Hoo boy. Here we go. The post I’ve been needing to write for a week. A week!
First of all, if you ever wanted to know what a Zumba license looks like, I happen to have one with my name on it:
The training was something else. Equal parts thrilling and exhausting, with a bunch of business talk thrown in for good measure. Our trainer was a woman named Loretta Bates.
She was not only a knowledgeable trainer, but a very engaging and entertaining speaker. And she also wore glittery eye shadow and eyelashes, which is a look I’m pretty sure I’ll replicate when I teach. She opened my eyes to the history of the rhythms and music involved in Zumba and taught me a lot beyond left-right-kick-ball change. She also is one of those native english speakers who pronounces all of the interesting international words with the appropriate accent. Seriously, you should hear this woman say “Reggaeton.” R-R-R-Regeatone. Rawr. I will totally hear her voice in my head as I get prepared for each class.
I don’t know if you all want a blow by blow of what the day was like. It’s all a blur to me, really. But I did take away a few things. First of all, as you can see, we came in all different packages. And for a minute I felt sheepish about worrying that I wouldn’t fit in.
Because, really, we all fit in. All shapes and sizes and ages and skill levels.
Not just in that room, but in any room. Any gym or classroom or 5K or video in our own living room. We all can do this. We all can take that first walk or lift that first weight or do that first booty pop in a Zumba class. Because really? We’re all in this together.
Maybe I’m all warm and fuzzy because of an email I got last night. The very first teacher of the very first Zumba class I ever took saw me on the Instructor Network and sent me an email: “OMG! I didn’t know you got licensed!! Congrats!!! I’m so very happy for you! Good Luck and Best Wishes! Hope to see you around soon!”
It was neat. Totally unexpected. And really did a lot to calm the nerves that I’m carrying around right now. Because I teach my first class TOMORROW. (Tomorrow at NOON at the Wilson Y if anyone is interested. *wink*) And I want to be the teacher people come to because I help everybody get over that insecure “I can’t do this” hump and get them moving. Young and old, big or little, experienced or novice. We can all do one thing today to take care of our bodies, and that is a great first step in taking care of our hearts and our minds.
So. That’s my Zumba recap. My goal this week is to live through my first class (I’m supposed to turn around and face the class as we dance. Gah! Don’t they know I have an anxiety problem?!) and also to keep learning new choreography. I don’t know if there is some unwritten rule, but I feel a little awkward about the fact that at least half of my routines are pieces that I learned in other people’s classes. And? I want to get at least one person to come to a class who has always wanted to try, but has been too nervous to do it.
What about you?
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{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
WOW, Sue, that’s fantastic! I’m so proud of & inspired by you. I can’t wait to hear about your first class, even though I know you’ll do great. Lots of people in your area don’t know how lucky they are … yet. Good luck & happy 4th!
First, Congrats!! That is so awesome!! Second, Sad Panda, gotta work tomorrow or I would so be there, if you teach one at night or weekend, I will so be there!
Congratulations! If your enthusiasm is anything to go by your classes will absolutely rock!
You did it! Way to go!!!!! Good luck on your first class! Kick some zumba ass!
I’m telling you right now, if you were teaching a class in the Sebring, FL area, I’d be there. I have NO idea what Zumba is about. I assume it would hurt my knees, hips, plantar region, but I’d sure go to check it out just because of the passion you oozed here! Good luck my friend!
Congrats on being a Zumba instructor. I have always wanted to take a class, but the one at are gym is usually full. Best of luck!!!
Sounds wonderful – wish I were closer so that I could come to your class. Still haven’t worked up the courage to actually participate in a class yet. Here in San Diego, everyone is dead fit and very coordinated…except me. Keep hoping I can find one at a senior center or something, lol.
Omgosh! I didn’t realize you loved Zumba that much to go out and instruct your first class! Congrats!! I’m so excited for you and would totally love to come since I have never had the chance to do it, except I’m on bedrest hoping they will induce me tomorrow.
You’ll be awesome! Good luck!
so freakin’ excited for you! congratulations Sue and best of luck for your class
Congratulations! I think that is so awesome your doing this! I don’t think I could get up and lead a class, but who knows.
Congrats on getting your license!
It’s funny, but I’ve never tried zumba! I may have to put that on my vision board of what I need to try. I hear it’s amazing and fun!
Best wishes for the week
Yay Sueeee!!!! So proud of you
Um yes – I am in awe of you and your ability to keep reaching for the stars….just in awe. xoxo
Way to go!!! So happy for you. You’re gonna be an awesomesauce Zumba teacher.
nice.. great job getting your zumba license.. i love zumba and think it’s such an amazing way to lose weight.. it’s been very instrumental in my journey.. good luck with your first class.. zumba love..
If I lived closer, i can honestly say, I would be one of those persons to come to a class who has always wanted to try, but has been too nervous to do it.
Someday, I might get the nerve to try it… Good Luck…YOU will be a fantastic instructor!
AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!! I am SOOOOOOOO Excited for you!!! and J.E.A.L.O.U.S! Okay, if I really think about it for more than a second, I am totally inspired. Completely inspired! And really really pissed off that I don’t live in Michigan, cuz I would TOTALLY be there with you on your first class, if it were possible. YOU ROCK Sue!!! xoxoxoxoxoxo
PS. Blogger love for you at my place
God bless you!!!
Congrats on your Zumba certification!! Good luck with your first class – I’m sure you’ll rock it out! Enjoy!
CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You got guts girl! That is fantastic news. I can’t wait to hear about you teaching your first class. And I look forward to getting a report on how that coin skirt goes over with your students.
You give me hope that when I go to take my personal trainer certification test later this summer, that even if I am the only fat guy in the room, I at least won’t be singled out as the fat guy.
Congrats on the Zumba licence! I would love to find a Zumba class and get involved, but I am really afraid of working out in a group. I’m so uncoordinated and afraid of falling. It looks like fun, but I’m just to afraid of embarrassing myself. Maybe I can live out my crazy need to try Zumba through a good instructor such as yourself
Congrats! love your passion about Zumba and… well, your passion about everything! What a great experience
Good job…glad you (and them) survived. ZUMBA rocks!