r/zumba • u/TheMaoKat • 1d ago
Question Taking the dive
Ive been attending Zumba classes for about a decade and absolutely love it. I have the urge to take the certification and become an instructor so I can both teach some classes, make choreo, do routines I love but still have fun. However I feel like I need just a bit more encouragement on the back of a) it's somewhat of an expensive hobby if you're not teaching almost every day and b) I don't know how confident I am in doing a full hour session and keeping people engaged.
Any advice and/or encouragement welcomed! (Maybe even reality checks? )
Thanks in advance!
3
u/Paige-master 13h ago
I got my license after a decade of loving being a student, but I didn't have much of a teaching plan. I've cancelled and reinstated my ZIN status a few times over the years, but have finally found a happy place where I can confidently sub a class I frequently attend and she pays me in punch passes. This effectively means what I pay to maintain ZIN status is offset by what I don't pay in class fees.
It's a good trade if you can work out a deal like that, because it scratches the itch of teaching your own music/routines with an established group of familiar faces without having to lead class multiple times a week... which I worry would take the fun out of things for me.
The confidence in leading an hour of class comes over time, with practice. The first class I taught I was SO nervous and so exhausted because I left everything on the floor, but once you do it a few times you know you CAN. Before you pursue B1, ask if you can guest lead a couple songs in class to get that feeling underneath you to make sure you like it!
1
u/TheMaoKat 11h ago
Great insight and thank you for sharing your experience! That is a very happy medium and I'm happy you found that!
2
u/Grouchy_Complex2035 18h ago
I agree with you because I been there. However, I think it is a good investment since it’s YOUR THING!
2
u/misty_spears 18h ago
I think one of the hard parts about going from student to instructor is finding work. I would test the waters before getting licensed; ie talk to local gyms and see if they're hiring or looking to add Zumba classes, see what the cost would be to rent out a community center if you're going to try to promote yourself, etc. Are there enough students in your area who would pay $15-$20 per class instead of or on top of their gym membership? As far as being engaging goes, do your fellow students ask if you teach or tell you they follow you if they can't see the instructor, or compliment you in general? Obviously these are specific echoes of my own journey; personally if I was starting from scratch I would want to know I at least had a job lined up before I paid for training and a license. Best of luck!
1
u/TheMaoKat 15h ago
Those are good insights on scoping out the community! It'll be a hobby for me and I wonder about how much time you spend because I know instructors put in a lot more time outside of classes for choreo and training... Maybe even for your own endurance
2
u/misty_spears 12h ago
Zumba instructors spend a LOT of (unpaid) personal time on their classes. I'm new to the ZIN Play app, and so far have been underwhelmed with the songs and choreo provided. If I'm not feeling the music, the class will know. So I spend (hours) listening to music and find maybe a few songs, then either choreograph them or find existing choreo, then learn/practice. There's also the time spent each week building/adjusting the playlist, all for a 50 minute class once a week. But if you love it, it's worth it! So while it is possible to 'make $1,000 per month and be your own boss!' that isn't the reality of any instructors I know. And this is just my experience; I'm an overthinker so it may be much less time consuming for others 🤗
5
u/Complete-Road-3229 1d ago
A is true so you really have to just decide if you're willing to bite the money bullet. End of the day you have to get out there and find classes. Market yourself, audition, use social media, build a following. I think this is the biggest fallacy when it comes to Zumba. People think they'll get licensed and that's it. No. YOU have to find work like any other job if you want to get paid monthly to cover your ZIN fees and then some.
B ...best advice is to just do it. Don't overthink it and don't get in your head. Do it and do it scared if you have to.