I can't believe how much this class has changed my life. When I started teaching the free class in November it was on the stage and two people came. I botched every routine and I was sweating by the first song (purely out of nerves.) I planned on offering the class to try and get some practice as a teacher in order to build confidence and work out the kinks.
After teaching this class for eight months and the class size swelling to as big as 54 people, it became so much more than that. I had supporters from every facet of my life; family, friends, co-workers, derby sisters, ward members, strangers that found me on Zumba's website, and everyone that all those people brought with them. It was amazing.
I felt so buoyed up by every person that came. I know each person had their own reason for coming but I think we all shared one common bond, we enjoyed it!!! I would see smiles throughout the whole class, even when we were all exhausted! I had so many people coming up and telling me what they liked or how much fun they had and it meant so much to me every single time.
I have never been an athletic person or very good at any type of organized dancing but Zumba tapped into my love of music, moves, and people. It was always such an uplifiting experience. With my busy life I would feel so worried if I hadn't gotten a new song worked out one week or my playlist was a bunch of repeats or if I was tired or feeling gross, but you guys always made me feel so validated. I never left that class feeling anything less that amazing, exhausted, and thrilled.
Sometimes I would get emotional while we were doing a routine that I had worked hard on and I saw everyone enjoying themselves. It is SO rewarding to know that people really love something that you have thrown yourself into. I know we had our speedbumps with this class from time changes, audio problems, heat, crowding, or just getting into the dang building, but we always had a great time no matter what!!!!! Thank you. Thank you for coming. Thank you for bringing your friends. Thank you for making me feel loved. You guys mean the world to me!!!!
Here is the photo I grabbed of some of the people who attended my last class--thanks ladies!!!!
Onto the future---
I am still trying to figure out if I'm going to work at Ideal Shape or if I want to set-up my own shindig. I did receive a text from the boss-lady at the Orem Fitness Center and I have been invited to audition to teach there!!! I am SOOOO excited!!! The OFC was where I initally discovered Zumba back in November 2009. I have always loved teaching there and I have met some amazing women there. If anyone wants to come and cheer me on so that Nina just can't resist hiring me, I'll be teaching two songs in the Wednesday morning class at 9 am this week. I am nervous but I can't wait!!!!
What two songs do you think I teach the best? I need to bring my A game here!!!! (Not warm-ups, toning, abs or cool-downs. Just songs for the main body of class). Hit me!!!! I love you guys and I already miss you! I'm going to have major withdrawals this Thursday.