Boy, I really need to update my blog. Yes, I got Zumba certified and have been teaching free classes (donations accepted) in Point Loma at NTC Promenade (Liberty Station). So if you are in the San Diego area and would like to give Zumba a try, come party with us. You can’t beat my price.
Here are the Facebook events for each class this month:
I will always have a free class on the 4th Saturday of the month at this location, Dance Place San Diego. I have yet to decided if I am going to do classes that cost money. I have taught private classes and you can contact me for rates.
Why free?
I have a wonderful day job in IT. I teach Zumba because I want to share something I love, not because I plan to make a full-time career out of this. As long as the optional donations in my free classes are enough to pay for the studio rental, then I’ll be happy. It’s a way for me to get friends and family out dancing with me and possibly to encourage other people to get fit, no matter their economic status. Feel free to share these events with friends!
February 18, 2012 in La Jolla: I will be doing a day-long workshop to become a certified Zumba instructor. I think I have been enjoying the workouts off-and-on long enough (years). It’s time to take the leap! I am so excited! I won’t be quitting my awesome IT day job (I love it too much), but I already have my first post-cert goal which is to host some informal classes with my friends and family who are either curious about trying Zumba or need a kick in the butt to work out more. What’s more fun than having a fitness party with people you know and like?
According to this mysterious person’s journal entry, there will be clothing and other merchandise for sale so I’ll be sure to bring some cash with me. I’ve always wanted Zumba-branded gear, but the reviews at their online store indicate the sizes are really random and I didn’t want to deal with returns. Now I’ll be able to try stuff on right there. Yay!
I’ve begun to research what to expect at Zumba Basic 1. Aside from “bring cash”, I also learned I should show up early to fill out paperwork and ultimately get a good spot toward the front in the master class. I also plan to bring my own protein drinks, some snacks and an energy bar. It’s too bad I won’t know anyone there so I am going to make an effort to make friends. I need to find where I put my mini Moo cards.
Though the workshop will focus on salsa, meringue, cumbia and reggaeton, I will be expanding far beyond that as I put my numbers together. In fact, my favorite teacher, Christen has concocted some ridiculously fun routines to songs I currently hear on the pop radio stations. Some Zumba purists complain about people teaching songs that are not Latin in style, but I love when instructors take the time to choreograph moves to pop and hip hop music. I think it helps reach out to more potential students and makes Zumba something that can be loved universally!
I also love when instructors/choreographers break out of the norm and choose some old school Michael Jackson or a blast-from-the-past number. It makes Zumba feel timeless and reminds us it truly is for anyone (no matter what their age or cultural background). I definitely intend to have an eclectic song playlist when I start teaching!
What I look forward to most (besides having an excuse to get my loved ones together to party) is coming up with choreography. I will leave you with some examples of my very favorite original workouts, choreographed by Zumba instructors! Enjoy and… wish me luck!
Song: Don Omar - Taboo / Instructor: Lucia Meresova
Lovely, classically Zumba in style and fun. No wonder it’s an award winner!
Song: Pitbull - Hotel / Instructor: Amber
Ignoring the terrible audio, look at how easy the moves are.
It’s a great workout and looks sexy!
Song: Kenny Loggins - Footloose / Instructor:Amber
Great example of an enthusiastic teacher, interesting song choice (from the 80s) and varied age range of students. Look how fun this looks! Nice finish move too.
Michelle is a San Diego-based IT Geek by day and filmmaker/singer-songwriter by night. She is the founder of Kill9 Studios and even stars in her own music videos. Aside from Star Wars and technology, her passion is dancing/singing/writing funny, geeky music! Full Bio
