Instructor Bios

lauren

Drop-In Classes ($15) Specialty 6-week Group Series (Price Varies)

"I love Zumba with Lauren on Fridays. It is the perfect way to end my week. She has incredible energy and you can tell she loves to dance. The whole hour is intense. Definitely worth the price of the class." - Carrie M.

"My friend and I went to Shockra for the first time to take a Zumba class and it was awesome! Such an amazing workout and the instructor Lauren was so nice and motivating. She knew we were beginners and was able to accommodate us as well as the more advanced people. Definitely going back next week!" -Joanna

WHAT LAUREN HAS TO SAY:

Why should someone take your class? What is unique about you/your class?

I believe the thing that keeps my students returning each week is the fact that the style of the class is FUN and easy to follow. While some routines or moves may be new and different, I know my students are comfortable with the way I teach, how I break down steps, and allow everyone to find their own rhythm while keeping up. I am a very goofy and friendly person, so I allow that silly and bouncy energy to teach all corners of that studio and everyone in it! I think my class reminds students of what it is to have FUN while dancing to great music, exercising, and learning new steps - all the while being themselves.

What is class like each week?

Class every week is never the same , and that's a great thing! Each week I teach a variety of certain styles and exercise routines, but may switch up the music or the order of routines to mix it up.Every week I see smiles and hear giggles/laughter at the right time for the right reasons, proving further that what I am doing is making students comfortable and that they enjoy themselves. I make my class sweat and sometimes put students to the test, but never to the point of impossible or discomfort. Let's just say that hour zooms by while in my zumba fusion fusion class!

How do you keep discouraged students motivated in class when?

If I encounter a discouraged or frustrated student in class, I play on the moves or routines that I teach. I will take the time to slow down certain steps and explain what exactly I am doing so the student(s) can understand better. I like the students to know I am patient and will repeat something if need be, because the class is about the students and their comfort with themselves performing those routines/moves. What I do the most often though is encourage and compliment them throughout the class. I am very vocal in my class, and I think this helps eliminate discouraged students because I am relating to them and reminding them that this is fun and they are doing great!

What is your personal goal/focus is in your classes?

My personal goal within each class is to make sure my students are: a) comfortable dancing/moving, b) getting a great work out and c) having fun!

My focus during class is on each student. I like to know my music selection and dance/workout moves are enjoyed. My ultimate goal of course is to make a great impression through my lessons so I see familiar faces return each week for classes.

How do you approach a 6-week series & what will people gain by the end?

I think after my 6-week series, students learn up to 10 different styles of dance, benefit from the workout, and confidence is built. Physically, I think students will see a difference in how their body moves and how certain muscles are used. I encourage students to invest in some wrist weights to add a little sculpting to the routine, building some muscle and tone. After 6 weeks, with these weights integrated into their routine, they will see results! But only a few students use these weights, and it's by choice - the routines within the class still work the body in many places and this is beautiful thing about zumba fusion fusion - students may not even realize they are burning off calories and getting a really great cardio just by dancing basic Latin moves! I think my returning students like the fact that I repeat the lessons throughout the weeks, making it easy for them to learn, remember, and rehearse the moves. I know how frustrating it can be as a beginner student trying to learn one step, let alone and hour's worth of routines, and how it's more comfortable and convenient to return each week building and progressing with the same/or similar lesson.

What do you think is the most important one thing about zumba fusion?

I consider zumba fusion one of the most unique, fun, and beneficial exercise programs to have blessed the fitness market for its diversity and level of fun! There are numerous different styles of Latin dances mixed into ZUMBA (Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Puya, Calypso, etc), and the beautiful part of this class is that you don't have to be a dancer or professional. Period. ZUMBA allows anyone and everyone to have fun while dancing and exercising, and at the same time - learning different styles of movement to amazing music. You can't beat that!

Drop-In Classes ($15)

Specialty 6-week Group Series ($85 for 6 classes)

One-on-One Lessons ($115)

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Lauren studied Jazz dance at both Fitness Express Studio and Eden Hill Recreational Center in Great Barrington, MA. Lauren moved to England after graduating High School and danced at a variety of studios in London. From ballroom dance in Cheam, to street dance at Basement Dance Studios, to Hip Hop at Pineapple Dance Studios – she studied, she learned, she danced. Lauren has trained with Wyatt Jackson and performed in the Hip Hop segment of Alvin Ailey’s Moses as a “breaker” in New York City in 2004. Lauren moved to Manhattan at the age of twenty-one, where she pursued her dance career and studied Communication Arts at Marymount Manhattan College, and received her MFA in TV Production at Brooklyn College a couple years later.