An Interview with Zumba Instructor, Carmen Abustan

By Katie Kerrigan

This month, we decided to interview Carmen, the drive behind why we are supporting March of Dimes. We wanted to gain her perspective on why she loves BellaVita and what she believes we represent. We also wanted to gain her understanding as to why this organisation is so important to her so that we could share that with the BellaVita community. 

Having said this, we prepared the following questions for Carmen:

1. How long have you known about March of Dimes and why is it so important to you?
I learned about March of Dimes through my friend and fellow Zumba instructor, Onix Banegas, who holds an annual Zumba event to raise funds for this organization.  I have friends and family who have experienced premature births. Thankfully, they did not experience the complications associated with premature birth.  Unfortunately, this is not the norm. Through March of Dimes we can help reduce premature birth in the United States and give every baby a fair chance for a healthy full-term birth.

2. How does March of Dimes’ mission relate to that of BellaVita?
March of Dimes works to improve the health of mothers and babies. It strives to ensure that babies grow up to have healthy and productive lives.

3. What do you hope to achieve from combining March of Dimes and BellaVita for this event?
I hope to bring more awareness to March of Dimes and to promote BellaVita, not only as a fitness and wellness brand, but as an organization that cares and gives back to the community.

4. What do you think the BellaVita members will get out of this event that is in partnership with March Of Dimes?
Not only will they have fun and have a great workout, they’ll feel good knowing that they are contributing to a great cause.

​​5. What does BellaVita mean to you? What do you love the most about working with BellaVita?
I love that BellaVita is a judgement-free community that embraces everyone’s individuality.

6. What makes BellaVita successful?
Everyone in the BellaVita community - Bella, the team, and the members – brings their unique personalities and talents while working together to fulfill BellaVita’s mission.

7. How long have you worked for BellaVita? Do you remember your first day?
I joined the BellaVita family in 2015.  As a brand-new Zumba instructor, I was full of nerves teaching my first class at BellaVita. BellaVita’s supportive environment really helped me grow as an instructor. 

8. What is your fondest memory of working with BellaVita?
One of my fondest memories was the BellaVita Holiday Zumba Party that I taught with April and Quinn in 2016, which raised money for children affected by the ongoing water crisis in Flint, Michigan. We helped a great cause and I really enjoy when I teach alongside fellow BellaVita instructors. 

9. What’s your best advice for anyone thinking about joining BellaVita?
Take advantage of everything BellaVita has to offer. Whether you’re into Zumba or Yoga, be open to different formats to achieve a more well-rounded workout.

Also, be open to taking different instructors. Each instructor has their own style and has something unique to offer.

10. What made you want to become a Zumba instructor? Tell me about yourself and your background?
Ever since my youth, dance and fitness has been a big part of my life.  Growing up, I practiced Filipino folk dancing, martial arts, and competitive swimming.  Later, I became passionate about ballroom dance, hip-hop, and choreography.  

When I took my first Zumba class in 2008, I discovered that Zumba represents my own personal philosophy of dance and fitness.  As far as workouts go, Zumba had what I was looking for - a fun, energetic atmosphere and an awesome community of individuals who love to dance.

We hope that through this blog, you have learned more about BellaVita and what drives us to be the amazing ever-growing community that we are today! With this in mind, we want to use this in the most positive way to make an impact on the world by supporting organizations that are close to our hearts and the hearts of our community. We hope you enjoyed!

Xoxo

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