To become an official Zumba instructor you simply take a one day Zumba Basics or Zumba Gold workshop. There are no tests, no studying and no passing or failing. In the workhop you learn how to do all the basic dance steps and how to cue a class visually. You also get practice in leading a group of people. Find the dates and locations to Zumba workshops around the world at Zumba's main website.
So what skills do you need to be a good Zumba instructor? The best skill you could have is a love and passion for Zumba. You may love to dance, entertain or make a room full of people happy. You may want to inspire people to lose weight and relieve stress. Having a dance background and/or experience as an exercise instructor helps, but is not necessary. There are many excellent Zumba instructors who had neither when they started.
Once you take the workshop you are eligible to join ZIN which stands for Zumba Instructor Network. For per month you get choreography, music, access to a Zumba instructor forum, a listing in the instructor database, and discounts to future workshops and other Zumba related items.
The hard work now begins when you are ready to put together your first class. You need to make a list of songs, listen to the music over and over, and practice your choreography. The choreography you receive from Zumba is helpful, but the beauty of the program is that you can create your own choreography and put your own style into it. Zumba is supposed to represent Latin and other world rhythms. The recommendation from Zumba is to use 70% Latin and fill the rest of your class program with whatever you choose. Bellydance, African, swing and hip hop are some other popular rhythms used in Zumba classes. Remember the choreography should be a mixture of both dance and fitness moves so don't forget to add some squats, knee lifts and bicep curls into the choreography. Then practice over and over!
Zumba instructors seem to be very much in demand right now. You can get a job teaching at health clubs, community centers and dance studios. You can be an independent instructor and rent your own space. The only other recommendations are to be CPR certified. If you work for a health club they may also ask you to have a Group Exercise certification. The pay will also vary according to where you teach, but independent instructors usually make a higher income. Pay rates at health clubs are from to a class, but if you rent your own space you can make up to 0 per class or more.
Being a Zumba instructor is very rewarding. Not only will you be helping others to be fit but you will be staying fit yourself. You will be providing a space and time for people to let go of their troubles and feel joy. You will be making money doing something you love to do.
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