Name:Â Alina Bui
Year:Â Senior
Major:Â Neurobiology and Physiology
Hometown:Â Germantown, MD
What is your go-to song right now?Â
My go-to Latin song right now is “Loco Enamorado” by Abraham Mateo, Farruko, and Christian Daniel, and my go-to Pop song is “Dusk till Dawn” by ZAYN and Sia.
How did you get into teaching Zumba?
When my mom took me to my very first Zumba class in junior year of high school, I instantly fell in love. I began going to Zumba classes 4-5 times a week, and sometimes even twice in one day! The summer before I started college, my sister suggested that I actually teach Zumba because I was so in love with it. While I was hesitant and nervous to step out of my comfort zone, and transition from participant to instructor, I pushed myself to do it and got certified in October of my freshmen year of college. Now going into my third year of teaching Zumba, I’m so glad my sister pushed me to teach because I can’t see myself doing anything else.
What makes Zumba so special?
Zumba is so special because it’s so much more than a workout. Zumba creates such a positive, inviting and high-spirited atmosphere that the class becomes a family and a community of enthusiastic dancers. Like I always say at the beginning of each class: Zumba is for yourself, but never by yourself! It gives people confidence within themselves and allows people to leave class feeling energized and proud. And though participants still get a cardio workout, with its high-energy class and upbeat music, Zumba makes people forget that they’re even working out.
How do you prepare for each Zumba class? Before each class I organize my songs in a specific order for that day. Depending on whether I go first or second, I will include either a warm-up or cool down, or slower or faster songs. When I’m choreographing new music, I will hit record on my computer, press play on my phone and just dance to the song with whatever moves come to my head. Afterwards, I’ll pick and choose which moves I’ll keep and go from there. If I want to incorporate new dance moves, I like to draw inspiration from hip hop dance choreography on YouTube.
If you could make up your own fitness format, what would it be?
If I could make up my own fitness format, I would combine Zumba and kickboxing and call it “Bumba”! Essentially it would still have Latin-inspired dance moves, but I would incorporate punching and kicking that go along with Latin songs.
What would you like Zumba newbies to know?
DON’T BE DISCOURAGED AFTER YOUR FIRST CLASS! A lot of times new participants will be overwhelmed with the amount of moves and think that the class is too fast for them, but it’s not true! By going to a class multiple times, newer participants will soon be able to recognize songs and learn the moves, and feel more confident when they know what move is coming up next.
What’s your favorite thing about being a Zumba instructor?
My favorite thing about being a Zumba instructor is being able to share my passion of Zumba with others and seeing an entire class of participants smiling and having fun. I love introducing Zumba to new people because I know for me personally, it has made my life so much brighter and I hope it does the same for others.
Describe your instructor style.
I would describe my instructor style as motivating, interactive and intense. I am also a very vocal person during my classes, which I feel definitely helps raise the energy level of the participants.
What are your gym bag essentials?
Extra hair ties, headbands, water bottles, chapstick and headphones.