Last Class and my upcoming audition!!!

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.

The Great, the Good, and the Bad

First of all-the great:
I have my first paying gig!! I'm subbing for two classes next Saturday and the week after. I am really excited! I can't wait to see how I do in a foreign environment with new people and actually getting paid for it. I feel like I'm a good instructor and that I make it fun, but I'm still really nervous. I hope this leads to something more regular. I'm looking forward to actually finally making some money on this. I've been teaching for free for five months and I love it, but a little $ will be nice.

The Good-well it's still Great, I just wanted a clever title:
Class was really fun tonight! I wasn't feeling well tonight and took a 2 1/2 hour nap after I got home from work. I ended up not having time for dinner so I chugged a breakfast drink and then my stomach was upset. This ended up with me at class, groggy and with a stomach ache, but excited for class. You guys totally came through for me! I love seeing every smile and feeling your energy. It makes me so happy to know people are enjoying my class. It's also amazing to hear the feedback that people give me. Our record so far for the number of people in one class is 54! That is beyond my wildest dreams!

The Bad:
A while ago I was told that someone in my stake viewed some of class as inappropriate. I have worked really hard to keep my class true to Zumba, but appropriate for the setting. There are a lot of songs I have skipped and moves I have tweaked, but Zumba is still Zumba. There are shimmys, booty shaking, and some crunches (that are pretty much like a hip trust.) These moves are very useful in toning specific parts of the body and I try to explain why we do certain moves. Apparently someone still was upset with my class and went to their high counselman. There was a meeting in my stake to see if I'm doing inappropriate things. A woman from my stake came to class tonight and thought my class was fine, which made me feel better. The main thing that bothers me is that I don't know what they were bothered by and they didn't come to me. If there is a particular song or move that bothers you, PLEASE send me an email or leave an anonymous comment and I am more than happy to tweak things to make them better. Having someone complain about me where I can't help resolve the issue or defend myself makes me feel blindsided. I feel like I put a lot of work into this class and when there are problems like this it makes me feel like throwing my hands in the air and just saying "forget it." But don't worry, for now I'm still here. :) I've gone through my stages of dealing with stuff. I 1. brush it off, 2. cry, 3. get mad, 4. move on. I'm in the move on stage and I'll be there next week with some new songs!

Thanks for letting me rant. I love you guys to pieces and thank you so much for supporting me and giving me all your feedback. You make me so happy!!


PS-there is an AWESOME event at the Orem Fitness Center on April 30th. It is Ladies Night! It is free for ladies 16 and up and no guys are allowed. There will be Zumba for 1 1/2 hours with three instructors, free food, massages, and lots of other stuff. I goes from 7-10pm, and Zumba is from 8-9:30 pm. It's going to be amazing!

PPS-The playlist from tonight was as follows:
Abusadora - Zumba
New Low - Middle Class Rut
Cumbia Arabe - Zumba
Jai Ho! - A.R. Rahman
La Vida Es Un Carnaval - Zumba
Evacuate the Dancefloor - Cascada
Na Pona do Pe - Zumba
Waka Waka - Shakira
Zeina - Zumba
Forget You - Glee Cast
Pegate - Grupo Treo
La Tortura - Shakira
Hokey Pokey - The Puppies
A La Nena Le Gusta - Zumba
Telephone - Lady Gaga
Say Hey - Michael Franti & Spearhead
Firework - Katy Perry

Let's hear your stories!

When I discovered Zumba I was trying to start getting healthier. I have never been good at sticking to an exercise routine because I never found something I loved and so it was just work. I was ecstatic when I found Zumba! Not only is it good for my body but it is good for my mind and soul. I CRAVE Zumba. I need the beats, the moves, and the people. It has done wonders for me. I have religiously done Zumba now 2-5 times a week for a year and a half. I have lost 15 lbs, dropped my resting heart rate by about 20 bpm, lost some inches and toned up. I still have a long way to go but I LOVE ZUMBA!!

I have also made such amazing friends. Shelly was one of my first instructors and she encouraged me to certify and always made me feel welcome in her class. Pretty much any Zumba class I have gone to has given me an immediate feeling of acceptance. I have made some very close friends that give me motivation to strive to be better-and of course to go sweaty grocery shopping with.

I would love to hear any stories you have about what Zubma (my class or others) has done for you. Did it help you feel better after a crummy day? Has it helped you start a healthier lifestyle? Has it made you think about exercise differently? Let's hear it! I can't to see you tonight!!!!!!!!

Regulars, Newbies, Veterans, and everything in between

Whether you are brand new or a Zumba veteran, thank you for coming to my class!! We had another 39 people there tonight. I love seeing repeat faces because I take it a positive review of past classes. I know I make my fair share of mistakes in each and every class but you guys hang with me and I really appreciate it. I don't want you guys to get bored of the same songs so I switch it up fairly often and then I get a little lost sometimes. Sorry!!! I love you guys to death!

I've drawn a bit of a blank when it comes to new warm up/cool down songs so if you have any suggestions, throw them my way!

I know you've heard my schpeel about my up-and-coming derby league. I'm planning a Zumba fundraiser for my derby league. It is going to be in Orem at SweatyChix. The time and date is TBA but I am really excited. A large portion of the proceeds will go directly to my AWESOME derby league to get us up and running. So look for dates and future announcements. I'll probably get some raffle ticket and give away some Zumba gear. It's going to be a total party!!

Thanks for sweating with me today everyone. You rock my world!!!

Growth of my Zumba-family

We had 38 people tonight. It just made me so, so happy to see all those beautiful faces! There were new and familar people in the crowd. I love the variety of people that we have coming. Our Zumba family is as diverse as it is awesome!! I have a lot of people who have been asking me about teaching twice a week. I would love to but I am trying to see if I can find a different venue where I could teach in the evening. I would probably charge to teach twice a week or so just because of the time and money that goes into trying to prepare and teach a successful class. How do you guys feel about that?
I have the opportunity to teach a morning class in a local kung-fu studio. I am NOT a morning person but if it is all we can get I would go for it. The class would have to be at like 6 or 6:30 am because I have a normal 9-5 job. I prefer evening classes but I'm just curious about how much interest is out there.
I just have to let you guys know how much I appreciate you. Because of your love for Zumba, your willingness to share the word and bring your friends, we have grown from a class of 2 to a class of 40. THANK YOU! I absolutely LOVE Zumba. I love the attitude, love, and energy that it brings to anyone who hears the music and feels the moves. Thank you for indulging my passion and encouraging me on even when I forget the moves. LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!

First night in a gym-thoughts?

First off-we had 40 people there tonight!!!! It was freaking amazing!!!! It was our first night at 9:00 pm and in the new location (a gym!). I was worried we would lose some of our crew by moving to a later time, but we grew! We had 30 people last week and added 10 more tonight. I know that Zumba by nature is amazing and fun but I am very humbled and flattered that my class is growing so quickly. You guys give me a reason to listen to my playlist at work, watch the DVDs and dance with my 4 year old, and Zumba at every red light! I love watching people come back week after week, share it with their friends, and honestly enjoying themselves while working toward a healthier them. Thank you for supporting me. Thank you for motivating me to try to and be a better instructor every time I party with you amazing people. You are my inspiration!!!

What did you think of 9pm? Will you want to move back to 8:30 when we have the chance or do you like it a little later? We'll feel it out over the next few weeks and see what we prefer.

Lastly, a little shout out here to the guys in my stake that bore the brunt of my wrath last week. I raised some serious h-e-double hockey stick let many people know that I was very dissatisfied at how ignored the physical needs of the women are in our stake. They worked out our current situation (gym, later time) and I'm grateful. There is NO way we could've stuffed tonight's class in the tiny little multi-purpose room. One of the members of the Stake athletic committee even told me they had a meeting where they specifically spoke about the needs of the women. He thanked me for offering this option to the women and asked about what other ideas I have for women to have physical outlets. I expressed the need for us to have not only a physical outlet but one that offers a social aspect, is fun, and relieves stress for us. He was very supportive and interested in my suggestions and our cause. I'm glad to know that my kicking and screaming has drawn some attention and is starting to yield positive results. You guys are my support and thank you for putting up with all of the craziness as we get established. I hope we can keep working through this and maybe even get a bigger gym (withOUT a carpeting stage!).

I LOVE ZUMBA!!!!! I hope you do too!!!!!!

Too saucy?

I was told today that I may need to tone down my routines for Zumba. Apparently I have too much hip gyration and shimmying going on. I know I'm teaching in a church and I feel like I already try to keep things on a manageable level and I'm not too out there are overly sexualizing it. What do you think? I mean, Zumba is fun, energetic, and it's got some attitude. The hip movements and shimmying are all for a reason-not just to try and be sexy. The movements are used to work particular muslces and tone different areas. Maybe I just am more over the top than I thought I was. What do you guys think? Am I pushing the envelope too much for teaching in a church? Thanks for any input!

Concessions...for a while=we get a gym!

Ok. I was in a bit of an emotional tumble of an overwhelmed/feminist/angry she-hulk tornado. I was desperate for a larger facility and felt like I needed to be the center of everyone's universe. :) We took over the gym halfway through class this week and it was great! Being up on the stage made it so much easier for everyone to see me and we had room to party. I loved it. On Friday the Regional Athletic Rep called me back of his own free will (which is surprising since I had been stalking him for a couple days which I'm sure was fairly annoying). I decided to make a concession on the time in order to get the gym. We will be having class at 9PM on Thursday nights in the gym at 200 N 200 E in Orem. I know the 9pm slot is less than ideal but it will only be for about 4-6 weeks until my arch-nemesis (the church bball tournament) is over. In the beginning of March we will be free to adjust our time and get the gym for class at 8 or 8:30 as we see fit. I hope a lot of you are still able to come at this later time for a few weeks! Having a gym with a stage will be SO nice and it is still FREE!!! I am very excited to have the space for us to infect our new space with Zumba fever! Thoughts?
Now I'm going to take a deep cleaning breath, try to take back all the things I muttered under my breath, and look forward to our gym time. See you on Thursday!

What to do?

I love how my class is growing every week. It is amazing to see familiar faces and new people every time. It makes me so excited to know that people are feeling the Zumbalove and energy! I'm getting a little sad because I'm having a REALLY difficult time getting a larger place to hold our class. As of right now we have been in the multi-purpose room at my church at it was ok, but we have definitly outgrown it! I have been in touch with many different levels of leadership in my ward/stake/region without much to show for it yet. Apparently basketball is the primary concern and priority of every single building. It's a little frustrating for me! I understand that the guys want to play basketball, and that is great, but what about the ladies? Can't ONE gym be spared for us? I've pretty much been told we can do it at 6 pm or 9 pm. (before or after basketball.) Wouldn't it be nice if basketball changed a little for us? Apparently I'm a dreamer. *sigh* I needed to vent a little. Thanks. :)

Moving onward and upward! I'm going to start approaching a few local martial arts studios to see if any of them would like to let me start a Zumba class in their facility. If I did this I would have to charge for class. Would you guys be willing to pay to attend? I love teaching my free class but I think it would be fun to teach in a better facility once or twice a week as well. I'd love any ideas or feedback that you have.

If you have been to my class before, I hope to see you again. Thank you for coming and sweating, laughing, and partying with me!!!!

Another passion is budding...

I am a bit of a crazy, out there, fun loving girl. So today I decided to jump in to the Happy Valley Derby Darlin roller derby league. It is just starting and I am so excited!!! I have dreamed of joining a roller derby team for a couple years but there has never been one in Utah Valley so I was so excited when I heard this one was starting up.

I went to my first meeting today (I think it's the second or third so far) and it was great! I love the attitude and excitment from the girls. It is going to be kick a!! We are starting to work on the organization, funding, sponsorships, schedules, and everything. I really like the idea of being part of this from the beginning. It's going to be fun to help get this up and running.

If any of you interested in letting your alter ego out on the rink floor then find the Happy Valley Derby Darlins on Facebook and join us! It is going to be so awesome!!!!!!!

Are you all ready to get your Zumba on tomorrow???? Be there!!! It's going to be a party!!!

Teaching

I absolutely love teaching Zumba!! I love getting up there and getting people into the music. I love seeing people smile and enjoy themselves! I have been able to teach at my church for about two months now and it is awesome. I have also been able to teach for two different wards at a Relief Society activity and have had a great time with so many awesome women! I hope to get a paying gig soon but I enjoy teaching my free class each Thursday night. I hope to see you there soon!!! Bring your water, attitude, and leave your inhibitions at the door!!!

If you have been to my class, I would love your feedback! I want to be the best instructor I can be! I want to do whatever I can to make it fun and exciting for you. I have an incredibly thick skin so let me know what you think, good or bad. :) Thank you!!!!

Welcome!

I am Charlotte and I am completely addicted to Zumba. I found it in November 2009 and only made it through half of the class my first time but I loved it. I have never stuck to an exercise program for more than a couple of months before I found Zumba. I have been addicted every since that first class. I crave it now! It find myself laughing, cheering, and having an amazing time, all while burning calories! I think that Zumba is amazing. I think that anyone, no matter their size, age, or fitness ability can do Zumba. It is very versatile and can be modified to whatever you need. I've been teaching since November 2010 and I love it. I love watching people smile and enjoy themselves as they party their way to better health.