Zumba is Exercise... in Disguise!
More than just another dance fitness class, Zumba provides attendees with options of low to high impact moves that are choreographed to music with global flavors. A typical Zumba class runs for 45 to 60 minutes and is comprised of a thorough 7-10 minute warm-up and cool-down/stretch that sandwich the compulsory Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia and Reggaeton components, which are rounded out with rhythms from all over the world, including Samba, Flamenco, Tango, Bollywood, Bhangra, Latin Urban, Swing, Korean/Japanese Pop... to name a few! Inclusion of all, regardless of gender, color, class, or ability, is a touchstone of Zumba.
Licensed
to Thrill!
I am a licensed Zumba instructor (ZIN), with over 6 years of teaching experience at gyms and via livestreams over Zoom.
I completed instructor trainings in Zumba Basic, Zumba Gold/Gold Chair/Kids/Kids Jr./Toning, and ProSkills, and am continually learning material and techniques via courses offered by Zumba.com to instructors. I come from a dance background (I’m a professional Indian Classical dancer), so moving to music is ingrained. I am a PhD in molecular biology and currently work as a freelance medical editor, so I am organized and logical—I bring that to my Zumba class design and approach to teaching.
My Zumba Classes
I put together playlists and choreographies that cover the gamut of world rhythms (merengue, salsa, Bollywood, Afrobeat, samba and soca, to name a few), sprinkled with the occasional trending hits that will keep students humming all day! I also ensure that I teach modifications to meet all my participants’ needs. I work hard to provide a safe, inclusive and joyous environment in my classes—my goal is for participants to leave class smiling, sweating and eager to return for more!
Zumba Fitness
Clip from popular merengue rhythm, Mano Clap Clap.
Zumba Toning
Clip of my toning choreography to a Dembow song (Boom) that focuses on the triceps.
Zumba Gold
Clip from a reggaeton, adapted for Zumba Gold classes-- for beginners, active older adults, and anyone needing a lower intensity version of Zumba.
ICYMI, more about me...
I thoroughly enjoy working out and have been attending group fitness classes (including step, cycle, muscle, barre, & yoga) for over 30
years. Dance has always been part of my life—I learned ballet when very young before finding an Indian Classical Dance school (Nrithyalaya) in Montreal that cemented my love of art, grace, discipline, and culture.
From the age of 10 through my early 20s, I learned dance (practical and theoretical), performed all over Canada and parts of the US, and taught dance. I stopped when I moved away from Montreal to pursue my PhD. A few years after graduating, I discovered Zumba at my new gym in Calgary and have been addicted ever since.
"Zumba is NOT for fitness people,
Zumba is for ALL people"
-Beto Perez (creator of Zumba)
@ 2012 Instructor Convention
Zumba with Sheela Testimonials
Cathy L, Calgary;
ZUmba/Zumba Gold Student
Lyn K, InDIANA
ZUmba Student
Chandra H, Tampa
Zumba/TOning Student
Angelika S, Edmonton
ZUmba gold student
Sharon P, SCOTTSDALE
ZUmba student
"The first time I tried Zumba, I felt like I had two left everything... Sheela’s enthusiasm and thoughtfully guided instruction ... (have) been a winning combination. I even caught myself smiling and thinking recently “Hey, maybe I am a dancer after all... It is a wonderful addition to my exercise regimen!"
"I have enjoyed your classes so much! Helped me survive COVID shutdown... Thanks for doing what you do!"
"I love Zumba with Sheela! I have danced with her for years (live and online). She is clearly an experienced instructor with a wide variety of moves and songs... She can do it all - high energy, toning, or slow it down for Zumba Gold - and she is just a kind/lovely person on top of it all."
"#1 You are awesome!
I do look forward to each and every one of your Monday morning classes. Your music selections are great and I appreciate the full body workouts you plan."
""...Energy, good choreography and music make a class [like] Beto Perez created. Good instructors have natural dance and music abilities. Sheela Hota-Mitchel [sic] is this style of instructor. Always smiling and encouraging with unique routines that draw you back for more!!!"
"Longing Observation"
by Sheela Hota-Mitchell
Original track created using AI
on Beatoven.ai
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