The air in the studio shifts the moment she walks in. It’s not just a change in sound or light; it’s a palpable change in energy, a current that runs through the floor and up into your very bones.
This is the way Zumba instructor Tiffany describes her approach, and with her comes an atmosphere that is electric, unapologetic, and infused with the vibrant, sun-drenched spirit of Miami’s 305. She moves with a rhythm that seems to emanate from her core — a Cuban essence that tells a story of culture, passion, and pure, unadulterated joy.
For eight years, Tiffany says, she has been more than a Zumba instructor — she has been the catalyst for a movement. Her classes at YouFit Gyms are sanctuaries of self-expression, where the goal isn’t perfection, but liberation. On her floor, every shape, every size, every age, and every story is not only welcomed but celebrated.
And you can see it happening: Members walk in with the weight of their day on their shoulders, their movements hesitant, their eyes guarded. They leave drenched in sweat and glowing with something far more profound — heads held high, smiles stretching from ear to ear, and a newfound fire in their spirit.
“I’m not just teaching steps,” she’ll tell you with a magnetic grin that makes you believe every word. “I’m teaching people how to love themselves louder.” That is her magic. She spreads confidence like a contagious beat, reminding every person in the room that the most beautiful thing they can bring to the dance floor isn’t flawless choreography — it’s their own, authentic joy.
We had the lucky opportunity to sit down with Tiffany to dive deeper into the music, motivation, and magic behind her unforgettable “Tiffany Experience.”
A Conversation with Tiffany | The Heartbeat of the Dance Floor
Can you pinpoint the exact moment you went from being a Zumba participant to thinking, “I have to teach this”? What was that spark?
It’s a moment crystalized in my memory. I was in class one evening, completely lost in the music. It was one of those sessions where the world outside the studio doors just melts away. I wasn’t thinking about steps or routines; I was just moving. I felt my rhythm, my roots — my Cuban heritage — speaking through my body. The instructor, an amazing woman, caught my eye. She saw the energy, the pure freedom I was feeling. After class, she pulled me aside and said, “You should be up here with me.”
That was it. That was the spark. It planted a seed that wasn’t just about dance, but about connection. In that instant, I realized I had the power to create a space just like the one I was in — a space where people felt not just safe, but celebrated. A space where they could be loud, be free, and connect with their bodies without judgment. I’ve been teaching for eight unforgettable years now, and it has truly been the best and most rewarding chapter of my life. For me, Zumba is an opportunity — to give back, to build community, and to share this incredible joy.
Music is the soul of Zumba. How do you describe your personal relationship with music, and how does that translate into the energy of your classes?
Music isn’t just something I listen to; it’s in my DNA. It’s the memory of my abuela dancing salsa in the kitchen while cooking, her hips swaying to a rhythm only she could hear. It’s the pulse of the streets in Miami late at night, a blend of reggaeton, salsa, and laughter. It’s the way a powerful Cuban beat can make your body move without even asking for permission. My relationship with music is primal and deeply cultural.
In class, I’m not just a DJ pressing play on a playlist. I’m a storyteller, a cultural ambassador. I live inside those songs. Every rhythm, every beat drop, every passionate lyric becomes an invitation for my students to let go and just be. I’m drawn to music that feels alive, that has a heartbeat of its own. When I’m curating a class, I’m sharing pieces of my culture and my heart. I blend those classic Latin beats—salsa, merengue, cumbia—with high-energy reggaeton, soulful Afrobeat, and a dash of pop to keep the energy dynamic and inclusive. My favorite tracks are the ones that achieve that magical switch, where people completely forget they’re working out and just start living in the moment. That’s that MIAMI FLOW!
The Science Behind the Smile | Why Dance Fitness Rewires Your Brain
What Tiffany creates in her class feels like magic, but it’s fun deeply rooted in the biological and neurological sciences of the human body. The “Zumba high” is a real, measurable phenomenon driven by a complex interplay between our nervous system, our brain, and our muscles.
What’s the most unexpected challenge of being an instructor that most people wouldn’t realize?
People see the smiling, the dancing, the high energy, and they assume it’s just a party for an hour. And it is! But what they don’t see is the emotional labor and the intense empathy required to lead that party effectively. My job is to read the room constantly, to manage the collective energy, and sometimes, to carry the emotional weight for everyone in there. People don’t leave their lives at the door. They walk in carrying heavy hearts from a tough day at work, stress from family life, or deep-seated self-doubt.
My job is to be their spark. I have to hold space for all of that, acknowledge it without letting it bring the room down, and then transform it into positive, kinetic energy. That balancing act—being both a vulnerable, empathetic space-holder and a high-energy party-starter—takes more heart and mental fortitude than people realize. I have to be fully present, reading micro-expressions and body language, and adjusting my energy and my plan in real-time so that no one feels left behind.
Has being an instructor — leading, motivating, holding space for others — changed you as a person?
Completely and profoundly. Eight years ago, I started this journey thinking it was just about fitness, about burning calories and learning dance moves. I was so wrong. I’ve learned that it’s about people. It’s about creating genuine human connection, fostering radical self-love, and building a true community.
Leading a room filled with people from every conceivable walk of life has been the greatest teacher. It has taught me a deeper level of patience, a more profound sense of empathy, and the incredible power of showing up exactly as I am — plus-size, confident, and completely unapologetic.
The most magical part is seeing my own confidence bloom in others. I watch someone go from hiding in the back corner to commanding their space in the front row. That’s not just magical; it’s my ‘why’. I get to be the person who says, “Your energy is powerful! Be a part of this!” Music has its own language, but dance is what allows us to speak it together. Dance connects people. Dance is love.
What’s your process for building a class playlist? Are you trying to tell a story or hit a certain energy level?
Every single playlist is a journey. It’s a VIBE. I want my students to feel like they just took a one-hour mini-vacation to a place where they are celebrated. I begin with a warm, inviting track that doesn’t intimidate. The message is, “Welcome. Let’s do this. You got this.” From there, I begin to build the energy methodically, layering different rhythms and intensities. We’ll go from a steady salsa to an explosive reggaeton track, then maybe into a playful cumbia.
The goal is to build to that peak—that glorious moment where the beat drops, everyone is in sync, and you can feel the collective energy lift the roof. That’s the moment they forget they’re even working out. After we hit that peak, I don’t just stop. I gently bring them back down, guiding their heart rates with cooler, more soulful tracks.
The final cool-down isn’t an afterthought; it’s a crucial part of the story. I often use music with meditation frequencies and guide them through breathwork, encouraging them to feel gratitude for what their bodies just accomplished. It leaves them feeling centered, celebrated, and wanting more.
How do you design a class to be challenging for your regulars but still welcoming for a first-timer who might be nervous?
It’s all about providing options and showering the room with encouragement. Being a great Zumba instructor means creating the ultimate inclusive experience for all levels. For every single move, I demonstrate the full-out version, but I also immediately show a modification. This empowers first-timers to join in without feeling overwhelmed or lost. They can focus on the basic footwork and feel successful.
At the same time, I’ll call out ways for my regulars to add extra spice—a bigger arm movement, a deeper squat, a little more attitude in their hips. I’m constantly shouting reminders: “Connect with your body! Go with your own flow! Listen to the music, not your inner critic!” There is no wrong way to dance in my class. If you’re moving and you’re smiling, you’re winning.
Feeling inspired to find your flow? Tiffany’s class is a testament to how fun and effective fitness can be. Discover the class schedule at your local YouFit Gyms and book your spot today with a free three-day pass!
What happens when the energy in the room is low, or heaven forbid, the music system fails? How do you improvise?
Oh, I’ve learned to see those moments as opportunities, not disasters. For me, low energy is just an invitation to shake things up. If the music were to ever stop, my students know the party doesn’t. I am the music. I’ll immediately start stomping my feet, clapping a rhythm, and getting everyone to join in. We’ll do a chant, a call-and-response, or I’ll start a freestyle circle in the middle of the room. I might crack a joke, throw in a ridiculously fun Cuban reparto step that gets everyone laughing, and suddenly, we’re creating our own beat. We become a block party in Little Havana, Miami style. My students know this: in our class, the music is in us, not just in the speakers.
Describe the energy in the room right after the cool-down. What do you see on people’s faces?
It’s that glow. It’s my favorite moment. It’s part sweat, part joy, and all authenticity. I see pride in their eyes for pushing through. I see relief on their faces as they let go of the day’s stress. I see connection as they high-five or hug the person next to them. Some people are laughing, some are just closing their eyes and breathing deeply, soaking it all in. That look tells me everything. It tells me they didn’t just get a workout—they had an experience. They let go of inhibition, they found their personal rhythm, and most importantly, they gave themselves an hour of unfiltered love.
Finally, what is your personal message to someone who is curious about your class but is held back by the fear of ‘not being a good dancer’ or ‘not being coordinated enough’?
Please listen to me: Forget perfect.
Throw the idea of being a “good dancer” out the window. My class is not an audition; it’s a party, and you are always on the VIP list. If you can move your body and you can smile, you already have everything you need to succeed. I am living proof that joy, confidence, and connection matter infinitely more than perfect choreography. Your only job is to show up for yourself and let the music do the rest. I promise to guide you. You will hear me cheering you on, telling you that you are strong, beautiful, and capable, exactly as you are. And before you know it, that confidence you feel on the dance floor will start to spill into every other part of your life. Just take the first step.
You can follow Tiffany’s journey and get a daily dose of her infectious energy on her Instagram: @TIFFYISWHOSHEIS.
It’s time to stop thinking and start dancing. Sign up now for your FREE three-day pass to YouFit Gyms and discover the joy of movement for yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dance Fitness
Q: Do I really need to be coordinated to do a Zumba class?
Absolutely not! The beauty of a class like Zumba is that it’s designed for everyone. The steps are repetitive and built upon throughout the song, making them easy to pick up. The focus is on moving your body and having fun, not on perfect execution. Your coordination will naturally improve the more you attend.
Q: What should I wear and bring to my first class?
Wear comfortable, breathable workout clothes that you can move freely in. Most importantly, wear supportive athletic shoes, preferably cross-trainers, that allow for side-to-side movement. Be sure to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated and a towel, because you are definitely going to sweat!
Q: How many calories can I expect to burn in a Zumba class?
The number of calories burned varies depending on factors like your body weight, the intensity of your movements, and the specific class structure. However, it’s a high-energy cardiovascular workout, and most people can expect to burn anywhere from 400 to 700 calories in a one-hour class.
Q: Is dance fitness a good way to lose weight?
Yes, dance fitness is an excellent component of a weight loss plan. It’s a fun and engaging form of cardio that helps create a calorie deficit. For the most effective and sustainable results, it’s best to combine regular dance fitness classes with a balanced, nutritious diet and a consistent strength training routine.
Q: What if I have physical limitations or injuries? Can I still participate?
Always consult with your doctor before starting any new exercise program. However, one of the major benefits of classes led by skilled instructors like Tiffany is the focus on modifications. You can perform the moves at a lower intensity, avoid jumping, and adapt the choreography to suit your body’s needs. The key is to listen to your body and communicate with your instructor.
