Sensazao Dance Fitness
Sensazao Dance Fitness is a total-body workout that has all the benefits of a long run or your most intense cardio workout, possibly even more. In a 1-hour class, you can burn as many as 800 calories. You’ll also tone nearly every muscle in your body, improve balance, boost brainpower and develop a confidence about your ability to dance gracefully and dance sexy.
I gained over 60 pounds with each of my pregnancies. Having been slender and fit my entire life, I was horrified at the sight of my post pregnant body. I was desperate to find something that would inspire me to get fit and healthy again. Not only was I desperate, I was beginning to develop post-partum depression.
At 38 years old and 5 feet, 7 inches tall, I was clinically obese at 205 pounds and I still looked 9 months pregnant. I joined my nearest gym in Arlington. On my second day at the gym, I noticed a huge line (almost 45 minutes wait before the class began. It was for a class instructed by Gabriela Espinoza. Once inside the class, a woman standing next to me asked me if it was my first class. Of course I answered “yes.” Then, she gently touched my arm and said “Just want to let you know that my first time taking the class, I only lasted 30 minutes and I had to leave. It’s okay if you have to leave early, just have fun!”
A sexy, super lean and sculpted instructor (Gabriela Espinoza) came rushing in and plugged her Ipod into the stereo. The most beautiful Latin music (a song by Pitbull) came on and the warm-up began. I was exhausted, out of breath and ready to crawl out of the class after only 3 minutes! I could barely get thru the warm-up! But, I decided to keep trying. I felt like collapsing on the floor during several songs. It was intense. The moves were sexy, included tweaking, swaying, sashaying, gyrating, salsa, bachata, samba, hip hop and worked every single muscle in my body. Gabriela’s double jointed and firm body moved so effortlessly. Her passion for dance was electrifying and inspiring. I was in love with this style of aerobic dance fitness and determined to learn the choreography, have fun and lose weight. This class made me feel like myself again, the “dancing self” before marriage and kids, a girl who once danced beside Channing Tatum in the movie, Step Up. And after only 6 months of attending Sensazao Dance class five nights a week, I lost 50 pounds and went from a “Plus Size 16” to a size 8 without changing my diet or doing any other type of workout.
My instructor Gabriela and her sister Jazmin left that local Arlington gym and opened up their very own studio in Alexandria almost 5 years ago and I’m still a huge fan! Fans come from all over the world to take classes here. Singer/Actress Jordin Sparks has even visited the Alexandria, Virginia studio and has endorsed the workout on her “Things she’s obsessed with” on MTV, in several magazine articles and on her Instagram.
The Sensazao (pronounced SENS-suh-Zow) Dance Fitness workout is perfect for those who enjoy dancing or want to learn how to dance in a very safe and fun environment with others who have the same interest and fitness goals as you do. This is the most fun you’ll ever have while losing weight and keeping fit! Moving to music is stress-free and happy. There’s no counting reps, watching the clock or taking breaks in between circuits.
Sensazao recently began live streaming their dance classes and I had the awesome opportunity to interview one of the founders of Sensazao Dance Fitness, Jazmin Espinoza about their latest endeavor and what’s in store for the future.
CM: When did you decide to pursue fitness as a full-time or part-time career?
Jazmin: Dancing was always part of our lives and we were always pursuing a challenge. Once we saw the interest in dance and fitness we adjusted our dance experience and increased the fitness component in our classes. From there on it became a way of life.
CM: When did you realize you had a bonafide BRAND for your company?
Jazmin: From the beginning, epecially when there was always a long line [of people] waiting for our classes.
CM: Are the new Live Stream videos equivalent to your classes?
Jazmin: Technically no, we are live streaming our classes since we have many online followers who want to join us, but these classes are different than our studio classes. The major difference is that it’s not the real experience, which cannot be replaced unless you are there with us. However, our new service allows you to dance with us in the comfort of your own home/gym/studio and with whomever you want.
CM: How does it feel when total strangers approach you and applaud you for their fitness results?
Jazmin: It feels incredibly rewarding that we were part of their fitness journey and helped them in any way. But it does not feel like we are talking to strangers at all. We are definitely connected to our clients and share the same happy feeling when we dance together.
CM: Who among your clients is the best embodiment of the Sensazao brand & why?
Jazmin: Our mother Gaby. She has the best time dancing with us, takes sometimes 2 classes in a row, keeps herself in shape and gives us the best feedback when it comes to routines and songs we choose for class.
CM: What sets your dance fitness class apart from all the others?
Jazmin: Two things: 1.) We have 3 unique styles when it comes to choreographing and teaching 2.) Our instructors training quality
CM: What amount of classes do you recommend for new moms trying to get fit and fit back into their pre-baby jeans?
Jazmin: We recommend 2 to 3 per week. Considering the high to low impact versatility of our routines, anyone can start their fitness journey with us and reach their goals in the most safe and effective way.
CM: Where do you see your company ten years from today? Any plan for franchising and studios in other cities?
Jazmin: Franchising is a possibility we have considered. In ten years we plan to see official Sensazao classes worldwide and our own charity organization related to dance and health.
CM: In addition to your classes, what do you girls do for fun?
Jazmin: We like to surf, take dance classes, attend carnivals and mostly travel all over the world.
CM: What announcements and news would you like to share with the Clarendon Moms readers?
JM: We would like to share our passion for life by means of music and dance. We would like to remind everyone that health is the best investment and that happiness is the journey.
Shimmy, twerk, pop and lock your way to your pre-baby body, Sensazao Dance Studio is located at: 5424 Eisenhower Ave.
Alexandria, VA 22304. For more information, visit www.sensazao.com
