A Mini Story of My Zumba Journey and it's Changed My Life

Let's go deep really quick. I had a bad period in my life—a time where I prioritized other people and lost myself a little. Spoiler alert: Zumba is what helped me rediscover myself. It helped me surround myself with good people and regain control of my own life.

Love Zumba 🫶🏼

Chapter 1: Life Before Zumba

My love for music and dancing didn't start with Zumba. I danced jazz, ballet, and performance dance at a fun dance studio in South Philadelphia. I was also one of the Ramettes' Dance Team Captains at Philadelphia University. But after college, I stopped dancing.

Years went by, I was 27 and bleh—I was 60 pounds heavier than I am today and had very unhealthy habits. I was uncomfortable in my clothes and very self-conscious. I needed something to get me out of the apartment and something to get me moving.

Chapter 2: My First Class

I will forever remember the first Zumba class that had me hooked—the room was packed. The instructor was easy to follow and the music was super loud. I was in the back of the classroom, super red in the face, and having so much fun. The people around me were all enjoying the class too which kept me going even though I wanted to take a break.

After class, I sat in my car to catch my breath. I noticed I was smiling and overall just felt good—I couldn't wait to try the class again.

The more I joined the class the closer to the front row I got. The next thing you know, I was practicing on stage next to my forever favorite instructor, getting ready to start my own classes.

Chapter 3: Hooked on Zumba

There was a time when I ditched the negativity in my life ✌🏼 and did nothing but Zumba. I was teaching (or taking) Zumba Classes 4-5 days a week and hanging out with all the Zumba ladies ...all the time 🫶🏼. From lunches after class to the Zumba Diva Las Vegas trip—those days will forever be in the memory books.

I worked in gyms, supported fundraisers, held classes in pavilions, breweries, churches, classrooms, offices, parking lots, baseball fields, fire halls, ...oh AND in my super hot attic, virtually!

I am forever thankful for the fun days of dancing, the friendships, the stories, the laughs, and of course... the cheers 🍻

Chapter 4: Zumba is my Hobby

After dancing through two pregnancies, Zumba has slowly become my hobby and I'm thankful to be teaching twice a week. My family knows how much it means to me and I love them for that. We always keep it a priority and always make our schedules work. It's a time for me to do something I enjoy. It's something that keeps me busy both mentally and physically. It allows me to step away from the craziness for a little self-care.

Chapter 5: Feel the Zumba Love 🫶🏼

You don't have turn into a die-hard instructor like me to feel the love of Zumba 🤘🏼

I've met so many different people with all different backgrounds through the years. We all have our own challenges and reasons we make it to class week after week. One thing we all have in common? We always feel better walking out than we did before we walked in.

If you're looking for a place of community, positivity, and all around good feels, find yourself a Zumba class.