Kathleen Lopez

Welcome to my bio! My name is Kathleen Lopez and I am very passionate about helping people stay fit so they can enjoy healthier lives! I am an experienced Zumba instructor and Zin member, as well as, a competent elementary school teacher. My licenses include group fitness instruction, a level II teaching certificate and a black belt degree in Japanese/American Karate.

My training began in Reading, Pennsylvania when I was four years old at a local dance boutique (Marie Shaw School of Dance) where I was introduced to tap, modern, jazz, ballet, acrobatics and traditional ethnic dance. Dancing became a passion and opportunities to study under notable instructors began to arise. In the same town, I later frequented The Berks Gymnastic Academy under the direction of Tom McCarthy. And, at the Wyomissing Institute for the Arts, I studied ballet, tap and modern dance under the instruction of dance master Flora Mae Gillespie, student of George Balanchine. Travel to other Pennsylvanian towns such as Lancaster, Carlisle and Philadelphia became standard. At the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet in Carlisle, I studied ballet under the direction of Marcia Dale Weary. At Pennsylvania Ballet in Philadelphia, I was trained in ballet technique and pointe under the direction of Lupe Serrano, Prima Ballerina American Ballet Theater. At The Jazz Dance Center, also in Philadelphia, I was employed by the modern jazz dance company “Waves” under the direction of Shimon Braun. During this time I was offered college scholarships to Temple University, The Philadelphia College of the Performing Arts and CUNY. The City University of New York was the college I chose to enroll in as a dance major. In the big apple, other venues were explored. At the Fontanez Karate dojo in the Bronx, I studied Japanese/American mixed martial arts under the instruction of eight time world champion karate fighter Jerry “Fast Feet” Fontanez. The Rock Steady Crew of New York City, provided me with authentic Hip Hop and Break Dance training under the direction of breaker Richie “Crazy Legs” Colon and pop master Steffan “Mr. Wiggles” Clemente. Back in Pennsylvania, at an MMA dojo in Fleetwood, I earned a black belt in Japanese/American Karate and was employed there as a mixed martial arts and kickboxing instructor. At the Kutztown University of Pennsylvania I earned a BSEd dual Bachelors Degree in general and special education. After teaching for two years, I returned to get a MEd, Masters Degree in Education. I am currently a level II teacher and certified Reading Specialist.

Presently, I am employed by Fitness International, LLC. and licensed through Zumba fitness, LLC. I am located at the LA Fitness Gym in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. My weekly group fitness regimen consists of teaching three adult Zumba classes. Working as a Zumba instructor is exhilarating! I love performing the creative movements and encouraging people to join in, workout and get healthy by dancing!