornings, walks, nights out, social events and little challenges.
Over time, we also talked more about the importance of maintaining muscle strength and bone health as we get older. And that's how Body Strengthening became another part of our classes.
I am SO grateful to everyone who joined me at the very beginning. Many of those wonderful people are still dancing with me today. My original crew! ❤️
But what makes me just as happy is welcoming new people. New faces, new personalities, new energy and new stories. Because everyone who walks into our classes brings something special.
We have people who have overcome incredible challenges. People who have achieved amazing things. People who have struggled with confidence or even found it difficult to leave the house. And people who are still dancing at 84 years young! 💃❤️
I find SO many of the people in our classes genuinely inspiring. And the more I get to know them, the more I realise something.
We all need each other.
We all have our own challenges, experiences, strengths and weaknesses. But when we come together, encourage each other and share a little laughter… we're SO much stronger together!
Sometimes, you just need to find your crew. ❤️
That Seven-Year-Old Girl Is Still Here! 😂💃
Do you know what surprised me most when I started teaching again? How much I'd missed it.
I don't think I fully realised until I stood in front of a class. Suddenly, I felt like seven-year-old Edyta on Christmas Eve! SO excited! Full of energy! Ready to burst! 🤣
And here's the best part. I STILL feel like that before every single class!
I don't know where the energy comes from sometimes. Actually, I have a theory. I think we create it together.
Everyone arrives with their own worries, tiredness, busy days and things on their minds. Then the music starts. We move, we laugh, we encourage each other. And somehow, the whole room changes.
I get the giggles. I say something completely ridiculous. And then I get home and think… "Did I ACTUALLY say that out loud?!" 🤣🤣
But I wouldn't change it for anything. This is exactly where I want to be, doing what I love, surrounded by people who make it even better.
And sometimes I think back to 2019. Would I be standing here now if life hadn't given me that enormous wake-up call? I honestly don't know. But I do know that I'm incredibly grateful to be here.
And I certainly wouldn't have been able to return to teaching without Rob's love and support. He's supported me through the difficult times, encouraged me to follow my ideas and put up with all sorts of changes along the way. Including my new enthusiasm for vegetarian meals during the week! 😂
And there's something else that makes me laugh. Sometimes, when Rob is working from home, he'll come out of his office for a quick break and find me working on a new routine.
And what does he do? He gives me a little dance move to include in my choreography! 🤣🤣
Yes, really! If you know Rob, you'll probably be laughing right now!
But I love it. And I love that he's been part of this adventure too. ❤️
And That's How SOdanceFIT Was Born! ❤️💃
For a long time, my classes were known as Dance Fit with Edyta Cummings. But over time, I realised we'd become something more. Not just a collection of fitness classes. A community.
A place where you can turn up on your own and leave feeling part of something. Where you don't need to be a dancer. You don't need to be fit. You don't need to remember last week's routine. And you definitely don't need to get every step right!
You can make the dancing your own. Fancy changing one of my moves? Go for it! I might even steal it for next week's routine! 😂
That's why I wanted a name that reflected everything we'd become.
SOdanceFIT.
SO much fun. SO flexible. SO you.
Looking back, I can see that the things I love most about SOdanceFIT are the same things I've loved about dancing since I was a little girl in Gniezno.
The music. The freedom. The friendships. The laughter. The feeling of belonging.
From my first dance groups in Poland to hip-hop crews, performances, fitness classes, America, Nidd Hall and finally Nottinghamshire… dance has taken me to some extraordinary places.
And it has introduced me to some extraordinary people.
The Story Isn't Over… Not Even Close! 😉
If there's one thing I've learnt along the way, it's this:
Keep doing what you love. You'll find a way.
And if life gives you lemons… make lemonade! 🍋😂
Or, as I discovered during my very first shift behind the bar at Nidd Hall, you can always ask for some lemon and lime… and you never know what you might get! 🤣
When I arrived in England in 2004 with one suitcase, I had absolutely no idea where life would take me.
And I certainly didn't imagine that, of all the places in the world, I'd end up in Kirkby-in-Ashfield! 😂
It might not be at the top of everyone's dream travel destinations, but I'll tell you something… it's definitely full of wonderful people. ❤️
And those wonderful people have helped make this place my home.
More than twenty years after arriving in England, here I am. Still dancing. Still learning. Still making new friends. Still finding new adventures. And still occasionally saying things out loud that probably should have stayed in my head! 🤣
But this isn't the end of my story.
In fact, I have a feeling that another very exciting chapter is only just beginning…
And I'd be absolutely honoured if YOU were part of it. ❤️
We are SOdanceFIT! 💃🎶
Our boys growing up, exploring the world and making memories. ❤️ And somehow, those two little boys are teenagers already! Where did the time go?! 😂
From fitness classes to gourmet brownies… I clearly believe in a balanced lifestyle! 🍫💃😂
A month before my surgery. Still smiling on the outside, while inside I was going through a completely different experience. You never really know what someone else is facing. ❤️
Just days before my surgery, these lovely ladies organised an afternoon tea to make sure I felt supported. Louise is one of them. Some people really do make the world a better place. ❤️
Climbing mountains is much easier when you've got wonderful people around you. A fantastic day tackling the Three Peaks Challenge with friends. ❤️⛰️
During my Exercise to Music training, my lovely netball girls kindly agreed to be my guinea pigs while I practised leading a warm-up! 😂❤️
With lovely Lauren from Anytime Fitness, who gave me an opportunity when I needed it most. That little bit of confidence meant more than she probably realised. ❤️
What started as dance classes soon became friendships, walks, coffee mornings and SO much more! ❤️
Still exploring, still smiling, still finding new adventures… and probably still thinking about my next dance routine! 😂💃
