On Saturday, April 26, Sarah J’s Fitness located at 951 Wiscasset Road in Boothbay (the former Short Cuts salon) had its grand opening party.

The studio was packed with 35 people attending, and many more stopped in briefly to wish her well. A total of eight instructors were there, including Sarah Gudroe (owner), Shane Hatcher (Gudroe's business partner), Kristen Campbell, Timothy Fish, Sarah Brewer, Tanya Clark, Kathleen Lamothe and Julie Higgins. Clark came all the way from Massachusetts to attend.

“She is so inspirational,” Gudroe said, referring to Clark. Clark is a cancer survivor, and is the “Zumba Bald Chick” on the campaign materials for the “Party in Pink” fundraiser that instructors put on for breast cancer prevention.

The instructors took turns leading the attendees in Zumba dances, and while not everyone danced everyone enjoyed watching and partaking in the healthy food provided. One of the instructors, Campbell, has just recently received her teaching credentials. She started doing Zumba as a student of Gudroe's.

The studio renovations have been going on for the past two weeks. They included demolition of the walls in the studio to create one large room, painting, decorating and cleaning.

“I haven't slept much in the past two weeks, but it's been lots of fun,” Hatcher said.

Gudroe's student, Kristen Campbell, helped with much of the work with her husband Robby, along with Gudroe, her husband Darrell, and Hatcher. Chip Sample not only helped with much of the demolition, but also painted a lovely beach scene mural located in the rear of the studio.

“I love that painting,” Gudroe said. “He even created the frame around it.”

At one point during the party, Gudroe's students presented her with a card and balloon bouquet. When Gudroe opened the card, she started crying, as her students had gotten together and pooled their money for a gift card to Dick's Sporting Goods.

“I was trying to make it through today without crying,” Gudroe said.

Darrell Gudroe has been to a few of his wife's classes, and prompted the first “Men's Night” Zumba class, which may become a regular event along with possible “Family” or “Couples” nights in the future.

“I’m so proud of her,” said Darrell Gudroe. “Congratulations Sarah, I love you and I can't wait to see what the next year will bring.”

“I have some incredible students. They are inspirations to me every day,” Sarah Gudroe said. “I am so overwhelmed with support and love I received that day, I still can't stop smiling.”

To reach the studio, call 207-380-5432 or visit the facebook page www.facebook.com/groups/447349405344475.