Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Getting to Know Zumba Jammers: Sarah from New York!

Over the coming months, The Z Beat will feature profiles of Zumba Jammers - these are the folks who worked REALLY hard to become choreography ambassadors for the Zumba home office. Jams come in two forms: choreography sessions and rhythm-specific sessions (salsa, reggaeton, etc.). For more on what to expect, check out my review of the last Jam™ I attended here!

Today's profile is of Sarah Sclafani, a Salsa Jammer from Long Island, NY.

The Z Beat: When did you get licensed? What specialty trainings have you taken?
Sarah: I took my B1 in October 2011 with Jani Roberts. Soon after I also  became licensed to teach Toning, Kids and Kids Jr., Gold, Sentao, Step, and Aqua.

The Z Beat: Do you teach Zumba full-time? If not, what else do you do?
Sarah: Aside from being a Mom to my two amazing kids Gabrielle (7) and Salvatore (4), Zumba is my full time job. I opened up Zone Z Fitness in Bayport NY where I run my classes full time and my local jams.



The Z Beat: What got you into Zumba? How has it impacted your life?
Sarah: Zumba really DID change my life. I was a dancer my entire life and it was my PASSION!!! I grew up dancing and teaching for many years. It wasn't until after I had my daughter that I realized that something inside me was missing. After giving birth, I struggled with severe anxiety and high blood pressure and it was SCARY. I felt as if I was not in control of my body. I decided since I loved dancing so much to take my very first Zumba class and I was HOOKED!!!!!
 
I knew at that very moment that I found ME again and for that one hour all of my problems disappeared.  I needed to teach this!!!! Soon after I took my B1 training and started teaching immediately. I also took my Primary Group Exercise certification from AFAA. Along with dancing, Zumba Fitness and changing people's lives has become my passion. I love what I do everyday.
 
The Z Beat: Tell us about being a Jammer.
Sarah: I became a Zumba Jammer in 2014 and I specialize in Salsa. I think the best part of the job is working and networking with all of the INCREDIBLE ZIN from all over the world. Everyone is so welcoming and embracing and it is so awesome to connect with each of them. 
 
The Z Beat: What do you think is the hardest part about being a Zumba instructor?
Sarah: I feel that the hardest part is how wearing it can be on your body if  you are teaching multiple classes a day or if you are teaching all week long. I know for me it is hard to step back for a moment and remember to care for my body because I am so wrapped up in helping others. It is very important to listen to what your body is telling you it needs and to allow yourself enough time for recovery.

The Z Beat: What else should we know about you?
Sarah: When I am not teaching class or holding a Jam session, I enjoy hanging out with my two awesome kids and my husband Sal. From the very start of this journey my kids and my husband have been so supportive and without them I would be nothing.

The Z Beat: Lastly, when can we see you in action?
Sarah: My next session is on 12/14 at my studio in Bayport, NY!!! Come try a Zumba Jam session if you haven't already!!!
 

To attend a Jam™ session near you, just log in to your ZIN account and search the schedule under ZIN Tools.

P.S. If you're a Jammer and would like to be featured, contact me!

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