Denise Stageman

I am a certified Zumba Instructor, with training in Zumba Basic,  Zumba toning,  Zumbatomic ( for kids) ,  and soon will also be certified in Zumba Gold ( for seniors) and Aqua  Zumba ( in  water), basically I am qualified to teach every type of Zumba class there is- because I love it. I have been a Zumba "addict" for about 4 years, and I have more than two years experience teaching Zumba at two different health clubs near my home and at an after school program.

I love this "new" Zumba craze, but I have been a fitness enthusiast for 30 years.   I have always attended group fitness classes of every imaginable type from hi/lo, kick-boxing, yoga, step, spinning, all over the globe. I have been group fitness instructor ( hi/lo and step) on and off for several years, and I am often asked to substitute for other fitness instructors.

My students love taking my classes and I have been told I am a born teacher, and I suppose they are right. Since I was a teenager I have found venues of all sorts to share my varied passions  ( art, reading, etc.) with others. I have worked with senior citizens in nursing homes,  children and adults with special needs, as a volunteer teacher in churches, schools and community programs, and since 1993 as a public school teacher, first as an elementary classroom teacher and for the last ten years as middle school art teacher.  My educational and vocational background in psychology, art, and education help me be a better Zumba teacher ( my favorite avocation).  I feel my gift is in relating to all people from any background and any ability level. I really empathize how students feel and how they learn.  I share my enthusiasm about what I am teaching and help students realize they can accomplish anything they set their minds to achieve. For beginners I break down dances into easy steps and I encourage them as they are learning, for advanced students I push them to challenge themselves in new ways . This  helps all student feel successful from the very beginning and to quickly advance to more challenging steps and fitness level.  My Zumba classes are a party everyone enjoys and and the hour wizzes by faster than you can imagine.