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Juan Pablo Santana, As a child growing up in Colombia, my undying need to move and my mother's undying need for peace pushed me into the dance and fitness world at a very young age. Not having money to pay for lessons, my days after school were spent working and helping out in performing arts and karate schools so as to learn as much as I could and train for free. From the moment my nose pressed against the windows of these schools, I knew that this art is what I would do for the rest of my life.
Before long, I was competing, choreographing, and teaching Sport Aerobics, Karate Do, Latin and Hip Hop Dance, Cheerleading, and Rumbacize. At 15 years old, I was the youngest fitness instructor in Colombia. This led to many awards and commendations that ultimately led me to the U.S. where I discovered the new and improved Rumbacize fitness program called, Zumba.
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| I never dreamed that I would live in the U.S. much less have the opportunity to share what I have learned in my profession with a whole new world. I was excited beyond imagination to begin this new chapter in my life and took as many teaching jobs as possible. |
Soon, I was teaching Zumba to packed to classes all over LA and word was spreading. I watched in awe as the lives of my students were changing in so many positive ways. It was and is an amazing feeling to lead a group of people who have such energy and zest for life. I realized that this dance program was more than just exercise. It was really an uplifting experience for everyone, including me! My students were coming to my classes again and again not only because of the changes that were happening in their bodies, but also because how participating in my classes made them feel. I understood at this point that my mission in this profession is not only to lead my students to a healthier state of physical being, but to lead them to a healthier state of emotional and mental being as well.
I believe that Zumba and dancing for health is the easiest and most natural way to achieve one's fitness goals. It is a celebration of music and life, and because of this, is a very effective way to maintain an active lifestyle. People will continue to come back because they don’t feel like it is exercise when in fact they are burning serious calories and working every major muscle in their body. Who knew working out could be so much fun and make you feel so good while you are doing it? Every person who leaves my class, sweating and smiling, says the same thing. “Oh my gosh! That was so much fun! I have to tell my mom!”. What more can a fitness instructor ask for? |
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Shawnee Rioles Hi there. My name is Shawnee and I am a 31 year old mom living in the Los Angeles area. Many of my earlier years were spent studying and performing musical theater, ballet, jazz, and lyrical dance. In addition, growing up in South Florida exposed me to the beautiful beats of Latin music at an early age. I had the opportunity to perform in many latin parades and festivals including Calle Ocho in Miami. After my son was born, the need to balance my dance life with my new role as a mother led me to teaching expressive movement to preschoolers. Soon, I developed a new passion for teaching and sharing my love of music and dance with others. Zumba has become an expression of that passion. But with Zumba, I am able to nurture my own mind, body, and spirit as well as moving others to do so. It's a phenominal way of staying in shape while still having the time of your life! Check out my schedule. I look forward to sharing this amazing experience with you. Zumba on!
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Melissa Quiros began her passion for dance at a very young age. Her mother would rock her to sleep in their native land of Costa Rica to the sounds of classic Latin rhythms. By the age of three she was imitating her mother’s moves as she watched her teach dance to the neighborhood kids. By the time she was six, her family moved to the United States. There, Melissa quickly adapted and began showing her talent in many musical performances for her city and local schools of Downey, California. Since then, she has taken many courses and received certifications in health and nutrition. She received her Zumba certification in December of 2006 and is also AFFA certified in group fitness. Today, Melissa is enjoying being able to combine her love for dance and fitness with Zumba.
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Amy Wetzel, Amy Wetzel has been dancing and performing since she was a young child.
She is classically trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theater,
Hawaiian, Lyrical, Contemporary and Hip Hop, and has been teaching dance
for over 7 years. Amy has competed and performed with an award winning
performing team since the age of 11, and is a principal dancer in the
West Valley Ballet Company. Looking for a way to loose weight, Amy
decided to try the new Zumba class offered at the studio that she
teaches. She was immediately hooked, taking every class available!
Now, she has lost over 30 pounds and has realized her new passion for
life in Zumba! She has recently become a certified Zumba Instructor and
is teaching at the studio where it all began!
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