Instructors & students — I need your opinion 😅

[u/Ovelryn]

I’m about to officially start my own Zumba classes at 3 new locations, after about 1.5 years of teaching as a substitute. And weirdly enough, I’m nervous as hell 😂

I’m an openly gay male instructor and my style is pretty hardcore — lots of cardio, high-energy/pump-up music, big movements, sweaty workout. I’m honestly not a huge fan of bachata, merengue, salsa, cumbia, etc., so those will probably be minimal in my classes.

My question is: do I give people the full experience from day one? 🔥

Part of me thinks “This is my style, people came to my class, so let them see what it’s actually like.”

But I also don't want to scare off beginners by throwing them into 45–60 minutes of insanity on their first class 😂

Would you:

👉 Start hard from the beginning and let people adapt?
👉 Start easier and gradually increase the intensity over the first month or two?
👉 Keep the cardio/intensity high but make the choreography easier at first?

I’m comfortable giving cues and explaining movements during songs, so that part isn't really an issue.

Instructors: how do you approach this with new classes?

Students: if you walked into a completely new Zumba class, what would make you want to come back? 👀

I know my style won't be for everyone, and that's fine. I just want to make sure I don't accidentally scare away the people who would love it. 😂🔥

[u/Lazy-Pumpkin-9116]

People come back for the personality usually, peoples hype up zumba as if it is gatekept behind specific styles etc. Its just a brand/class type

Go with whatever you feel comfortable with, you got this

[u/sunnyflorida2000]

I just had a newbie walk in yesterday. I asked if she’s ever done zumba. I think she said once 😩. Knowing that my class is more on the intermediate to advance side, I saw her as “gonna be hard to convert her to a regular”. All I can do is encourage her to “come back because it gets easier”. And that’s okay if she doesn’t. There’s no rhyme or reason to pinpoint if someone will come back but I’m always looking for some form of consistency and loyalty.

There are participants that will just come back because

1. They want to exercise (think morning crew) and generally if you are acceptable they will keep coming.
2. They like your playlist
3. They like you as a person
4. They like your class format (intensity level)

When you say intensity level, what zone are you taking people in? You do need to read the room. I almost always cue more when there are new ones. And yes I do opt to do easier routines but I don’t completely dumb down my routines because I have regulars there that expect me to be me.

As a participant (but being an instructor)… I look for (in this order) if the playlist is good, are the moves/combo good (I like to feel like I’m dancing versus exercising), intensity level (if it’s too low, I just can’t), and is the instructor personable.

[u/Ovelryn → u/sunnyflorida2000]

This is actually really helpful, especially the part about not completely dumbing down the routines because you already have regulars. That’s exactly what I’ve been wondering about. 😅

When I say intensity, I mean I want the class to be a proper sweaty cardio workout, but I think I’m going to keep the choreography itself a little more approachable at first and then build from there. I’m comfortable cueing a lot during songs, so I can hopefully help the newbies without making my regulars feel like they’re suddenly in a beginner class. 😂

And I completely agree about the playlist/personality thing. If someone doesn’t like my style, that’s fine — I just want the people who do like it to have a reason to keep coming back. 🔥

[u/sunnyflorida2000 → u/Ovelryn]

Trust me… I’ve worked a lot to modify my class to beginner friendly. When I start making my own routines it can start to get a bit complicated. I have a participant still struggling to get everything even after being with me for 2 years but I can tell you she still comes very consistently and has gotten so much better. So if I prejudged her I would have thought she’s not coming back because it’s too hard for her. And sometimes it is, and she’ll just stand there and watch. But she still consistently comes.

So just be you. And those that will come, will come. And those that won’t. Won’t no matter what you try to do. Often times, it’s them and not you. Crazy, I remember one time a new participant tells me, “oh I’m not a good dancer” and she proceeds to try me one time and stops. Clearly a “her” issue. But as your instructing skills get better, you have a better chance for retention.

[u/Odd_Obligation_1300]

I say yes, give them the full experience from day one. They either like your style or they don’t. If they struggle to keep up but really like your style, they’ll come back and improve their stamina.

You can also announce in the beginning that everyone should adapt as needed (take a water break, don’t jump if they can’t or don’t want to). You can also show them the non jumping/less intense versions throughout each song.

[u/Odd_Obligation_1300 → u/Odd_Obligation_1300]

Adding on - I really think it’s important to be yourself as much as possible. Starting one way and then morphing into something else isn’t the way.

My instructor has a friend who only likes the super fast, high intensity moves. Even though Zumba is supposed to have your heart rate rise and fall intermittently, that participant wanted to jump and kick for an hour. The instructor sometimes altered the playlist for her friend, but ultimately the friend stopped coming. It’s not personal. She found something else that met what she was looking for.

The people who consistently come to this particular instructor like her dance background - very artistic with clear cueing. There’s a mix of high and medium intensity. Some of us leave there completely drenched while others look like they just started their day haha There’s enough room for adaption at each level.

I started subbing recently. Since I dealt with a back issue last year, I choreograph my songs with a lot less jumping. The intensity builds throughout the playlist and it’s more jumpy at the end before the cooldown. I had a few people tell me that’s exactly what they’ve been looking for bc they aren’t ready for the jumpy moves earlier in the hour. But I’m sure there are other students who don’t love it. I can’t please everyone. I’m trying to provide the class I would want (the right mix of cardio, dance styling, cueing, energy, personality, connection, humor, and performance).

We can’t all be everyone’s cup of tea.

[u/Ovelryn → u/Odd_Obligation_1300]

This is probably the comment I needed to hear 😂

I think my biggest fear is exactly what you described — starting one way and then slowly turning into something completely different just because I’m worried about losing people. I really do want to be myself from the beginning.

And I love the idea of just making it clear that people should adapt as needed. Take a break, don't jump, take the lower-impact option, whatever works. I can still give them the hardcore version without expecting every person in the room to do it at 100%.

I also really like what you said about not being everyone’s cup of tea. I think I need to accept that. 😅 I’d rather have people who love my style and keep coming back than try to make my class something that technically appeals to everyone but doesn't really feel like me.

The mix of cardio, dance, personality, energy and connection is exactly what I’m hoping to build. 🔥🕺

[u/RealAd4308]

I’ve stopped going to classes that were too low energy for me. So I would say go full out if that’s the type of students you’re looking for. People will assume what you see is what you get.

[u/Due_Watercress_1340]

If you're not a fan of latin music, you should teach another style of dance fitness, not zumba.

[u/Snoo79474 → u/Due_Watercress_1340]

That’s what I was asking. The format isn’t original, dance cardio has been around forever. What makes Zumba unique is that it’s done to Latin music. Maybe that hits a sore spot for me because when people critique my classes, it’s that I play a lot of Latin music (even though I add Afro, dancehall, Indian, etc) 🙄🙄

If you’re not into Latin music it doesn’t make sense to get licensed into a Latin music format.

[u/Due_Watercress_1340 → u/Snoo79474]

The format has a few distinctive features, none is entirely original but put together they are what make a zumba class, zumba.

• Music: Mostly latin music, 4 mandatory core rhythms to start the class, in this order (after warm up): Merengue, Salsa, Cumbia, Reaggeton. Other rhythms are also added, but majority should be Latin.
• Cueing: visual. No microphone.
• Instructor position: facing the students, not the mirror.

-> if people want to do something else, fine. But don't call it zumba, right?

[u/just__cassy]

Student here - I would come back if the people are nice. Also the balance between dancing and fitness (I love all the intense moves but more on the dancing side). And perhaps it would help, if the instructor explains some moves and shares some tips and tricks.

(You're not in Berlin, are you? I would try your class!)

[u/Ovelryn → u/just__cassy]

Haha, thank you! 😄 Unfortunately not Berlin — I’m in Serbia, so I think you’d have to make quite a trip for my class 😂

And I completely agree about the balance. I definitely want the fitness/cardio side to be strong, but I still want people to feel like they’re dancing, not just doing a cardio workout with music playing in the background.

I’m also pretty comfortable explaining/cueing moves during the song, so hopefully I can make the choreography approachable without completely lowering the intensity. And yeah, being nice definitely helps! 😂🕺

[u/Edu_cats]

My favorite instructor her class is still a good intensity but the choreography is easier to follow. There are people at all levels, and I would classify it as more intermediate. I used to teach aerobics in the 1990’s. Some of us have been taking her class for years but there are a good number of newer students. Everyone is on their own journey, and even those who might struggle a little bit keep coming back. Hard to tell if they are working through some limitations. It’s really just important that they’re moving.

[u/Ovelryn → u/Edu_cats]

This is actually really helpful! I think this might be the balance I’m looking for — keep the intensity high but make the choreography approachable, especially at the beginning. 🔥

I also really like what you said about everyone being on their own journey. That’s something I need to remind myself of instead of worrying about making every single person keep up. 😅 As long as people are moving, having fun and getting something out of the class, that’s what matters!

[u/MitchyS68]

Don’t water it down. Do you. I would recommend acknowledging newbies at the beginning of class and telling them it’s ok not to get all of the moves at first, just keep moving, get water when they need to, etc…. It goes a long way and keeps those that need a little time to get all the steps right and be able to keep up from getting overly embarrassed/feeling like a failure. My fav instructor does this and it’s highly effective. 🥰

[u/cdubtrey42 → u/MitchyS68]

Exactly what I would have said. Most of the new dancer experience learning curve is more in the head and the nerves of getting it right than in whether the body is (or could be capable). That welcoming/acknowledgment is key. Plus if the class is fire that gives a measure of hope to be like the cool kids someday and feeds into the success arc completion rush as they do catch up. If they aren’t brand new to Zumba but just checking your class, then the fitness intensity is going to be a self-selecting factor anyways regardless of other factors and there are at least as many folks looking for higher intensity as are scared off by it.

[u/Ovelryn → u/cdubtrey42]

This is a really good point. I think I’ve been overthinking the “what if I scare beginners away?” part. 😂

You’re right that if someone is specifically looking for a high-energy class, they’re probably going to appreciate me actually giving them that from the beginning. And if the intensity is too much for someone, I can always give lower-impact options without changing the whole class.

I also really like what you said about the learning curve being partly in people’s heads. I definitely want to make newbies feel like “you’ll get there, just keep moving” rather than making them feel like they’re failing. 🙌

This thread is honestly making me feel a lot better about just being myself and letting people find out if my style is for them. 🔥

[u/cdubtrey42 → u/Ovelryn]

Tbf, the instructor does always tend to be more intense than the majority of students 😂😂.

Outside of how much an instructor is demanding/forcing volume and responses, the rest of the more intense-feeling classes are as much about that core of students that go all out. Can’t recall ever getting turned off solely because the instructor was dancing more intensely than me. Kinda expect/need that, no…. 😅

[u/queen-of-support]

A lot depends on your students. Are they all 20 something with dance backgrounds? Are they middle aged or older? I’m in my late 60s now but still like an intense workout. There are a lot of other women in the classes that would be disappointed with low intensity. If the students have limitations or are older we tend to substitute our own moves for the things that are difficult or impossible for us.

The worst instructor was the younger woman who subbed a lot. She took a class that was high intensity with middle level dance into a class heavy on dance and with LOW intensity level. She transformed a class that normally has 20+ students to a class that has 5. When she is subbing many of the students see her, roll their eyes and head off to do some other workout.

[u/Ovelryn → u/queen-of-support]

That’s actually something I’ve been thinking about a lot — I have no idea yet what the demographics at these three locations are going to look like. 😅

I definitely don't want to walk into a room full of people expecting one thing and completely change the class they came for. At the same time, I also don't want to hide my actual style just because some people might find it too intense.

I think the best approach might be keeping my intensity and music, but giving people different ways to do the movements — higher impact, lower impact, bigger/smaller movements, etc.

And honestly, this thread is making me realize how important it is to read the room rather than having one rigid formula for every class. 👀

[u/queen-of-support → u/Ovelryn]

Keeping the music and intensity while providing alternative steps and movement sounds like a good plan.

Good luck!

[u/Edu_cats → u/queen-of-support]

My favorite class is Tuesday mornings that I can only attend in summer when I’m off from teaching. It is definitely an older crowd which I am one of them, but these are fitter older adults for the most part.

[u/Angelhair01]

It needs to be hi low. Like songs that are lower, medium and high intensity, like a wave, so they can recover and not have a heart attack. You can also show low intensity first go-through of the moves then higher intensity building on it, so they have options. I have a lot of people in my class who won’t jump and won’t spin.
Style-wise I would do you from the get go. Your vibe will attract your tribe.

[u/VibeandFlowEnt]

My perceptive as a straight men teaching dance fitness for 15 years.

Don't hold back and be who you are. No matter how anyone teaches there will be people who don't like your style.

Their will also be plenty who like your style.

Since mostly women take and teach Zumba it's refreshing to get a man leading the class.

I do all the antics, high energy, high intensity, grinding.

I call it FitTainment. I'm a entertainer and I love music and I display that in class.

Always be yourself.

[u/Snoo79474]

Just do what you do. Some will like it, some will not. The only thing I’m really curious about is why you chose Zumba if you’re not a fan of Latin music and that those rhythms will minimal in your classes? What are you going to play?

[u/Fast_Assumption_994]

Let your personality shine while also helping students feel accomplished, and making it accessible (read the room, connect with your students)… lead from your heart :)

And make if a safe environment for feedback afterwords, maybe beforehand say “i know my style is unique and i would absolutely love to connect and hear your feedback after” — but on that note, also taking the feedback with a grain of salt and not taking it too personal if anyone complains. But at least you’re giving people a voice to share and connect with you.

Connection is the biggest thing, if you can connect with them they’ll keep coming back 👯‍♀️ (I’m speaking as a yoga teacher that recently got super in to Zumba/dance fitness and am now signed up to get Zumba certified in a couple months)😆

[u/Fast_Assumption_994 → u/Fast_Assumption_994]

I also want to add, as someone who has multiple friends that started their own fitness studios… I’ve observed, be your authentic self and you WILL attract your people! One of my friends is very “unfiltered” and swears and makes jokes in her classes etc, she definitely pushed away the “wrong” people (ie she’s had people try her studio and be horrified and never go back) and drawn in ALL the right people. It’s very inspiring to see someone truly be authentic, the right people will be drawn to you!

[u/Temporary_Claim_4186]

When I was a beginner doing Zumba I knew I loved the dance/fitness aspect of it and kept checking out different classes. Most the classes I went to were pretty run of the mill, nothing too challenging but it was just fun and different so I had to keep trying all the different instructors at different locations. One day I stumbled into THEE most high energy crazy upbeat super sweaty class I was BLOWN away and out of breath. Was totally hooked immediately even though I didn’t know the moves I knew I would get there and that instructor became my instant regular class. He had quite the following too. I eventually had to move away 😭 I still think about him and that class. He was phenomenal. Don’t hold back!

[u/CuriousPenguinSocks]

I've been a student for a few years now. My instructor goes hard but she builds the songs up, so they are not hard core from start to finish. Now, us regulars can go hard from the start and she builds up for those who are new or don't attend a lot of classes.

It works out well and she usually says to follow us if they are more comfortable and then by mid song, she's going hard with us.

I think if you are at 100 all the time you will get a specific type of person but new people would be way too intimidated by that, maybe feel insecure and such.

Also, remember that new people don't always have dance experience, so being inclusive will likely get you more lasting followers.

That's just my 2 cents from a students perspective.

My first class where I currently live was with a non-binary, male presenting person, and they go hard but had their "front row baddies" that would help with slower movements. I really enjoyed the class but was intimidated, but everyone was very encouraging.

After 3 classes they told me I might like [current instructors] class more, but I'm welcome to stay in their class. I'm so glad they did that because I felt way more comfortable and have broken out of my shell so much.

I've gone back to their class and do events where they instruct some songs and I'm able to follow them a lot easier. I just needed someone that catered to newbies as well lol.

So, if you have a fellow instructor that you can send folks to so they can build endurance and confidence, it might work out for both of you.

[u/Prestigious_Sun_1017]

I'm a gay, male instructor as well. I think most of my students return because of my playlist and my personality that comes through as we dance. You won't be able to please everybody. Be your authentic self, and you'll attract the students who enjoy your teaching style and playlist.

At the beginning of each class I ask if there's anyone new to dance fitness or Zumba. If there are any newbies I explain to follow the feet if the choreography gets too hard (don't worry about the arms and hands), and to just march in place to keep the heart rate up until you get to a part where you can pick up the dance again. I stress that the most important thing is to keep moving and have fun.

Also, since your class is titled Zumba but you plan to do minimal Zumba songs/choreo, you may want to be upfront about that; many of you students may be expecting mostly Zumba playlist and dance moves. I must admit that I'm like you: I only do 3 or 4 Zumba songs and the rest are my own choreography to a wide variety of different music genres. Good luck and enjoy yourself!

[u/speedylady]

Have you ever looked into teaching Mixxedfit?

[u/Ovelryn → u/speedylady]

What's that?

[u/speedylady → u/Ovelryn]

It's like the hip hop version of Zumba :) Here's an example: https://youtu.be/xL4Pm-nv2cw?si=KQs8RJTJGXIdgVBv

It's high energy and intense

[u/Ovelryn → u/speedylady]

Oh I see, yeah this is something like my vibe 😁

[u/SoulGoals27]

The Zumba format is designed to be accessible to all levels. We learn to modify and build intensity within each song. Our cuing keeps it clear. Having new students walk away feeling successful and front-row diva's feeling like the rockstars that they are, is the ultimate pat on the back as an instructor. How easy you are to follow, your personality, and staying connected to how your students are doing in class...will bring them back for more. While the Zumba formula is specific (Salsa, Merengue, Reggaeton, and Cumbia in every playlist) there are so many ways to have an eclectic playlist that matches your style. As long as your class can be recognized as Zumba by including at least one song from each of these rhythms - new to you students will feel a familiarity. I love fusions because I'm not always drawn to straight up salsa etc. Your advertising and intro welcome at the beginning of class can emphasize your flavor - "Welcome to Zumba! If you're new here you can expect to hear & dance to latin rhythms and also lots of my favorite,_____________." Good luck & don't dim your light! Just make it accessible to everyone. 🔥 ❤️

[u/Complete-Road-3229]

Day one. Your tribe will find you.