Meet Estonia’s talent: Kaisa Edenberg
Meet Aerobics Queen 2013 Kaisa Edenberg.
Kaisa, how young were you when you started, and what kind of training did you do?
I fell in love with dancing when I happened to catch a television broadcast of the Estonian DanceSport Championships. I recorded every broadcast on VHS and watched them whenever I had a spare moment, carefully trying to copy the dancers. Eventually, my parents realized I was serious about it and took me to classes at the Stiil dance club in Tartu. My first goal was to dance as well as the dancers in those videos. I achieved that goal—dancing at their level, in the final of the Estonian Championships—after just three years of dancing.
Did anyone inspire you to dance?
I didn’t have a particular idol, but I certainly looked up to the older dancers at Stiil, who were Estonian Championship finalists. In total, I spent 12 years in competitive dance. I then started working as a bailatino instructor at DanceAct Dance Studio’s Tartu branch, where I can pass on what I learned during my competitive dance career to my students. I couldn’t imagine life without dance—I’ve given it my heart, and it puts a smile on my face and clears my mind of everything else.
What do you think the Aerobics Queen title will bring you?
The title has reassured me that I’m doing the right thing. It certainly brings a sense of personal satisfaction, too. It also comes with more public attention, new connections and new experiences. And certainly more work as a result.
How many times did you enter the Aerobics Queen competition before winning the title, and what advice would you give next year’s contestants?
I won the title on my 3rd attempt. I came 6th in my first year and 2nd in my second, and this time I won. The first time, a friend persuaded me to enter. I’d only been to a few aerobics classes, so even the simplest combinations of basic aerobics steps were difficult for me. The biggest surprise was making it to the final. In any case, I found I really enjoyed the competition. In my second year, I prepared more thoroughly and put more thought into my outfit, too. My goal was to finish in the top three, although deep down I was actually hoping to win. But I came second. I then decided to give it one more try. This time, the goal was clear: to win. My friend and I planned my outfits for every round. I was in a good mood on the day of the competition—I gave it my best and tried to be myself. And it worked. The competition taught me that if you have a clear dream, keep working on yourself and learn from the mistakes you made on previous attempts, that dream will eventually come true. I’d encourage everyone entering next year to dream big: perseverance will get you there eventually. You need some luck, too!
Which round felt the hardest?
None of the rounds felt difficult. It was all pure joy. My body held up well throughout every round. Since I don’t do much strength training, that’s my weakest area. I simply have so many other things to do that I can’t find the time to get to the gym.
How many classes do you manage to teach alongside your work as the Estonian Reform Party’s development manager for Tartu and Jõgeva counties?
This season, I teach 8-10 classes a week, though there have been seasons when I’ve taught 16 -18 classes a week. Alongside teaching, I work as the Estonian Reform Party’s development manager for Tartu and Jõgeva counties. I’m an active person and like having a say in local affairs, which is why I also stood in the local council elections in my home municipality of Vara. I was even the council chair during the previous term. A community center has just been completed in Vara, and from this autumn I’m also teaching a weekly class in my home community. People in rural areas need opportunities to exercise, too. I believe they appreciate it.
This year marked the 20th Aerobics Queen competition. Do you have a favorite Aerobics Queen from previous years?
Choosing my all-time favorite Aerobics Queen is a very difficult question. Of course, I knew about the competition before entering and looked forward to finding out who would win each year. But I’ve followed it more closely since 2011, when I first competed myself. So I’d say Maris Tamm: her win in 2011 inspired me to keep entering until I won the title. At the same time, Katrin Väli is a great role model for me. Now, 13 years after winning the title, she’s doing an excellent job of organizing the competition. Her sparkle and positivity radiate far and wide.
What classes do you currently teach, and where? Are there any sports you love outside work?
I’m now in my 7th season of teaching bailatino at DanceAct Dance Studio’s Tartu branch. I’ve also been teaching Zumba since 2010. Besides teaching classes, I enjoy running. I don’t have much time for it during the season, though, and often end up tackling the 23 km distance at the SEB Tartu Running Marathon with only my dance training as preparation. I’m not at all happy about that. But I enjoy competing and testing myself, and it feels great to exceed the goals I’ve set. The key is always to set a goal that goes beyond your previous result and gives you enough motivation.
Tell our readers about your hobbies
To be honest, I don’t really have much time for hobbies. My work is my hobby—teaching classes and helping improve local life through politics. When I’m on holiday, I love flying to Italy to visit my sister. Getting away for a little while refreshes my mind. But when I’m away for longer, I realize how much Estonia means to me. I’ve spent 1.5 months straight in Italy in the summer, so I know I’m an Estonian patriot.
What are your dreams?
I’ll be very happy if exercise remains part of my life and, despite all my other work and commitments, I can still find time in the evenings to teach classes. I love this part of my life, and it makes my day feel complete. I’m convinced that a fit body houses a healthy mind—if you make the effort, you find the time!
Author: Katrin Väli
Source: WHO – physical activity.
Come and work out! ArtGym
