Read what people have to say about Zumba® With Bianca.
Hi - We are a group of 4 ladies that work together at a Children and Family Centre in Peckham. We started going to Zumba with Bianca (ZWB) at the beginning of this year and are all well and truly hooked!
From left to right: Charlene, Vivienne, Bernadette and Chanel
We would like to share our individual experiences:
"Has Zumba with Bianca been a life-changing experience for me? Actually, yes it really has! So far this year I have lost 9 kilos, 2 inches from my chest, 1 inch from my waist and 4 inches from my hips. Much to my GP's amazement my cholesterol level has dropped significantly. I feel more alive, much happier and far more fit and flexible.
There are so many great things about Bianca's classes for me: it is so much fun and the hour passes in a flash. The atmosphere in the Thursday evening class at Lewisham is electric! Bianca has this positive inspirational vibe when she dances and teaches her class, that puts her into a higher calibre from most other instructors. I have attended several other Zumba classes and although they have been good, the difference is that ZWB is great!
Am I addicted? Totally. And looking forward to continuing to getting fitter, losing more weight and toning up some more, so watch this space! I forgot to say that I'm not the most coordinated of people, but with Bianca's continued encouragement even I can follow the steps. Don't hesitate to come and try - I promise you, you won't regret it." - Bernadette
"I was watching a shopping channel last year December and stumbled across the Zumba workout DVD, and found that when I was watching the advert I was wanting to get up and dance along. I googled Zumba classes in South East London, and got a link www.zumbawithbianca.com.
When I finally attended Bianca's class it was infectious; I found that I wanted another class and another. I shared my experience with all the other ladies and they have now become Zumba Chicas. Being a mum of 3 children I found it difficult to shift my weight and always convinced my self that I was so fat and I would embarrass myself in any exercise class.
I am a person that needs a lot of motivation to exercise, Zumba is inspirational for me and it has made me look at my overall lifestyle. I have lost ½ a stone doing Zumba, my fitness level has improved immensely along with my confidence.
I have attended Zumba classes with other instructors, and I can truly say that Bianca has the X- Factor - she converts you and when the music takes over your body it leaves you wanting more.
If you're looking for something that has a positive, fun, yet different take on every day exercise, then join the party. Why? As I say to every one I know and meet, there ain't any party like a ZWB party." - Chanel
"I started going to Zumba in January and since then I have become considerably fitter and have lost a stone. I really enjoy the music and sometimes you can just get carried away with it. Anytime anyone compliments me on the way I look I just say "Zumbaaa!". I now go to Bianca's classes 3 times a week and I love it!" - Vivienne
"Since I've joined Zumba with my co-workers I feel so much better within myself. I enjoy class sooooo much, and Bianca is a great Instructor and very clear to follow. I love Zumba so much I do it at work with the kids. Thank you Bianca for my new body and a happier way of life." - Charlene
"I have a serious spinal disability which is very painful and affects my mobility as well as having severe M.E with a very wide range of debilitating and painful symptoms. I have tried very hard for a long time to find exercise that I can do. Because of the range and severity of my symptoms this has proved very difficult. They are usually impossible for me to do because of my physical limitations or they greatly exacerbate my symptoms. In addition because I find most of the things I have attempted quite boring I have no distraction from my pain and this makes the exercise very difficult to achieve. Recently I was put on a new drug which is helpful to me but made me put on a large amount of weight quickly and this was extra weight that my spine couldn't tolerate. It is very difficult to lose weight when you have the kind of limitations that I do.
It was at this point that I found Zumba® with Bianca. This has made a real difference in my life. Finally I can exercise and have fun. The unique things about these Zumba® classes are that all the movements in Biancas choreographies can be done at very low impact. It is easy to find an alternative when necessary but I can actually manage a lot of the moves in there original format. In addition the class is so much fun, and Bianca and the music are so motivating that I am distracted from all my pain and fatigue and can actually laugh and have fun in class. This distraction from pain and fatigue allows me to achieve my exercise and socialising goals.
The great thing about Bianca and her class from a disabled point of view is that she is very relaxed about people modifying her moves as they need to and very importantly she has also been brilliant about allowing a carer, not only in the room but in the session next to me which means that I can really push myself as I have my help and support right next to me as soon as I need it. (Because it is such a fun class it is not difficult to get carers to come along.). Bianca does not make a big deal about having disabled people in her class and so you can just blend in and have a normal experience in the class. What has taken me by surprise is that at points during Zumba® classes I actually feel quite able bodied and that's an amazing feeling to have when you have to spend so much of life being so conscious of your disability and health issues.
I feel after only 6 sessions that I am already getting stronger (I have a lot of muscle wastage) and more mobile as well as already having lost some weight. I really look forward to the classes.
I would highly recommend Zumba® with Bianca." - Ameera
"You are a particulary clear and easy to follow teacher. I find it difficult to follow anything. Very much so you are a breath of fresh air! As a teacher myself I recognise a good Instructor!" - Tamsin
"I live in Boston, USA and take almost 3 to 4 Zumba® classes a week. I had to travel to London for work and on a whim I googled to see if I could find a Zumba® class near by. Bianca's web site showed up so I took a chance and emailed her. To be honest I was really surprised to find her prompt reply giving me detailed directions, and decided to take the 45 minute train ride from the City of London to Greenwich even though I was dead tired after a red eye flight and had my luggage with me.
The Community Centre itself had a lot of character and the staff was wonderful and kind as I waited for the class. Bianca herself turned out to be a great dancer and a fabulous teacher. She used a lot of the songs I am familiar with and her compositions were very fun and energetic. It also was a fantastic work out as I jumped, pumped, sweated and danced my stress away. Bianca's energy was infectious and all the other students seemed to have a great time as well. It was an extremely positive experience and I am very happy to have done this. I will recommend her class to all my Zumbaholic friends who happen to visit London and would love to go back to her class when I am there again next year. Keep up the good work Bianca!" - Param
Zazia comments on the Zumba® Demonstration held on @ St Laurence Centre in Catford, London to celebrate World Peace Day. This was a fundraising event where all proceeds went to St Christopher's Hospice and Handicap International:
"You were just great. You were quite impressive and we all like you entering into the spirit and enticing and encouraging everyone to join in. It was quite dynamic but nothing like the usual 'aerobics'. I don't know whether you noticed but even our oldest members who usually shy away from any kind of physical demonstration took to the floor." - Zazia Pratt - President of Soroptimist International Lewisham and South East London
"Don't rely on the British weather to get you in the summer mood! The songs you dance to in Zumba® give you a summery feeling and uplifts your mood no matter the weather. You're guaranteed a great workout and sweat without even realising it, because you really do get lost in the music! The funky dances, the music, the friendly atmosphere and Bianca's enthusiasm make me look forward to the class all week! There is no reason to be shy in class. I never thought I would be belly dancing and 'booty shaking' in public without being embarrased.
P.S. The only bad thing about Zumba® is...my class is only once a week!!" - Emma
"I think the Zumba® class is really great! The moves are original and funky. The classes run at really good times in the evening, which I personally can easily attend after work and still have time to eat. The atmosphere is really great, everyone is really nice and enjoy themselves. It's like a really big party. The teaching style is really good even though Bianca shows us what to do, you can feel free to do what your body feels to do. Bianca is nice and approachable. Her dance moves are original so you will never get bored. She always makes you feel welcome and makes you become part of the dance class straightaway. While I have been doing the Zumba® class, I have toned up quite well and have lost some weight with the help of a balanced diet. To sum it all up, we have great fun, laughter and enjoyment. Come and have a go!!!" - Bianca (student)
"Zumba® is great for all ages. You burn calories and tone your body without knowing it. I like going to my Zumba® class because not only do I get to keep fit, I also meet new people and have fun, all in 1 class. Thumbs up for Zumba®!" - Renae
"Really enjoy the class. It is always fun and full of energy! It's relaxing as you stay focused on the moves but fun at the same time." - Michaela
"It has taken me years to find a form of exercise I enjoy and keep doing. I love Zumba® as I get to dance, have fun and exercise at the same time. The class has a really nice vibe and Bianca is completely MAD - which I love!!!" - Rachel
"It's really fun to try out a new kind of exercise and dancing. The classes go really quickly and are a great workout. They really get your heart pumping!" - Hannah
"I have been to many aerobics classes, however, Zumba® is very different. I absolutely love the music. The dance moves are very energetic and fun to do. You will get a proper workout with Zumba® while having so much fun. I would definetly recommend it to anyone who wants to get fit in a very fun and active way." - Mierembe
"When I read the website, I remember it saying that you should let your body be taken over by the music and let it do what it wants to do. I didn't really understand it, but after attending your class, I totally get what it is saying! I felt like I was at a carnival and it was a lot of fun!" - Laigh
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