The 317 Project tells stories of life in all of Indianapolis’ vibrant neighborhoods – 317 words at a time.
In the corner of a Lawrence strip mall, music is almost always playing.
Inside Power P Bounce & Co, the energy is electric one Thursday, as the fast-tempo tunes from a bounce class rattled the parking lot.
Bouncing, or Kangoo Jumps, is a cardio workout where special footwear allows for less joint stress and more strength building.
The clicks of four-pound plastic boots were mesmerizing, even melodic, as the class moved to the beat, rarely stopping.
Owner and instructor Precious Jones, “Power P,” started the workout studio in January 2021, employing 16 Black women as licensed instructors.
“We all bring something unique to the table,” she said.
Attendees cheer each other on. Friendships are built in sweaty, endorphin-filled moments.
“That’s what keeps people coming back,” Jones said, “just the love of the atmosphere in the family that we’ve all formed here.”
Meanwhile, one Saturday night, Power P is dark and silent, but Maru Studio Karaoke is bustling.
Owner Jane Yoon has three jobs, including at Maru. Sometimes she works from the morning until 1 a.m., cooking Korean food and managing room bookings.
On a busy Saturday, the private karaoke rooms reverberate with jams old and new.
Angie Aguilar, 20, came to Maru with her friends from Columbus, Indiana to celebrate with her cousin who was returning to Mexico the next day.
“I really like to sing even though I’m not perfect,” Aguilar said. “It just lets you express yourself in a way.”
Donning colorful wigs, Aguilar and her friends took turns belting songs with zeal, punctuating verses with laughter. On Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,” they earned a performance score of 95 — a special achievement shared only between the friends.
Yoon’s never been to Power P, and Jones has never been to Maru Studio — though she said the two coexist well.
For the many who find joy through movement or singing, Jones and Yoon keep the music alive.
Have a tip for a story in one of Indianapolis’ neighborhoods? Let us know at 317project@indystar.com.
Contact IndyStar business reporter Claire Rafford at crafford@gannett.com or on Twitter @clairerafford.
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