Katherine Hughes

I began teaching at NC State University in 2001. After graduating there in 2003, I attended graduate school at Princeton University. I launched Zumba at the location and the classes were packed. After earning my PhD in Chemistry, I moved to East Brunswick and launched another highly successful Zumba program at Bally Total Fitness. In 2010, I opened my own business and began teaching classes at a studio that I rented out. These classes were popular and grew steadily. Also in 2010, I launched a manufacturing business producing Slip-On Dancers using Patent Pending technology. After having so many students come to a Zumba class wearing walking shoes with big treads, I invented a product that my students could wear that would allow their shoes to twist easily. The product has become highly popular with Zumba instructors and Curves facilities teaching Zumba in the Circuit. I continue to teach at Ballys in Charlotte three times a week. Additionally, I have led a fundraising effort at A Mighty Fortress Lutheran Church holding Zumba classes at the church. We have raised thousands of dollars leading these classes twice a week at the church location. I am an enthusiastic, talented Zumba instructor who is able to connect quickly with the class participants so that they enjoy the party atmosphere that has made Zumba so popular.