Becoming a Zumba Instructor is a great way to earn a self employed income, while keeping fit, making lots of new friends and having a great time. When you become a Zumba Instructor everyday at work is a party!
Most new Zumba instructors are already existing fitness or dance instructors, however Zumba is open and very welcoming to first time instructors too. Zumba can be the perfect entry point into a fitness or dance teaching career.
To become a Zumba Instructor you must attend one of the Zumba Instructor training courses, and then keep your instructor license current, through a number of varying courses offered by Zumba or by joining the Zumba® Instructor Network (ZIN).
Step 1: Go to Local Classes
If you have not already done so, attend several different Zumba classes in your area, this helps you several ways:
- Gain some experience of several different teaching styles, giving you a feel for what is involved
- Understand the local areas and days already well covered by existing Zumba classes
- Start to meet the people who will be your local fellow Instructors (treat this more as a networking opportunity than meeting the competition – at one time or another everyone needs cover for their classes)
Step 2: Chose A Zumba Qualification
ZUMBA® BASIC 1
This is the basic entry level course most people take, it teaches the basics and the Zumba® formula for teaching a class, covering these 4 basic steps:
- Merengue
- Salsa
- Cumbia
- Reggaeton
During the course you will learn how to put these steps together into a song and how to create your first Zumba class and receive the following material:
- Cardio Party and Live Class DVD
- 20 Minute Express Workout DVD
- 4 Basic Rhythms Review DVD
- Cardio Party Music CD
- The Zumba Instructor’s Manual
- Zumba Certificate of Completion
- AFAA Trainers receive 5.5 CEU’s
- ACE Trainers receive 0.7 CEC’s
- One-year license to teach basic Zumba classes
JUMP START GOLD
This course is for new instructors to teach Zumba Gold, which is taylored to older adults and those whose fitness levels would prevent them from attending the standard Zumba Fitness. The course focuses specifically on the anatomical, physiological and psychological needs relevant for a Zumba Gold class.
The Jump Start Gold Instructor Training teaches you the foundation and Zumba class formula and prepares you to teach the Zumba Gold® classes by integrating the concepts of the Zumba Gold program.
During the course you will receive the following material:
- Cardio Party and Live Class DVD
- 20 Minute Express Workout DVD
- 4 Basic Rhythms Review DVD
- Cardio Party Music CD
- The Zumba Basic 1 Instructor’s Manual
- The Zumba Gold Instructor’s Manual
- Zumba Basic 1 Certificate of Completion
- AFAA Trainers receive 7.25 CEU’s
- ACE Trainers receive 0.9 CEC’s
- One-year basic Zumba license; Zumba Gold license as long as you are a ZIN Member in good standing
Step 3: Book Your Zumba Academy Place
Visit the zumba.com website page THE ZUMBA® ACADEMY to view local course availability and pricing.
If you book early the price for ZUMBA® BASIC 1 is typically between $225 – $355 and JUMP START GOLD typically between $275 -$300 depending on your location, these prices can go up as the course date gets nearer, so plan ahead and book early.
We would advise you also join the Zumba® Instructor Network (ZIN), which has a monthly charge of $30.
Being a ZIN member provides you a network of support for your Zumba career, giving access to:
- Marketing tools
- Ongoing education
- Periodic choreography DVD’s & music CD’s
- Community support
- Discounts on ZumbaWear®
- Exclusive access to further Zumba trainings:
- Zumba Gold®
- Aqua Zumba®
- Zumba® Toning
- Zumbatomic®
In particular, the new choregraphy DVD’s (sent every 2 months) and music CD’s (sent each month) are invaluable to instructors to keep their classes fresh.
Step 4: Attend the Course & Begin Your Zumba Career
The courses are a mixture of lectures & practical training to help you learn the basic dances and the principals for teaching a class. On the day of your course take:
- Lunch
- Health snack
- Towel
- Sweatshirt
- Plenty of water
- Zumba shoes such as dance trainers or cross trainers (these should not have a lot of tread and should be suitable for twisting movements)
- Notepad & Pen
Once you’ve passed your course make sure you understand all the legal requirements for Zumba Instructor
Have a great time……then begin the party of your Zumba Career!
