Photo © Erica Deleon
Colombian-born Los Angeles Zumba instructor, Dennis Guzman, will celebrate the dance and music of his culture Mon., March 24 at 8 a.m. on Mundo Fox TV’s Community News Show, Viva 22.
Interview with Dennis Guzman:
"I want to be where the dance is!"
"I want to be where the dance is!"
Viewers tuning in to
watch L.A. Zumba instructor, Dennis Guzman, perform on the Zumba sentao segment of
the Mundo Fox TV community news show, "Viva," on Channel 22, Mon. March 24 at 8 a.m., will be
watching this Colombian-born American fulfill his passion to celebrate the
music and dance of his culture. The popular teacher has developed a strong
following since arriving on the L.A. dance scene two years ago from New York.
“I want to be where The Dance
is,” said Guzman. “New York is a Dance Capitol. It’s very soulful. L.A. is the
flip side with its focus on the commercial.” A dancer since he could walk,
Guzman grew up in New York where he trained in hip-hop, modern and jazz before
being hired by Carnival Cruise Lines to perform in their extravaganza revues.
Four years, five contracts and 10 shows later, he was ready for a change of
pace.
Photo © Erica Deleon
When he experienced his first
Zumba class in L.A., Guzman knew he had come home: “I said, ‘OMG. This is an
exercise invented by a Colombian!’” At the recent Zumba Conference L.A., Guzman
witnessed Zumba founder Beto Perez perform, and afterward posted on his Dennis
G Fitness Facebook page:
“Que persona je Beto. So proud
my fellow Colombian created this fitness program that put food on the table for
me...He is truly amazing.” Perez took the “R” from the Colombian “rumba”
(meaning “party”) and replaced it with a “Z” to form his own fitness dance
brand in the 90s.
”It’s a fitness party,” said
Guzman, whose classes are citywide in L.A. Students range from a grandmother
who wants to keep in shape to Puerto Rican actress and former Miss Universe,
Dayanara Torres.
Photo © Erica Deleon
“The best thing you can do
after or before work is exercise your body,” said Guzman. With his quick smile
and supportive attitude, he tends to focus more on his students’ achievements
than his own, but his Facebook page reveals over 600 followers, mucho videos
starring Guzman’s hot moves and cheering student comments such as “Dennis
Guzman eres incomparable!”
“His enthusiasm is contagious,”
said a student who identified herself as “Cheryl” after one of Guzman’s
“Lunchtime Zumba” classes at the Weddington Recreation Center where Guzman is
employed by the City of North Hollywood. “You cannot have a bad day after
dancing here.”
Photo © Erica Deleon
Dennis Guzman is a licensed
Zumba instructor who is also certified in Group Resistance full body toning,
Pilates Mat, and WSI Swimming, Aqua Fit, Spinning and Boot Camp. He has taught
dance to children and teens, and choreographed quinceaneras. His B.A. is in
Communications from University of Tampa.
“I'm so grateful Zumba was
created because of how it fits my culture, dance training and personality,”
said Guzman, who recently featured a dance class tribute to Rio during Carnival
Week. “My hope is to continue empowering people through dance fitness. One
love!”
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For more info:
Dennis Guzman | Dennis G Fitness | mailto:denguz26@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DennisGFitness
Dennis G Fitness Blog: http://www.dennisgfitness.blogspot.com/
YouTube: Dennis G Fitness Videos:
