Congratulations to our April Fitness Instructor of the Month, Maria Corbae!

Check out her story here:

From my earliest memories, music filled our home, whether from the radio or my father singing and playing his guitar. Music and dance have always been significant aspects of my life. Music is nearly always playing in my home.

Upon starting elementary school, my mother enrolled me in all the school dance events. She then enrolled my brother and me in a local folklore dance group. We participated in the group for several years, traveling throughout the country and performing at various venues, including schools, government events, nursing homes, and television appearances. This was a truly enriching and unforgettable experience.

I first learned about Zumba in 2014 and attended my first class with the wonderful Zumba instructor ChaCha Cruz. I recall feeling inspired, joyful, and welcomed throughout the entire class.

In 2018, I became a Zumba instructor, with ChaCha's invaluable support and mentorship. She allowed me to teach a few songs in her classes, which greatly boosted my confidence. A few months later, I met another exceptional instructor, Annette Garcia, who provided me with the opportunity to learn about Zumba Gold. She hosted a Zumba Gold Training and enabled me to complete the Zumba Gold Training and offered guidance on working with seniors. Zumba Gold has been incredibly educational and has enhanced my abilities as an instructor. That same year, I joined the wonderful Carbon Valley Team and have been teaching Zumba there for nearly 7 years.

Through my experiences, I have learned that individuals participate in fitness for diverse reasons and witnessing my students' smiles is the most rewarding aspect of my work.