Zumba With Diane

Diane is the absolute best! Her classes are ALWAYS fun with beautiful choreography. She is a genuine professional who always has a well thought-​out routine for her students.

Diane is a great zumba instructor! She and my wife got their Zumba Gold certifications at the same time, and we’ve been friends since.
Diane has an extensive dance background, and she has an immense repertoire of choreography for her classes. For holidays and special events, she puts together whole 60-​minute playlists literally overnight! You’re sure to have a fresh-​feeling class if you join her, whether you are a long-​time student or a newcomer.
Her cues are crisp and informative. She gives you plenty of time to absorb what the next move is going to be, and she builds upon basic framework into more complex patterns so every song is interesting and fresh. She’s got a good FAMILY FRIENDLY setlist of music and moves that you can feel comfortable dancing (unlike other instructors who tend to over-​sexualize their classes).
I’m a zumba instructor, and I often sub for her. Diane and I have also collaborated many times in the past. She did a fantastic job of putting together her dance crew for the Arcadia Relay for Life back in 2013. It’s always a party with Diane!

Love, love, LOVE this class! Diane offers an addictive, fun style of Zumba grounded heavily in dance. As a former jazz dancer, it’s just my thing, yet she make the moves easily accessible to all with her clear instruction and direction. I recently signed up at the local Y where unfortunately she is not an instructor, but will likely still pay extra to take Diane’s class elsewhere — she’s totally worth it! A fabulously enjoyable dance party, and an awesome workout as well. Highest recommendation!

Without a doubt, Diane is absolutely the best!!!
I’ve been to other Zumba classes in the past, but no one can match Diane’s passion for dance and fitness. She makes Zumba so much fun while exercising — a real dance fitness party; and I look forward to every class.

Dancing with Diane is such a joy! No matter what mood one comes in with, a smile is on everyone’s face as they leave. It’s a great workout that one hardly feels as it’s so much fun to dance your way through the hour. The mix of music and movements keeps us interested, and improves cognition as well as health and wellness. I am a faithful follower who is grateful to Diane for her inspiring classes.

Joined Diane’s Zumba class January of 2012. Great class! Attend 2 to 3 times a week.
Think I am hooked.
Margie

If you are not familiar with Zumba, go to YouTube and check out these terrific Latin dance exercise classes. I am lucky that mine are led by Diane Hedrick, who makes me want to be a better dancer — -and come to think of it, lately, I am.
Diane is an all-​around fun, energetic, creative, organized, and caring teacher who loves, loves, loves to dance! She moves so well and is easy to follow, encouraging students of all skill levels to move their bodies in rhythm for fun and health. Routines and songs change often to keep classes fresh. Midway through each hour session, we do two or three songs holding light weights to tone our core and upper body.
Diane makes sure each class is a good experience for everyone in the room: that everyone can see, that they know the safe way to execute the moves. She is available before and after class to help with steps or equipment (weights or optional swag), and is able to take credit card payments for classes at those times as well. Nice.
She attracts a loyal Zumba following in (as of this writing) 8 classes a week, including a Zumba Gold class at the Senior Center in Santa Clarita, and a well-​attended Saturday class in Montrose in addition to the Alpha Fitness Chalet classes. Men, women, teens and tweens have joined the class, though the demographic is typically fun female adults. We love having Diane’s husband Steve join us!
Diane encourages education, safety, and health, sending out a monthly newsletter to those wishing information on Zumba events, nutrition, and more. She sets a tone of positivity and accomplishment for all who attend, greeting students and letting them know they are welcome. It’s all about participation with Diane. Seniors, or those with injuries, can do their Zumba moves from their chairs if they like. She embodies the Zumba philosophy, «Ditch the workout, join the party.» And yes, I’m on board with the rest of the fan club.
My experience? I started slowly in August, 2011, not sure I wanted to «get sweaty». (!) Now I go up to four times a week, and never miss a session if I can help it. I love the people, the music is fantastic, Diane is consistently smiling as she leads us through sambas, reggatons, cha-​chas, and even, during our cool-​downs, a lovely, sexy tango. I have lost 15 pounds, am wearing two sizes smaller in pants, and now go hiking because I LIKE it. I skip stairs. Arms and shoulders are getting toned. I seem to recognize my legs from some time in high school. (Oh, yeeeeeeaaaahhhh, I remember you guys!) Since starting the class, I sleep better, and I wake up earlier because my body *wants* to. All this because I started an hour-​long aerobic Latin dance class and threw in a few hikes a week? Yep.
I’m 59, by the way. This is for people of any age. You just have to want to move more today than you were moving the day before. Slightly more. Change doesn’t have to happen fast. For me to get off the couch and start seeing my pant size shrink again, I had to be INSPIRED and ENCOURAGED over a period of months. I had to know that when I got to that exercise class, someone was going to give a damn that I showed up, and then make it fun, with hot music. (She still does. Thanks, Di.)
Not all Zumba instructors have the same skills. Diane Hedrick is the whole package.
Bring a towel, a water bottle, get ready to dance for an hour at whatever intensity you can handle. And save me a place up front! Aiiiiyyyeee!