I first got the courage to try Zumba on April 14, of 2009. I was under a lot of stress and needed the outlet. I was so nervous of what people would think of me trying to dance those latin dances. The teacher, Melissa, asked at the beginning, "is anyone here for the first time?" and I was instantly put at ease because I realized it was okay if I was new.
I did get lost a few times. But I had SO MUCH FUN! I made it a priority to keep going because it brought a ray of joy to my life when I needed it.*
I have celebrated this "Zumbaversary" each year since to remember the good it did for me, and for what I am now able to do for others. It helps me remember what it's like for the new person. I'm teaching the morning of April 14, at 9am. I want to extend a special invitation for anyone who has never tried Zumba. It would mean a lot to me to introduce you to the fun of Zumba on my Zumbaversary! I'll try extra hard that day to make it first-time-user-friendly.
ALSO, I'm working on celebrating my Zumbaversary in a super fun way with all of you that have been coming to my classes already. Stay tuned for details. Until then... share with me what your first time in a Zumba class was like, and what is it that keeps you still coming. Send me an email or post your comments below.
Thank you for being a part of my class. I really am so happy that we can share the fun together.
*read more about my first time in Zumba here.
UPDATE: Details on the BLACKLIGHT ZUMBA® PARTY here:
http://zumbaspot.blogspot.com/2012/03/zumbaversary-celebration.html
My first Zumba class was at Noah Webster in the gym when the Rec was closed for cleaning. I SO didn't want to go, but my friend talked me into it. I had such a good time that I wanted to keep going. I first started going in the morning before I knew when you taught. Then we figured out when you taught (MON, WED at the time) and have been pretty consistent since. I LOVE that I can "dance" and "exercise" at the same time, when I don't do either normally. Thank you for helping me want to exercise and be a better me.
ReplyDeleteSo glad I did that class at NWA! Met some really awesome ladies!
DeleteMy first time was one of those Ladies night out's at the REC center, so much FUN. I still can't believe I worked it out for 2 hrs straight without losing my breath! It was nice to get to do it in the dark too, didn't feel silly if I messed up.
ReplyDeleteHmmm, Zumba in the dark? Then you are sure to love my Zumbaversary celebration! Stay tuned!
DeleteOnce I married my husband who doesn't enjoy dancing I knew my "dancing days" were over... that was sad to me because I really loved dancing since I grew up going to Quinceanyeras and Weddings with dances for the whole family. My wedding had dancing until 1am, but that was pretty much the end of it...
ReplyDeleteBut lucky me! Twelve years after, I moved to Orem, got a membership at the Rec Center and found that Zumba was even better than Aerobics from the 80s.
I have enjoyed your class, Shelly, most of all! Zumba makes me happy and unstressed. I am a better me thanks to dancing any worries away!
Happy Zumbaversary! May you have many more to come!
Shelly, you're my idol!! I keep telling my husband that my goal is to become a Zumba teacher like you... Haha. I'll keep dreaming :) but really, you've completely shaken that clubbing bug out of my system, and since the hubs hates dancing anyways, you're a complete life saver :)
ReplyDeleteI first started Zumba in February of this year. I really had to build my courage to go, since I was feeling pretty down about the weight I'd put on since having my little girl. But finally I did it, and haven't stopped coming since!! I've tried a class from every teacher at the Orem rec center, and you're BY FAR my favorite :)
Thanks for being so inspirational and for making me feel so comfortable in your class :)
I will do Zumba for the rest of my life, all thanks for you:)
Yeah, I think the number of women saved from dance-starvation by Zumba is pretty high. :) I'm glad you gathered your courage and found us! Life without dance is so empty. Now we smile!
DeleteLOVE reading all these experiences!!! Zumba is about so much more than exercise. It is an energizing refresher that gives back much more than the calories it burns. Can't wait to read more about what it is like for you. First class experiences--TELL ME.
ReplyDeleteWell my first experience with Zumba was not like the others! My sister and sister-in-law had been trying to get me to go for a while. I was not interested! My body does not move like that and I don't want to look like a complete idiot! So they finally convinced me to try it once. So my sister and I went to a class at the Rec. and afterwards I swore I would never go back! I couldn't figure out any of the steps, I couldn't follow the instructor, and so I stood there the whole time looking like an idiot, which is what I was afraid of! My sister said she had a hard time following her too so I needed to try it again. So about another month later I went with a friend to a church where her friend was teaching and I have to admit it wasn't as bad. So I kept going with her for a little while and eventually began to love it! It was a lot of fun and a great stress reliever! I then found out that Shelly is the one who taught this girl a lot of her dances so I decided to go back to the Rec. and try one of Shelly's classes. All I have to say is Shelly is the reason why I love Zumba today! She makes it easy enough to understand but I still get and awesome workout and that's why I love it! I have been going for over a year now and love every minute of it! I also haven't found anyone that I like better than Shelly! Thanks Shelly for helping me to love Zumba and have fun exercising again! Happy Zumbaversary!
ReplyDeleteWow! I love this! Peer pressure can turn out good sometimes! And I'm glad you found the right fit for you. I have told people to give it more than one chance, so you are proof that that is good advice. Thank you so much for your kind words!
DeleteMy first class was about a year ago, and I was so lost. But, I was smiling the entire time. In fact, I never even looked at the clock. It's been a year now, and I still don't look at the clock and I feel pure joy during the class. It is the only gym time I genuinely look forward to. Thank you, Shelly, for making it so easy and so fun!
ReplyDeleteSmiling the entire time, not looking at the clock, looking forward to class--yes I can relate to all of that! Thanks for sharing!
DeleteFirst time I ever did zumba was in my living room, with all the couches pushed back. My girlfriend had been taking a zumba class and had memorized all the routines, so she taught them to me. It was so much fun and it was in the comfort of my own home (no one watching). My 13 and 2 year old joined in and we had a party! Then I started going to the rec center. My first few classes, I was giggling the whole time because I DID NOT know what I was doing. Now, I'm addicted!!
ReplyDeleteIn the living room! Zumba is fun whether 2 of you of 85+ of us! Giggling really is the best response. Love it!
DeleteMy first time was just to TRY it, because I was tired and sore from doing Spin classes...so I wanted to try something different...I went to all the teachers at that time...and couldn't get "into" anyone but Shelly. You make is SO easy to follow...My first time with YOU was when Ryan Shupe was there and I thought "What the HECK...she's recording her classes?!?!?!"...ya I wasn't thrilled...I hit out in the back...scared to death...
ReplyDeleteI gave it some more time...made some AMAZING friends...got the courage to move up some rows...and eventually decided to get certified myself. However...after teaching a class for awhile...and realizing how MUCH work goes into it...I've decided I really like being a "student" more...I love your class...I love you...and I LOVE the energy and excitement that I get when I come. Now I'm in the front and kinda-center...and I holler whenever I can...Zumba is a GREAT escape and reminder that exercise CAN be fun and go by quick...can't believe how fast that hour goes!!!
I LOVE YA SHELLY!!! Happy Zumbaversary...and I'm SO glad you found it and that I found you!!!
Ha, ha. All this time and I didn't know your first class was that crazy time with Ryan Shupe! Glad you still got "into it." And I like having you at a "student" too because you add so much to the atmosphere. (But I hate referring to people in the class as "students" because we are all there to just have a great time together--all equals!). And YOU are so inspiring to so many! I have NO IDEA what goes on over there because you all clam up when I dance over. I think I may have to get out the camera again--and HIDE IT! ;)
DeleteOh man my first Zumba class...Well I grew up dancing all through Jr. High and High School but I felt absolutely rid-ic-u-lous the first time I tried it! you'd think I'd never WALKED a day in my life let alone danced. But I stuck with it and learned different teachers styles and now I LOVE it. I go to your class twice a week and another class also. I call them Double days:) Zumba book ends to my Tuesday and Thursdays. I love your class and I'm always sad when I miss it.
ReplyDeleteI tried zumba a while ago and did not enjoy it at all because I couldn't get any of the moves. My mom started going with her friend to your class, so I started coming with them at the end of February this year. ABSOLUTELY love it. I seriously do look forward to it every time, and it helps me eat better so that I can dance without getting a stomach ache ha. :) I am so glad that you teach zumba because it has made my life so much better!! I am so happy. Thank you for being so great!!
ReplyDeleteMy first Zumba class was on May 2010..OMG! I can't believe it's been almost two years ago. I remember walking on a pack class and I king of just stood on the back...Bad idea been as shot as I am I was not able to see the teacher... I was absolutely lost!The teacher was so god actually her name was Cecilia which I was funny for me because I couldn't even dance thru one song!! so I was not sure I liked it so much. I went to some different teachers until...I found you!!! I really enjoy you class since the first time. I been coming to your class for more that a year now and LOVE IT!... I really love coming to your class and be with my other Zumba buddies :) Thank you for caring about us.
ReplyDeleteAlso you even have my daughter to come to Zumba since her quinceanera ...Thank you miss AWESOME! :)
Wow, I think my first zumba class was about the same time as yours, also with Melissa teaching. (not sure of the date though, I just know it was that spring) I had not done much exercise for a while as I had just had my second daughter about 6 months before, and had just come out of hibernation :) I could barely get through a single class and thought I might pass out on the floor. But I loved it and loved dancing and have been coming ever since. I still feel silly sometimes, but it's too fun to worry about that. You have been the BEST teacher! Happy Zumbaversary!!! (I hope it involves disco lights, or glow in the dark fun!)
ReplyDeleteJulie, are you coming? Your wishes are granted for the glow in the dark and disco lights! Hope you can make it!
DeleteMy first Zumba class was in December of this last year. I've danced most of growing up and all through high school and a little in college so I thought Zumba would be right up my alley....after my first class I felt like thee most uncoordinated person on the planet and I realized just how out of shape I was! I went here and there for a couple of months and then decided I really wanted to change my life style and start exercising and eating better and Zumba is something that I don't sit and stare at the clock thinking ok am I done yet am I done yet? I love every minute of it! I love the feeling of accomplishment I have after each class and I have SO MUCH FUN each and every time! Especially in your classes!! I also love the changes I've seen in my body and I have tons more energy now! Thanks Shelly for caring and making Zumba so much fun!!!
ReplyDeleteMy first zumba class was january 5 of this year, and it was to your class. I had just had my baby girl four months previously, and was frustrated with my body, and transitioning from a busy college student/dancer to a sahm after graduation was really rough for me. My hubby checked online and saw the rec center had zumba classes I could go to after he got off work, so he put enough cash for a month pass and a note in a box, explaining that he thought it would be a good thing for me to try out, and that he would watch our baby, and that I deserved a few hours of me-time, and gave it to me for christmas. Best gift ever!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy first day I came home so happy, and couldn't wait to get back on saturday. Then after I had been coming for a few weeks, a girl from my ward was going through a divorce and was really bummed out about life, so on a whim I told her she should come and try it with me, and surprisingly she did and loved it too. Now we go together several times a week and are becoming the best of friends!! We both needed zumba and each other for different reasons, but we have been so happy now that it is in our lives!
Mostly I love having an hour of fun just for myself, but I have also lost the last twenty pounds of my baby weight, which has totally boosted my confidence. Zumba has also inspired me to eat healthier, has given me more energy to play with my daughter, and has given me the confidence and interest to try out other forms of exercise, like power walking, jogging, and spinning. I love the zumba is just FUN. Even if I am low on energy and dreading getting myself there, fifteen minutes in I am sweating and smiling and so happy to be there.
Thank you for all you do, Shelly, you have changed my life for the better, and I love ya for it.
Your husband is an AWESOME guy! Couldn't agree more with your perspective. Glad you could bring in another friend!
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