With our Sweat-A-Thon just days away, we wanted to introduce you to our instructors, as they share what they love about dance fitness and how they got involved with AFTH!
Amanda K.
Amanda
Q: How long have you been a fitness instructor? How did you get involved with Zumba?
A: I’ve been a certified Zumba instructor for three years. I got into Zumba when I reached a point where I wanted to get back into shape but HATED exercising. I have a long history with dance – I have a BFA in musical theater and danced for 15+ years. Zumba seemed like something that would be up my alley. I found Greta Fairbanks at my local YMCA and fell in love with her teaching style. She inspired me get back into shape through dancing, and in turn made me want to share my love of dance with others and get certified.
Q: What do you enjoy about teaching Zumba?
A: The best thing about teaching Zumba and other various forms of dance fitness is the impact you have on peoples’ lives. You don’t always realize it in the moment, but every so often a student will approach you and share their story. It’s a very humbling moment. I know how much dance fitness changed my life, so giving it back to others is a big deal to me.
Q: How did you get involved with Adoptions From The Heart and this event?
A: I’ve been with AFTH for just over nine years as the office manager for the Central PA office. I was excited at the prospect of throwing a local fundraiser, even more so when my fellow instructors agreed to help too!
Jenna M.
Jenna
Q: How long have you been a dance fitness instructor? How did you get involved?
J: I have been a fitness freak for about 7 years and teaching for 4!
Q: What do you enjoy about teaching dance fitness?
J: The best part of teaching is seeing people change. Muscle definition, endurance, and energy!
Q: How did you get involved with Adoptions From The Heart and this event?
J: Amanda Klotz (office manager at AFTH) got me involved!
Theresa M.
Q: How long have you been a Zumba/Hip Hop instructor? How did you get involved?
Theresa
T: I have been teaching Zumba Fitness for 4.5 years. I went to my first class 6 years ago, I feel in love immediately! I remember thinking “. This lady wants me to shake my hips all sexy like in a church?!?!!” I literally did not miss a class after my first one. I’ve been making up dance routines since I was very young. Zumba made me realize that exercising can be fun!
Q: What do you enjoy about teaching?
T: I have so many favorite parts about teaching but here’s a few: making connections with my students (having friendships and accountability buddies). I also love making up my own routines and watching my students pick up on following my routines because it tells me that I am giving them the cues they need to follow. Learning new routines, meeting new Instructors and teaching for charity events all have all inspired me in many ways.
Q: How did you get involved with Adoptions From The Heart and this event?
T: I learned about AFTH through my friendship with Amanda. I truly believe in their mission. A few years ago, I taught a therapeutic program for children that have been drug impacted, I got to work with the families and children to support reunification or the children being placed in a forever home. I truly feel every child deserves a safe place to call home. I am thankful and humbled to donate my time for an amazing cause!
Greta F.
Greta
Q: How long have you been a fitness a Zumba instructor? How did you get involved?
G: I’ve been a Zumba instructor for 6 years. I started taking the classes and fell in love with the format so I decided to get certified.
Q: What do you enjoy about teaching ?
: I love seeing people enjoying fitness. Zumba doesn’t feel like a typical workout, it’s fun and allows people to tap into a side of themselves they may not know existed.
Q: How did you get involved with Adoptions From The Heart and this event?
G: I was asked by one of my very favorite students, Amanda, to be a part of this event.
We would like to send a special thank you to our instructors and everyone involved in our Sweat-A-Thon! To learn more visit www.afth.org/events
