Today we’d like to introduce you to Morgan Lewis.
Morgan, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was a dental assistant for three years until I had to have an emergency disc replacement two years ago due to spinal stenosis. I’m 26 years old and this surgery isn’t super common for young people but is becoming more common because of car accidents and people always looking down at their phones. I couldn’t move my neck, feel my hands, and experienced immense pain. This was a milestone for me, it motivated me to push my body to do more than I could before.
Four months after my life-changing surgery, I got my Zumba license and began to teach. A few months after, I walked into a Fred Astaire Dance Studio and was given the opportunity to become a professional ballroom/Latin dance instructor. I competed and taught all of last year and loved every single minute of it. I was in a car accident back in December and had to stop teaching for several months, Fortunately, I have experience in marketing, so I’ve been helping my boyfriend do his real estate marketing in the meantime and I plan on getting my license this year.
I just had to have ANOTHER disc replaced in my neck last month due to my spinal cord being injured and I was almost paralyzed. I once again could not move my neck, I lost feeling in my hands, the pain was out of this world, and couldn’t do much of anything. I’m currently recovering and plan on dancing and teaching as SOON as I am cleared too! I’m more motivated than ever!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road was very rough and painful, I experienced a lot of fear. My advice to other women would be that attitude is EVERYTHING. I could have let my physical condition to limit me and keep me from doing the things I love. Yes, I had my days where I was “down” and I was very afraid, however, I picked myself back up and stayed positive. I bought a new dance program while in the hospital in good faith that I would be dancing again. Many people in tough situations allow themselves to be consumed by what their going through and don’t see that there is light at the end of the tunnel. They can be so much more than before!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Zumba Dance Instructor and Real Estate – what should we know?
Well, I’m currently doing all of my boyfriend’s social media for real estate!
However, I was known for my bubbly, cheerful, positive demeanor in the studio. I was known for my love of Latin dance.
I teach older women Zumba and I encourage them to move despite their ailments because if I can, they can too!
I am most proud of the way I make other’s feel while I teach, I’ve had people come up to me after teaching and tell me that my classes have helped them get through tough times in their lives.
What’s the most important piece of advice you could give to a young woman just starting her career?
Not everything is going to go as expected but keep a positive mindset. Attitude is EVERYTHING!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @morganllewis
- Facebook: facebook.com/zumbamorganlewis
Image Credit:
Exquisite Colors Photography
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