Rita Madlock | Monkeytails Intelligent Fitness
For over 20 years, Rita Madlock has been a fitness instructor, presenter, developer, and manager. She is a graduate of Bay View High School of the Performing Arts, and of the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. In addition to founding Equinox Centre, Brookfield, WI and Santa Barbara’s Monkeytail Intelligent Exercise, Rita has taught her unique exercise program internationally.
Rita incorporates movement theories from her studies in dance, including classical ballet, modern jazz, hip hop, funk, Latin, and ballroom; as well as certification held in Pilates Rehabilitation, Gyrotonic® Expansion Systems, and Jivamukti yoga. An avid student of Eastern medicine, she also applies Ayurvedic principles and an intuitive understanding of each individual’s needs to develop an intuitive approach to improving functional health and fitness. She teaches fitness techniques and provides education about anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology. Rita not only helps students to develop their physical form and a stronger understanding of body mechanics; her goal is also to help each student to develop a deep energetic connectedness between body and mind, and a greater sense of self. Learn more at monkeytailintelligentexercise.com.
Rita also shares on why she celebrates Juneteenth
My fondest memories of Juneteenth Day Celebration go back to my early childhood home in Milwaukee, WI where the holiday was the commencement of summer fun for my youth. The anticipation of an all day party with neighboring families, friends, and the arrival of many others curiosity seekers from outside the inner city only heightened my anticipation.
I recall the early morning getting prepared with my siblings and all the talk of which event would be your favorite to attended, and how late would we be allowed to stay out playing. The air would be filled early with the aroma of the many delicious edibles that would meet you at every inch of the huge block party that extended from the busy infamous 3rd Street. One striking memory that remains with me were those impeccably shiny polished black boots gliding rhythmically through the crowds. I was so in awe to look up and discover these bronze figures wearing black from head to toe in direct contrast to the kaleidoscope of tie-dyed cotton and polyester jumpsuit wearing crowd. In contrast to their stoney exterior, they were kind and warm to us. I thought they were simply magnificently beautiful.
“ They’re Panthers”, one of my elder brothers said. It wasn’t until I was much older that I learned about their presence and purpose in our community. I’d like to believe that my early exposure to Juneteenth Day Celebrations elicited my first real glimpse into what it meant to be black in American and its cultural history.
When I finally learned what Juneteenth Day represented I wanted to know “why the entire country didn’t Juneteenth”? I’m still asking that question today as I tell those around my current community who know nothing of this very important historic day in our country.
Today, I’m honored to be a virtual participant in Santa Barbara’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth Day Celebration commemorating the countless contributions made by African Americans of the past and present of this Nation.
So, on this day and always is “Why I Juneteenth”!