As far as day jobs go, it doesn’t get much better than this
Her working day consists of cranking up music and jumping about dancing while getting others to do the same — meet a Gold Coast Zumba instructor
NAME: Jenna Page
AGE: 28
OCCUPATION: Zumba instructor
I’ve always been a fitness fanatic. I loved sports at school and studied my Cert Three and Four in fitness after Year 12. I did some personal training which I liked, but didn’t love, and also worked at a gym, but none of it was quite right. It was actually kind of boring, to be honest. Then I tried a Zumba class and I just fell in love with it. I loved the energy, the group mentality, the music. I started going a few times every week. Then last year my hours were cut at the gym and I decided it was an opportunity to pursue what I love, so I trained up as a Zumba instructor. Now I teach five classes a week and I love it. Yes, it doesn’t even feel like work. This is how I would choose to spend my time and I get paid for it. When you do a class you’re so full of energy and it just stays with you all day. People call out from the crowd and we’re all dancing and cranking the music. I feel like my job is a party.
HOW HAS YOUR JOB CHANGED YOU? I’m actually a really shy person. I found one-on-one training too intense, which is why I like group work. I loved being a part of Zumba classes in the crowd but I couldn’t believe how a new side of me took over once I got on that stage. I feel so outgoing and brave when I’m teaching a class. I really let go and you can feel the class respond. It’s helped me loosen up in real life too. It really got me out of my shell and has given me so much confidence. It’s changed my life.
WHAT IMPACT DO YOU SEE YOUR WORK HAVING? Aside from people’s physical fitness improving, it also benefits them mentally. That’s probably the most rewarding part about my job. I have had so many people come to me and tell me how much my classes have changed their lives. I had one lady come to me after class and she hugged me and said ‘thank you so much!’ She told me that because of Zumba she has overcome her depression and become such a happier person, as well as improving her asthma. Even a young woman said how my class helped her get over a bad breakup. Everyone comes together for an hour to just let loose, be free and dance like nobody is watching.
WHO’S BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE CLIENT? I have a lady who is 85 years old who started my class a few weeks ago and she is just amazing. She keeps up with all the steps and she can really move. She says it gives her so much happiness and leaves her feeling invigorated. She says she loves Tuesday mornings now. My classes aren’t too big so it’s a nice atmosphere.
HAVE YOU ALWAYS LIVED/ WORKED ON THE GOLD COAST? No. I’m originally from Perth but I’ve been here for eight years. I was over here with my family on holiday for three weeks and just loved it. On the last day my sister and I cancelled our return tickets and decided to live here. We had nothing but our suitcases but we found somewhere to rent and we’ve been happy here ever since. I met a lovely boyfriend and I’ve never looked back.
DOES YOUR BOYFRIEND DO ZUMBA? (laughs) No! He works in Brisbane so I only see him on the weekend but I can’t say he’s given it a try yet. But there are actually quite a few guys who take the classes. Apart from getting fit, it can be a great way to meet people.