Today we’d like to introduce you to Loretta Bates.
Hi Loretta, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Who knew that my decision to walk into a Zumba class would change my life forever.
For most of my life, I carried around a little extra weight because, well, to be honest, I liked to eat but did not like to exercise! With both of my children, I gained even more weight and was feeling bad about myself and the long days and many sleepless nights that come along with having young children didn’t help. I went to the gym because I knew I “should” but never enjoyed it until one day I saw a flyer on the wall that said “ZUMBA-JOIN THE PARTY”. I didn’t know what Zumba® was, but I liked parties, so I decided to check it out. From the moment the instructor walked in the door, I was IN LOVE. I had never experienced a fitness class before where I wasn’t watching the clock the whole time, thinking “ten more minutes, I can do this”, but was actually SAD when it was over! This music that I had never heard before, this moves I had never done in public before, and this feeling of being sexy that I had honestly never felt before was all new, and I loved it!
I wanted more.
Anytime the instructor was teaching, I was there! On the back row of course, because even though I was loving it, I was still shy. After about two months of taking her class, she approached me and said, “you should be an instructor!” My first thought was NOOOOOO! There’s no way, but there was something inside me that was enthralled by the idea. I knew that I needed to work out and thought it is something I could do with my young children, something that makes me feel good, I could get a free gym membership, make some extra money, and an excellent way to hold myself accountable…being the instructor!
One month later, I went to the instructor training and became a Zumba instructor, never in my wildest dreams did I think it would evolve into anything else, but my students loved me. To my surprise, they showed up and kept coming back! Not only that the showered me with compliments before and after every class which was medicine to my insecure soul. Before I knew it an opportunity opened up to become a Zumba Education Specialist (the people who conduct the instructor trainings for Zumba) for a new kids program, so I applied. Again, to my surprise, I was chosen for the position, and within a few months began traveling teaching trainings, then the Basic 1 Zumba trainings, then traveling internationally, then being asked to be on the Zumba DVDs, video games, and instructor videos. Fast forward to today, where I have visited over 100 different countries teaching Zumba classes and spreading joy, self-acceptance and confidence that Zumba has given me to others.
Self-confidence, just like fitness, is a journey, not a destination. Zumba has helped me immensely with both. I even had the confidence to step out, start my own skincare business and spread what I believe is now my message that I attempt to share with the world via social media, events, speaking engagements, and classes: EVERYONE, no matter who you are, where you came from, or what lot in life you have been given, you are a gift, you have value and have something unique to offer this world that no one else can offer. Don’t shy away, don’t shrink back, don’t be scared to share who you are with the world, because what this world needs…is you.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Probably my biggest obstacle on my own journey has been me. My own doubt. My own disbelief. Beto Perez, the creator of Zumba, says all the time “You doubt, you die”. In other words, if you don’t think you can do something you won’t! There are days where I feel like I could take over the world and others where I want to hide under a blanket all day. As I mentioned before, Self-confidence is a journey, and you will have your ups and downs, but what is important is not to give up on the downs.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
It’s always been a surprise to me that people continue to ask me to come and teach classes. I do not have a dance background, so I know that I am not the best TECHNICAL dancer. I believe over time, I have come to realize that it is actually the simplicity of my choreography that is attractive to people because they feel they can actually do it and feel successful. Finding the balance of simple easy to follow chroreo that is fun and effective is not an easy balance, but is what I believe is the secret recipe!
How do you think about happiness?
Dancing-when I dance, I feel beautiful, sexy and confident.
My Family-growing up, I was never very close with my family, so spending time and being in relationship with them is one of the things that brings me the most joy.
My Faith-I know that it is not my hand that has brought me to where I am, so I am able to hold it loosely, be thankful for every opportunity that comes my way and not be resentful for the ones that don’t.
Pricing:
- Virtual Classes: $5 per class $30 Monthly pass
Contact Info:
- Email: loretta@lorettabates.com
- Website: www.lorettabates.com
- Instagram: @lorettabates
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLorettaBates
- Twitter: @thelorettabates
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/lorettabates
- Other: TiKTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lorettabates
Image Credits
Scott Chitoff Brian Pickett
