Chico's Newest Zumba Instructor

David took this picture of me last Wednesday, moments before I tossed my early lunch (you all know what I mean by that) from nerves and headed to In-Motion Fitness, my favorite and most frequented place in Chico and the spot where the fate of my dance fitness instructing aspirations would finally be decided. I can't remember when I've ever been so scared in my life, though I can think of a few near contenders... I conspired to hide my lack of confidence behind these bright red snake-skin print sequin pants. Would my evaluator be fooled by the ruse? She sat in the back for the hour-long Zumba class busily taking notes. I planned my competition strategy with the other instructor-hopefuls vying for the open position by bringing something different to the usual Zumba routine repertoire. I added to the latin-based mix a little "So You Think You Can Dance" inspired Bollywood, Beyonce, Michael Jackson and a cool-down to the "Day-O Banana Boat" song resembling the crowd-pleasing table dance scene from Beetlejuice. The risks paid off! By the end, my voice was gone, but the class was exhausted and entertained (which is what you essentially desire from a workout, right?), and I was offered the job!! I will learn more after the new year what classes or sub opportunities my job will entail, but regardless, I get a free membership! Yea!! All the hard work (man, it was a LOT of work) paid off. I'm so glad I've found a way to retain my beloved gym membership... and yet still shocked that I ended up here?! Who would have thought?