Zumba Jam Session

This past Saturday I attended the first Utah Zumba Jam session. There are 3 Zumba Jammers in Utah (Teresa Auva'a, Athail Adams & Kass Martin). This jam session was with Teresa. I registered back in December and was so excited. I almost backed out because it was also my cousins' daughters' first birthday. My favorite niece, Ongo May Nydegger. Both events were at the same time. I ended up going to the jam session and would try to catch the birthday party after.

The class was from 2pm-5pm. There were 18 total instructors including myself. Some are new to instructing such as myself. There was one lady who drove from Wyoming to attend. Class began with a Zumba session doing the songs we would be learning choreography to. After that quick session, we broke down each song by steps and then did the songs with one of the instructors leading instead of Teresa. She had a wide variety ranging from reggaeton, salsa, cumbia, pop, merengue and hip hop. It was a lot of fun and I walked away learning some great things that I can share with my students. It was something I needed to get motivated to keep instructing. Along with that, I made some more new friends to add to my ever growing Zumba family.

Tonight is my Zumba audition (basically a class with me teaching a couple of the songs). I am so nervous. This is the first time I am attempting to apply for a Zumba instructor job that will actually pay. For the longest time I've used the excuse that I'm too busy, don't want to commit to anything, but you know what? It was all a lie. The real truth is, I am scared. I am a perfectionist. I am so scared to get paid for something that I feel I have room to perfect. I am not a dancer. You don't have to be a dancer to be a Zumba instructor. But it really does help. Let's just say when I was younger, I would never be asked to do a Tongan tauolunga because for one I could never get it and two, my rhythmn is so off. I do have to say, I've improved much. However, every now and then, the insecurities kick in, take over and I get so nervous that I forget the routine. I believe that is another reason why I am so afraid. And like my older post, although I know not everyone will like my teaching style, I have difficulties dealing it.

I'm learning to break out of my comfort zone and just do it. I might even add, Teresa asked me to sub for her Saturday morning. I'm not going to lie, I am more nervous for this class than the audition. Why you might ask? I'm sure they are like me, I have my favorite instructors. I hate when we have a sub in class. And that is what I am afraid of. But like I mentioned above, it's time to break out of that comfort zone and just DO IT! I might even add, I am teaching a Zumba class for a palangi ward tomorrow evening. Somewhat nervous for that. I've taught only at tongan wards. I will be sure to blog about each experience. Hopefully they will all be positive? Wish me luck! LOL.

Here's a few pictures from Saturday. Thank you Monique for taking them!