From Cirque du Soleil to Lakeshore: Meet Andrea Ziegler

Lakeshore Recreation
May 22
4 min read

Updated: Jun 3

From Cirque du Soleil to Lakeshore Recreation: Meet Andrea "Ziggy" Ziegler

At Lakeshore Recreation, we’re all about bringing fun, fitness, and community together—and Andrea “Ziggy” Ziegler embodies all three.

With a career that spans world-class stages, Las Vegas productions, and Cirque du Soleil, Andrea brings a level of experience, energy, and passion that is truly one of a kind.

But what makes her story so powerful… is how she’s brought it all back to community.

Where It All Began

Andrea’s journey into dance started at just three years old, when her mom enrolled her in ballet classes. What began as a way to channel a “hyper child” quickly turned into a lifelong pursuit.

She trained extensively in:

Ballet
Jazz
Tap
Contemporary

…and even had a natural talent for gymnastics. But a pivotal moment changed her path.

“If she dances, she can dance into her 40s… gymnastics might end at 16.”

That advice stuck—and it helped shape a career that would go far beyond anything she imagined. Interestingly, Andrea didn’t initially plan to become a professional dancer. She was heavily involved in sports and even applied to university for physical education before pivoting to pursue dance full-time.

That decision changed everything.

From Stage to World Stage

By the age of 20, Andrea had already landed a role in Phantom of the Opera, performing while still completing her studies.

That experience opened the door to a world of opportunity.

From there, her journey took her through:

Avant-garde dance companies in Montreal
International touring productions
And eventually… Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas

Life Inside Cirque du Soleil

Andrea’s time with Cirque du Soleil was nothing short of extraordinary.

Performing in Las Vegas, she worked alongside artists from around the world—many of them former Olympians—creating a culture that was far from competitive and deeply rooted in community and collaboration.

“Everyone came with their own unique talent… it created a family.”

Between shows, artists would train together, share skills, and learn from one another. Andrea herself taught dance, Pilates, and movement classes to fellow performers. It was here that her love for community through movement truly took shape.

Discipline, Strength & Resilience

Performing at that level required more than talent—it demanded discipline.

Andrea’s routine included:

Daily cross-training
Strength training and cardio
Ballet and jazz classes
Prioritizing rest and recovery

“I’m a huge advocate of cross-training—weights, yoga, Pilates… all of it.”

Her approach reflects what we know today: strong bodies perform better, last longer, and recover faster

From Performer to Teacher

After years of performing, Andrea naturally transitioned into teaching, coaching, and choreography.

Working with Cirque performers, she began focusing on:

Recovery
Mobility
Strength
Mental well-being

She introduced yoga, Pilates, and movement-based training to support performers behind the scenes. This evolution eventually led to the creation of her brand Ziggy Moves.

Ziggy Moves

“Ziggy,” a nickname from her performing days, became the foundation of a brand built on three key pillars: Movement, Community and Joy.

After COVID shifted the industry, Andrea pivoted—building a studio in Mexico and launching retreats, classes, and experiences centered around helping people move, connect, and feel good.

Latin Line Dancing Comes to Lakeshore

Inspired by the popularity and accessibility of line dancing, Andrea created her own twist:

Latin Line Dancing.

A fun, high-energy class that combines:

Simple, repeatable steps
Latin-inspired music and movement
A supportive, all-levels environment

Her teaching style makes it approachable for everyone:

“I break it down so everyone can achieve… then we build from there.”

No pressure. No judgment. Just movement, music, and fun.

Movement for the Mind

Andrea is also passionate about the mental benefits of movement—especially dance.

She highlights that dance is one of the most powerful tools for brain health.

“Dance has been shown to be one of the best ways to support brain function… all those connections firing.”

From coordination to rhythm to memory, dance challenges the brain in ways few other activities can.

Her Message to You

If you’re hesitant to try something new, Andrea keeps it simple:

“Leave your ego at the door… and just move.”

Whether you follow every step or simply move to the music, you belong.

One of her favourite stories? A woman in her 70s who occasionally turns away from the class… and dances freely to the music. That’s the spirit of Ziggy Moves.

What She Hopes You Feel

When you leave one of Andrea’s classes, her goal is simple: You feel good You had fun You want to come back

“I want people to feel like… I wish I started this sooner.”

Join the Movement

Andrea “Ziggy” Ziegler brings world-class experience, contagious energy, and a deep love of community to Lakeshore Recreation. Whether you’re a seasoned mover or trying something new for the first time—there’s a place for you here.

Come for the movement. Stay for the community. Leave feeling better than when you walked in. Because at Lakeshore… this is where fit happens.