Planning ahead is very important in order to make a good impression and negotiate successfully. Think of what are you going to say, and what questions you may be asked. If you were a facility decision maker, why would you what to host Zumba? How would that benefit that facility? It is also important to mention that although Zumba appears to be very popular, there are a lot of people who have never heard of it.
The best thing to do may be to write a proposal. Then, arrange a meeting with the decision makers and bring the proposal with you. That can be very helpful as in some facilities there may be number of people who will need to approve a new class. Proposal can be easily copied and shared with all the relevant people involved in decision making.
Here are some suggestions about what should your proposal package include:
1. Attractive cover page or folder. You can find many images on Zumba site
2. Your personal letter (or, ‘cover letter’) where you explain what you are proposing and why have you chosen that particular facility
3. Brief summary about what Zumba is and its history
4. How is having Zumba class going to benefit the facility (enhanced employee morale, healthier work environment, fun, unique, may attract new clients, may increase the reputation of the facility...etc)
5. How is Zumba different from other workouts? As you probably know, there are many kinds of workouts but those may not be all that fun. The only way to keep participants interested is to ensure they have fun! Zumba class can provide just that. You can also explain why did you choose to teach Zumba as opposed to other fitness programs.
6. You may include some pictures of your Zumba classes. Images can often convey the fun atmosphere of the class.
7. Gather Zumba promotional materials, articles, press releases, perhaps a demo video (it would be the best if you make one with yourself in it, but you can also get some from youtube). Aggregate the article content and present it in attractive and convincing manner
8. Include your credentials and if you have various certifications in fitness or dance fields, consider presenting those credentials and skills in a form of resume
9. Sometimes, writing your own personal philosophy can be unique way to approach the facility. For example, writing about your teaching methods, how approachable and friendly you are, respecting/embracing diversity, believing that all people deserve to have fun, enjoying to coach individuals, understanding how stressful live can be and how one fun packed Zumba class can help people forget their worries, etc... Just like when looking for job, it is helpful to review all available information acout your chosen facility and perhaps incorporate some of the language in your proposal/negotiations
10. Include your business card, phone number and your website
11. Assure them that if they approve your class, you will help with advertising (provide posters, post cards or other materials relevant to your class)
12. Follow up after your visit. You may what to send an email or make a phone call thanking the facility for taking time to have you and review your proposal.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Where in Toronto Can I Teach Zumba Classes?
You can teach your Zumba Classes in number of Toronto places.
You can link up with other instructors and teach at the Toronto Zumba Parties.
Here are several other ideas.
1. Fitness facilities. Just make sure you understand the requirements you may need to get hired there. Some facilities may ask you to have a group fitness certification. Fitness facilities tend to give you a flat pay rate (that means, you are paid the same regardless how many students come to your class). Some fitness facilities may even pay for upgrades of your Zumba certifications. For example, they may pay for you to take Aqua Zumba or Gold Zumba certification, depending if there is potential to increase number of visitors by providing those classes. Fitness facilities tend to provide you with various additional benefits such as free gym membership for you.
2. Schools are sometimes great places to teach Zumba, especially if you have Zumbatomic (Zumba for kids) certification. Schools are always looking for various ideas to keep kids and youth busy and physically active. Terms and conditions are variable in different schools so it is necessary to go to school decision makers to negotiate about the possibility to teach Zumba class there. Some schools may require you to have your police criminal record check (just for the legal purposes given inappropriate incidents that sometimes happen).
3. Community centres also strive to provide a variety of activities for their visitors. Zumba can certainly be an excellent addition. You may what to visit the center of your interest first in order to see what kind of rooms they have available for teaching such class. Some community centers have great rooms for dancing while others may not. Ideally, the room should have mirrors so that you can see your students easily. Hardwood (or similar floor) is a must. Avoid concrete or carpeted areas as there is high risk of injury for yourself and your students. Zumba involves a lot of twisting motions so the risk of injury is very high. If you like the place, then you can negotiate with administration office about starting a Zumba class.
4. Dance studios are great places to teach Zumba. Dance studios usually prefer if you have dancing background. Dancing requires high fitness level. Many dancers have memberships in fitness centers however; they may find Zumba much more fun and convenient.
5. Teaching in a Church may be another possibility. The Zumba class may provide people with an opportunity to have fun and socialize. The fee you may charge there may be lower than in other places (that is what I heard from other Zumba instructors, but you should try it for yourself and see). You may decide to do a free demo class in church and perhaps recruit participants to the other locations where you teach Zumba classes.
6. Teaching in a business company or corporation may be another idea. Many corporations are looking into retention of their employees and are opting to provide various wellness services. Corporations usually pay a flat rate while allowing employees to enjoy classes for free.
7. Various conventions, events, retreats, or conferences.
8. Cruise ships (ah, that sounds like a dream...but it is possible:)
Need help or desiring to get involved with Toronto instructors?
We are always looking forwards meeting new instructors.
Visit the website zumbaclassesintoronto.com and keep in touch!
You can link up with other instructors and teach at the Toronto Zumba Parties.
Here are several other ideas.
1. Fitness facilities. Just make sure you understand the requirements you may need to get hired there. Some facilities may ask you to have a group fitness certification. Fitness facilities tend to give you a flat pay rate (that means, you are paid the same regardless how many students come to your class). Some fitness facilities may even pay for upgrades of your Zumba certifications. For example, they may pay for you to take Aqua Zumba or Gold Zumba certification, depending if there is potential to increase number of visitors by providing those classes. Fitness facilities tend to provide you with various additional benefits such as free gym membership for you.
2. Schools are sometimes great places to teach Zumba, especially if you have Zumbatomic (Zumba for kids) certification. Schools are always looking for various ideas to keep kids and youth busy and physically active. Terms and conditions are variable in different schools so it is necessary to go to school decision makers to negotiate about the possibility to teach Zumba class there. Some schools may require you to have your police criminal record check (just for the legal purposes given inappropriate incidents that sometimes happen).
3. Community centres also strive to provide a variety of activities for their visitors. Zumba can certainly be an excellent addition. You may what to visit the center of your interest first in order to see what kind of rooms they have available for teaching such class. Some community centers have great rooms for dancing while others may not. Ideally, the room should have mirrors so that you can see your students easily. Hardwood (or similar floor) is a must. Avoid concrete or carpeted areas as there is high risk of injury for yourself and your students. Zumba involves a lot of twisting motions so the risk of injury is very high. If you like the place, then you can negotiate with administration office about starting a Zumba class.
4. Dance studios are great places to teach Zumba. Dance studios usually prefer if you have dancing background. Dancing requires high fitness level. Many dancers have memberships in fitness centers however; they may find Zumba much more fun and convenient.
5. Teaching in a Church may be another possibility. The Zumba class may provide people with an opportunity to have fun and socialize. The fee you may charge there may be lower than in other places (that is what I heard from other Zumba instructors, but you should try it for yourself and see). You may decide to do a free demo class in church and perhaps recruit participants to the other locations where you teach Zumba classes.
6. Teaching in a business company or corporation may be another idea. Many corporations are looking into retention of their employees and are opting to provide various wellness services. Corporations usually pay a flat rate while allowing employees to enjoy classes for free.
7. Various conventions, events, retreats, or conferences.
8. Cruise ships (ah, that sounds like a dream...but it is possible:)
Need help or desiring to get involved with Toronto instructors?
We are always looking forwards meeting new instructors.
Visit the website zumbaclassesintoronto.com and keep in touch!
I Finished My Zumba Certification Class, Now What??
Toronto has about 500 Zumba instructors so starting your business and finding space to rent may be tough. In in addition to challenges to start your business, you will also need to work very hard to sustain it.
Good way to start is to link up with other instructors from Toronto. You can attend some of the Zumba classes in Toronto to form friendships and get ideas, as well as Zumba parties. You can volunteer to teach at the parties which will help you gain exposure and experience.
Please check this site for Toronto Zumba Party as we welcome new instructors.
Also consider:
1. Trying to find a place to teach your class (you can actually be proactive and start making contacts even before you get certified)
2. Getting familiar with the music
3. Making sure you understand and know to recognize different rhythms (for example, what is Salsa song, or Cumbia song, Merenque song, etc)
4. Creating a plan about what your routines will be like and making sure you know them
5. Creating the song playlist
I know this may seem overwhelming to you as a new Zumba instructor however, if you focus on that in a systematic manner (that is, to work on it a little bit every day or every other day, depending how much time you have), you will be able to adequately prepare to teach your new class and feel proud of what you accomplished. Just remember, you already know about Zumba and related fields (like dance and fitness) much more than your students. All you really need is to create a fun atmosphere in the class and demonstrate some easy to follow moves. When you attended your Zumba instructor class, you probably heard that Zumba moves are supposed to be simple and easy to follow. That makes your job as a Zumba instructor much easier! Don’t bother with some complicated choreography because it will be more challenging for you to teach that class without worrying that you will forget something in the middle of the song. Also, remember that your students probably don’t desire to be challenged remembering steps. They want to have a workout without having to concentrate too hard on steps because it takes away from workout itself. If you go to aerobic fitness class for example, you will see that steps are not complicated at all. What is hard is to endure the class while maintaining your high energy and avoiding stopping. Imagine if your instructor was introducing new steps every 10 seconds? Same principle can be applied to your Zumba class. If your students are able to follow you and enjoy the class, it is very likely that they will be satisfied and hopefully come again! After teaching several classes, you can ask your students about how they like your Zumba class. This can be done by email, of verbal conversation, or surveys. You will gather a wealth of information that will help you become better instructor. Will talk about that later.
If you would like to participate in classes or networking opportunities, please visit the website zumbaclassesintoronto.com
Good way to start is to link up with other instructors from Toronto. You can attend some of the Zumba classes in Toronto to form friendships and get ideas, as well as Zumba parties. You can volunteer to teach at the parties which will help you gain exposure and experience.
Please check this site for Toronto Zumba Party as we welcome new instructors.
Also consider:
1. Trying to find a place to teach your class (you can actually be proactive and start making contacts even before you get certified)
2. Getting familiar with the music
3. Making sure you understand and know to recognize different rhythms (for example, what is Salsa song, or Cumbia song, Merenque song, etc)
4. Creating a plan about what your routines will be like and making sure you know them
5. Creating the song playlist
I know this may seem overwhelming to you as a new Zumba instructor however, if you focus on that in a systematic manner (that is, to work on it a little bit every day or every other day, depending how much time you have), you will be able to adequately prepare to teach your new class and feel proud of what you accomplished. Just remember, you already know about Zumba and related fields (like dance and fitness) much more than your students. All you really need is to create a fun atmosphere in the class and demonstrate some easy to follow moves. When you attended your Zumba instructor class, you probably heard that Zumba moves are supposed to be simple and easy to follow. That makes your job as a Zumba instructor much easier! Don’t bother with some complicated choreography because it will be more challenging for you to teach that class without worrying that you will forget something in the middle of the song. Also, remember that your students probably don’t desire to be challenged remembering steps. They want to have a workout without having to concentrate too hard on steps because it takes away from workout itself. If you go to aerobic fitness class for example, you will see that steps are not complicated at all. What is hard is to endure the class while maintaining your high energy and avoiding stopping. Imagine if your instructor was introducing new steps every 10 seconds? Same principle can be applied to your Zumba class. If your students are able to follow you and enjoy the class, it is very likely that they will be satisfied and hopefully come again! After teaching several classes, you can ask your students about how they like your Zumba class. This can be done by email, of verbal conversation, or surveys. You will gather a wealth of information that will help you become better instructor. Will talk about that later.
If you would like to participate in classes or networking opportunities, please visit the website zumbaclassesintoronto.com
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