Angela Ponzio

A professional dancer and performer at age nine and choreographer for professional dance companies since age 16, I have always made dance, music, and fitness a giant part of my life. Now a professional ZUMBA instructor certified as well by AFFA and in ZUMBA Basic, ZUMBA Basic II, ZUMBA Gold, and ZUMBA Toning, I am currently working towards certification from ACE, NESTA, and FITour. I currently teach ZUMBA classes in and around Chicago, and routinely enjoy between 50 and 100 participants at each of my three weekly classes. The energy is amazing and very motivating! In addition to running a non-profit dance company, I have been featured in ZUMBA Fitness’ monthly newsletter as a “mover and shaker” for pioneering the concept of Nightclub ZUMBA. My ZUMBA at Rumba (a premier latin nightclub in downtown Chicago) was packed with participants. I learned about your company from a friend, Micah Blue, a personal trainer/bootcamp/yoga instructor who has in the past worked with your company. I was excited about the prospect of teaching ZUMBA in diverse locations and to diverse people. I am lucky to instruct to a diverse group of people, of various ethnic and cultural backgrounds, countries of origin and languages. ZUMBA is a format that is close to my heart because one does not have to be an English speaker to completely understand what he or she needs to do in order to participate successfully and have an amazing time. Though I am fluent in English and Spanish, and highly proficient in Italian, my non-verbal cuing techniques, energy, smiles and physical movement/cues guide every single participant regardless of language. One of the things that gives me the greatest pleasure as an instructor is meeting and instructing a new person for the first time. The mental and emotional connection that is made is priceless. To see a new face light up, smile, and knowing that they are excited to be exercising and are having the time of their life for one brief hour is, putting it simply, extraordinary. To instruct new individuals in a resort vacation setting would be a wonderful experience and opportunity.