How To Become A Zumba Instructor

People have grown to be conscious about health and exercising. As a result, gyms, yoga centers, dance studios and recreational centers have sprung like mushrooms in the United States. One of the most sought after exercise is Zumba. The dance-exercise was started by Alberto Perez in 2001 and has gained popularity in hundreds of countries ever since.

Zumba is a combination of dance and exercise using slow and fast beats. The music used in the exercise are mostly Latin American and Indian with a mix of hip hop beats. A lot of people have jumped onto the bandwagon and enrolled in Zumba classes. There are also other people who choose to practice at home with the help of Zumba DVDs and guide materials. There are those who enjoy the activity too much that they want to become instructors themselves. As long as you love dancing and keeping yourself fit, you can be a Zumba instructor. You don’t even need to undergo formal education.

How to become a Zumba instructor

1  Visit the Zumba website for upcoming workshops within your area.

The organization is accredited and the only certifying body for Zumba instructors in the United States.

2  To become a zumba instructor, the first thing you need to do is join basic Zumba training.

Training for beginners involve learning basic Salsa, Merengue, Reggaeton and Cumbia dance moves.  You could also choose to enroll in Zumba Jump Start Gold classes which are geared towards teaching Zumba to adults. Either class will award you with a certificate and license that will allow you to teach Zumba right away. Basic classes will teach you how to choreograph dance steps according to the music beat. Teaching Zumba is fun and considered more of a leisure activity rather than work.  Basic classes cost $225 including guide CDs, reading materials and the certification fee.

3  Step up with your training and enroll in the Basic Zumba 2 or Zumba Gold classes.

The second level training for the basic category includes more upbeat dance moves. In this stage you get to learn Flamengco, Samba, Belly Dance and Tango.  Zumba gold classes teach higher level dance moves combined with the famous chair workout.

4  If you want to learn more Zumba styles, you can pursue other trainings like Aqua Zumba and Zumba toning.

Both styles are more specific and the trainings are focused on toning and advanced workout. There is also a Zumba style for kids from ages 4-12, and is called Zumbatomic. Kids have short attention spans so the workout routine they follow is shorter and includes dance movements that are easy to perform. Zumba instructors who have trained all styles are considered professionals.

5  If you want to focus on teaching Aqua Zumba, you would need to gain certification from the Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA).

Some zumba instructors choose to apply for additional certificates from the American Council on Exercise (ACE) or the Aerobics and Fitness Association of the America (AFAA).  Although not required, some dance studios tend to hire those with more experience and qualifications.

6  Zumba instructors are required to become members of the Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN).

They act as a support group to instructors and offer ideas for lessons, music choices and choreography styles. The current membership fee is $360, and is renewable annually.

A lot of people are looking for ways on how to lose weight and taking Zumba classes is a great option. It is both fun and effective. Plus, a guarantee that you will burn hundreds of calories even during basic classes.

Most Zumba instructors work independently. By doing so, they open their own dance studio or offer their services through appointments in private homes. They could also host zumba parties for both kids and adults. According to BLS, their income level is decent and can range from $30,000 to $55,000 a year. Advanced Zumba instructors can earn as much as $61,000 a year.

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