Posts: 729
2/6/11 2:13 P

good luck to all new instructors!

current weight: 154.8

154.8 149.85 144.9 139.95

135

SparkPoints: (25,811)
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Posts: 242
2/3/11 2:00 P

Good luck and have fun!

(I have my training Feb13, so it'll be my turn soon. Can't wait to hear how it went for you!)

Posts: 54
2/2/11 3:40 P

thanks!! and good luck to you too!!

Posts: 219
2/2/11 3:25 P

Thanks Spagirl516 for posting this and best of luck to you. I am training on Friday. I'll let you know how it goes. One of my current instructors has offered to help me with my choreography. If you are currently taking classes you might want to ask someone if they would be willing to help you.

Posts: 54
2/2/11 1:46 P

Great advice!! Thank you thank you!!! And I will keep you posted!

SparkPoints: (19,080)
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Posts: 1,963
2/2/11 1:43 P

Hi there!

What an exciting time for you!

First, just an FYI, although you will get a certificate, you will want to refer to yourself as a LICENSED Zumba Instructor. Certified indicates you took a test and Zumba does not certify anyone at this time. :) Everyone says that at first...LOL.

Anyway, regarding your questions...personally I would give myself at least a month to prepare. You'll need 70% latin or international music, and you'll need to know your music and steps SO much you are nearly sick of them. You will need to learn cueing (your hand signals) which is really the tough part usually for new instructors. Keep it simple. Directional changes, cue ahead of time - not as you do the changes. Great energy, clear cues, and your passion shining through will make your classes love your classes! This is possible when you KNOW your music and routines very well. It is helpful to start with routines you already did in whatever classes you have been taking, at least borrow a few, if you can!

Changing one song at a time, that is a good plan. Most classes get new people all the time, so you'll always want to be ready to teach every song to the new people, but I would leave the playlist go for 3-4 weeks to begin. That is a great plan!

Take several changes of clothes to your training, pack lunch and healthy snacks, lots of water, and get lots of sleep the night before....and MOST important is to HAVE A BLAST!

Good luck and keep us posted!!! :) Sandy

current weight: 155.0

180 166.25 152.5 138.75

125

SparkPoints: (19,080)
Fitness Minutes: (28,206)
Posts: 1,963
2/2/11 1:40 P

Hi there!

What an exciting time for you!

First, just an FYI, although you will get a certificate, you will want to refer to yourself as a LICENSED Zumba Instructor. Certified indicates you took a test and Zumba does not certify anyone at this time. :) Everyone says that at first...LOL.

Anyway, regarding your questions...personally I would give myself at least a month to prepare. You'll need 70% latin or international music, and you'll need to know your music and steps SO much you are nearly sick of them. You will need to learn cueing (your hand signals) which is really the tough part usually for new instructors. Keep it simple. Directional changes, cue ahead of time - not as you do the changes. Great energy, clear cues, and your passion shining through will make your classes love your classes! This is possible when you KNOW your music and routines very well.

current weight: 155.0

180 166.25 152.5 138.75

125

Posts: 54
2/2/11 1:30 P

So I'm going to get certified for the Basic I next week. I already have a place that is going to let me have a class. My question is, how long after getting certified until you start holding classes?
My plan is to have a full hour routine, and run that for a few weeks. Once I get some regulars and they are comfortable with it...start switching out one song at a time to keep things fresh and challenging.
Does anyone have any suggestions, or tips for a newbie?!

Anything you can share is GREATLY appreciated!! Christine