Zumba with Andreina

Andreina. To say she is the BEST zumba teacher I’ve ever had and that I ADORE her class would be true but an understatement. She teaches me more than Zumba — I leave her class not only feeling happy to have moved my body to samba, reggaeton, salsa music but also Inspired by Who She Is & How She Teaches. Andreina juggles having a full time job, 2 kids, a partner, extended family, other interests (photography), non-​profit work (travel to underserved countries, giving up her time to teach donation classes every Saturday in October to raise funds for women with cancer), teaching zumba (4 classes per week) at Flying Studios and leading annual zumba retreats (Cuba in 2016!). She does all of this and yet, each time I see her, I am struck by her peaceful & relaxed demeanor. I attended one of her donation classes at the Main Plaza on Bay Street (last donation class this Saturday ¹⁰⁄₃₁ @ 11a — kids welcome) and noticed she wisely adjusted the choreography to compensate for the ground (concrete) and gave frequent breaks for water as it was sunny & hot. She had a guest teacher and a live drummer. She invited the people watching above (2^nd level balconey) to come join us. It was a fun hour for an excellent cause (sending women with cancer to a retreat).
Andreina is an amazing dancer, has a fabulous body, exudes high energy and an infectious positive attitude, keeps the class moving together at a brisk pace, but what SETS her FAR APART from OTHER zumba teachers is the following:
1. Andreina’s goal is to ensure EVERYONE has a good + safe time, so her attention is 100% focused on ALL her students (whether it’s a group of 50 or 20) when she is teaching. She will dance in all areas of the room — not just the front — she will dance next to newbies or people who are struggling and when she dances next to you, it is impossible to not smile and feel lighter. :) She will adjust spacing between lines or students at the end of songs (making room for late comers and/​or giving people equal space)
2. Andreina goes over new choreography at the beginning of class.
3. Andreina goes over choreography she notices people having trouble with after a song (short break). Breaks down hip gyrations and samba. She gives «homework» to do while you are cooking, etc.
4. Andreina focuses on core — she will point to her belly to indicate «abs in» for the times when engaging one’s core is a good thing for certain moves.
5. Andreina focuses on beginners. She asks first-​timers to raise their hands at beginning of class and she tells beginners to come at least 3x. She also gives wise advice for beginners — get the legs FIRST then arms.
6. Andreina’s choreography is easy to pick up — footwork/​arms not complicated — each side is 2 to 4 counts — if you come to class regularly, you will even learn how to samba — (for me, the key was to stop thinking and just let my body go). She also keeps the class fresh for regulars with new songs and choreography but also willing to do old favorites if requested.
7. Andreina is so talented, yet very sweet and low ego. If you have a routine you really are burning to do, you can show it to her and teach the class. (We are currently enjoying a student Chloe’s choreography.)
8. Andreina is VERY aware of injuries and indiviual limitations. She demonstrates up and down leveling for certain moves. Examples: Touch floor or touch down towards your knee or not bend at all. For plank pushups, you can stay in plank, do mountain climber, or do pushups with knees down or not go down to floor and just move your body to the music. For other moves, you can jump (high impact) or not jump (low impact). You adjust her moves to what your body needs and can handle.
Urban Dictionary defines «Andreina» as the following:
«Lights everything up. Bewitching in beauty and grace. The end all be all woman.»
It is an accurate description of Andreina as I know her.

Andreina is by far one of the best Zumba instructors I have danced with. Her energy is unbelievable and her class feels more like a party than a workout (but you still get a great workout and high calorie burn). I danced with her at a retreat recently and loved it! I would highly recommend her class if your looking to get in shape and turn up the heat on your fitness routine!

I haven’t been to her classes but I’ve seen a blog from her. She gives great information on Zumba. Love what she is doing.

Andreina is the best Zumba instructor I’ve had both because of her warmth and her ability to make you sweat while having a good time. She greets all of her students (a surprising rarity), makes sure there’s plenty of space for the folks in the back, and remembers her students and details about them. It’s no wonder her classes are packed! Thanks Andreina!

One of the most wonderful zumba teachers EVER! Check her out — you won’t regret it. :)

Andreina is the best Zumba teacher, ever, period. I have been religiously taking her class at Flying Yoga for almost two years and it is still as fun as the day I started. She has the most amazing energy and truly makes the class fun for everyone no matter your level. I always leave in a better mood, dripping sweat, and have a smile on my face. She is the best and I am so thankful I found her!!!

Andreina is my Favorite Zumba teacher! She has incredible energy and her classes are so much fun. She always welcomes new people and breaks down the steps but also keeps it engaging for those who come week after week. I wish I could make it to more than one class a week! The music and energy are so fun I forget I’m working out but I always leave the class drenched in sweat. She deserves more than 5 stars

I have nothing but positive things to say about Andreina and her Zumba classes. I go as frequently as I possibly can, because I know it will undoubtedly make my day better. She is so much fun to watch and follow, and now that I’ve been going regularly for almost a year and know most of the moves, it just gets better and better! I love her approach, because she reminds us that «we’re just dancing»…something that shouldn’t be taken «too» seriously! I’ve never been a fan of hitting the gym hard to get in shape, but Zumba with Andreina makes me completely forget that I’m actually working out because I’m having so much fun! I could not recommend this class or another instructor with more enthusiasm. Do yourselves a favor and check it out! I promise that once you take one class, you’ll be hooked for life!!!

Andreina has such amazing energy! I have tried many Zumba classes and am pretty picky and I love her classes. The music is amazing and it’s a great workout. I always leave smiling and can’t wait to come back!

Andreina is a spectacular Zumba teacher. The class is high energy with fun music and great choreography. Her positive energy always lifts my spirits so her class is great mind/​body connection. There tends to be plenty of parking near the Flying Yoga annex for the 6PM class on Monday and Wednesday. Tends to get crowded, Highly recommend for a great workout.

Andreina is an amazing teacher and her classes are perfect for all levels – even absolute beginners. She usually introduces new moves during the warm-​up so you know what to expect for the rest of the class. She also provides more challenging high-​intensity options if you want to kick your workout up a notch. I love her music selection – a good mix of salsa, merengue, and reggaeton, with plenty of Pitbull songs thrown in for good measure (and booty shakin’). This class always feels like a party!

Andreina’s Wednesday night Zumba class at Flying Yoga has become a mainstay in my fitness routine — and with good reason. She makes working out (and sweating!) extraordinarily fun. Her energy, enthusiasm, and passion for Latin dance are infectious. Andreina’s classes have a way of getting deep down in your soul and elevating you to a happy place. (Hello, endorphins!) She is a wonderful dancer, and what I appreciate about her the most is that she encourages us all to find the dancer in ourselves.

I love these Zumba Classes! Andreina has great energy and is a great dancer! I love the music, the dances-​Merengue, Salsa and Samba most of all :) the steps are easy to follow and she adjusts the pace for different levels, so you are always sweating– this class is a great workout and a lot of fun!