Zumba is a fitness program that combines elements of salsa, merengue, samba, reggaeton, hip hop and aerobics. If you love dancing Latin rhythms, have contagious cheerfulness and want to help others keep fit, then you are the perfect candidate to become an instructor! Read this article to learn how.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Get the Certificate
Step 1. Visit the website https://www.zumba.com/en-GB/trainings/ to find the course closest to you
As a trademarked exercise program, becoming a Zumba Instructor requires certification only through the Zumba Academy.
Step 2. Sign up for the appropriate training course
The first step in obtaining your instructor license is to enroll in one of the following courses:
- Zumba Basic Steps Level 1, which will teach you the basics of becoming a Zumba Instructor. You will learn the 4 basic elements of these dances: merengue, salsa, cumbia and reggaeton. It will also allow you to apply them to the various movements and songs chosen for your lessons.
- Jump Start Gold is for those instructors who want to teach an audience of older people and how to target the physical and physiological needs of your students.
Step 3. Complete the training course
These courses are a combination of lessons and physical exercises to gain the experience needed to teach Zumba. Upon completion of the course, you will be issued a license to teach.
Step 4. Keep your license up to date
Licenses to teach last for one year, and must be updated promptly upon expiration in order to continue practicing.
Part 2 of 2: Other Considerations
Step 1. Practice
Before you can teach, you will need to master the choreography and dance styles provided by the fitness program. Take a course 3-5 days a week.
- Make sure you are able to endure Zumba classes at all levels before considering yourself an instructor. You must be in excellent physical condition to teach this or any other type of training session.
- Take Zumba classes at different gyms and with different instructors. This way, you will learn various techniques and understand what kind of teacher you want to be. Pay attention to which courses attract the most people and take note of the unique elements (dance movements, musical choice, general energy).
Step 2. Consider where you want to teach Zumba
Remember that the requirements may change from one club to another. Some will accept your certificate, while others will also require you to have a group fitness instructor certificate.
Make an appointment with the gym manager to find out more
Step 3. Consider getting a first aid certificate as well
While it may not be required in all gyms, it is a good idea to have this type of certificate in case of emergencies.
Take a course at the Red Cross and renew your certificate when it expires
Advice
- Choose the variations of Zumba that you would be interested in teaching and take their courses.
- Membership in the Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN) is optional. Joining gives you access to choreography, music, marketing support and training discounts, and the chance to meet other instructors.
- If you already have a fitness instructor certificate, getting one from Zumba will enrich your CV and background.
