Janna Minnich

I started taking Zumba classes because I was obese & needed to lose weight.  And in a short time, I fell in love with the format. The first five years I was licensed but I did not teach. I belonged to a fitness center owned by two Latina women that taught Zumba 7 days a week. I took ALL of the classes. They were PACKED when they first opened, over 100 people per class. It was crazy. But, I learned from them, not only how to "do" Zumba, but also, how to engage with people, how to TEACH people, how to light people up. I was always in the front row and they always looked to me when they couldn't remember their choreo. We were great friends & I learned so much from them.

 

 

Over the years, I have loved teaching this format in my own classes. Respectfully, I'm freaking amazing at it too. I don't go up on a stage and dance for myself. I TEACH people HOW to do the moves that are part of the class. Although I understand there are many different types of ZUMBA classes, I am original. Salsa, merengue, cumbia, bachata, reggaeton. Most of my music is Latin. I have a very Latina vibe (I also lived in Puerto Rico and taught there, which is a whole story and totally amazing). 

 

ZUMBA is not a career for me nor has it ever been. It brings me pure joy. I love starting a new class. Watching everyone dazed and confused wondering what I'm doing. And then, you see the change. A few classes later, they are moving up from the back to the front. A few classes after that, they are claiming front row. They make no noise, then they are yelling and screaming along with me a few classes later. I love watching the class, people that didn't know each other, congregating and making friends. Connections. ZUMBA is different from all other genres and formats. It's social. It's supposed to be loud, silly, fun. Of course I make sure of all the things, proper form, etc. But, it's FUN. And I love making it fun. I love doing theme parties. I love doing glow parties. I take the money out of my own pocket to do things - it makes me happy. For me, teaching the ZUMBA is more than just jumping up on the stage to teach a class. It's about building a community of people. Making friendships and connections. It's just so much more. I love bringing people together. It's my favorite thing and makes my heart so happy.

 

I am single (divorced 14 years). My children are grown and on their own. I have no pets. And my job is remote! I'm a freebird, a free spirit, and I love traveling, meeting new people and experiencing new culture. I am excited to hear more about the opportunities with this program!