Zumba Instructors

Megalya is a DMV native who loves to move. She started her journey in dance at the age of 5, with ballet, jazz, and tap. In elementary school, she was a part of an african drum and dance group. She fell in love with the rhythmic and energetic movements of this particular dance form, while also finding joy in performing. During her middle school and high school years, she transitioned to exploring herself through Hip hop dance, which soon became one of her main forms of expression. However, once she started her college career at Spelman College in Atlanta, Megalya reignited her love for the African Dance forms and became a part of another African drum and dance performance group during all of her 4 years at college. Megalya loves being active and participates in various activities including but not limited to roller skating, nature walks, and longboarding in her spare time.

My name is Jen, and I’ve been teaching children since I got my B.A. in Education, from the University of Northern Iowa (Go Panthers!). I grew up loving everything active and all sports, especially dancing and playing basketball and volleyball. So, after graduating, it was natural to meld the joy of being an educator, with my passion for health and fitness. I began by teaching teens the basics of health, math, and reading. Over time, I  broadened my scope to include fitness classes for all ages of children and coaching school sports. Along the way, I’ve picked up a personal training certification through the US Military Academy at West Point, taught soldiers and their kids, and designed workout programs for everyone from elementary school students to US Army generals. I’m eager to bring my creative, compassionate approach to teaching your children self confidence through movement, self discovery, and an understanding of their own mind body  connection. Be brave, be bold, be you!

Alisha is a born and raised DMV resident. She is a lifelong DC sports fan (for better or worse), loving the Commanders, Nationals, Capitals, and DC United.  Throughout her childhood and young adulthood, she participated in many sports, art forms, and dance. She played soccer, rowed crew, ran track, and did gymnastics throughout high school. She was a competitive cheerleader as well, from middle school through college. She has 12 years of dance experience as a student (ballet, jazz) and 3 years as a dance teacher (ballet, hip-hop, jazz, tap). She has 10 years of yoga experience as a student, and got her 200Hr RYT Yoga Alliance certification in 2018 and has been teaching kids and adults ever since. She has gotten her Bachelors in Psychology and Neuroscience at George Mason University and currently is working on completing her Masters in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience. She looks forward to connecting with people in the community over beloved activities such as dance, yoga, and sports.

Hello, I’m Sophia, they call me Precious Sophia in my dance world! I have been dancing since a small child. I have performed and taught many types of dance from ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip hop, cheerleading, and gymnastics. I cheered most of my life from five years old through college. I was involved in step groups and competitive dance teams throughout high school. Then along came Zumba! I’ve been instructing and participating in Zumba now for twelve years. It is SO much fun that I just can’t imagine stopping Zumba! I’ve also taught Zumba Kids and Zumbini. I love all aspects of dance and will be dancing for life!

Meet Jasmine, a dedicated children’s coach, Zumba, and fitness instructor. She has danced since she was five years old, practicing ballet, jazz, tap, and modern dance styles. She also cheered throughout high school. In addition to her love for dance, she has also coached kids in basketball, flag football, soccer, and track. She has over a decade of experience working with children as a Behavior Analyst and coach, she understands the vital role of play and movement in learning. Jasmine’s philosophy revolves around her belief that ‘Play is the shortest route between children and their creative calling.’ As a Kids in Motion instructor, she aims to ignite imagination and promote creativity through the joy of movement, fitness, and play.

Toneshia is a Native Washingtonian, but now residing in Manassas, Va. She grew up dancing since the age of 7. As a cheerleader in high school and college, Toneshia also assisted in teaching hip hop, jazz and cheer dance. She studied elementary education at Towson University and is a licensed Zumba Instructor as well as a certified AAFA group fitness Instructor. Toneshia has had a passion for dance since a young girl and also shares this passion with her own 2 young children. Toneshia also coaches and is the commissioner for the Fairfax county SYA basketball leagues. She enjoys teaching Zumba and loves all forms of dance. Toneshia believes everyone should Laugh, Love and DANCE!!!!

Lynbea brings over two decades of dance experience and a boundless passion for teaching to the program. Her journey began with foundational training in ballet, tap, and jazz, later expanding to include modern dance, hip-hop, and cheerleading. As a former cheerleading and dance captain, she has a proven ability to lead and inspire, with multiple “Most Outstanding Choreography” awards recognizing her creative routines and leadership skills. She is dedicated to creating a positive and empowering environment for her students, Lynbea has diverse experience coaching and choreographing for younger age groups. Her time as a middle school step team coach in Springfield, VA, and her history of choreographing for high school cheerleading and university dance teams, highlight her talent for developing routines that are both engaging and educational. She is a certified as a group fitness instructor, her goal is to share her love of dance and movement, helping every student build a strong foundation in a fun and supportive atmosphere.

Hi, I’m Rowan! I’m a film and video studies student at George Mason University. I’ve been dancing since I was 3 years old. Dance is a quintessential part of my life, and I am so excited to share the joy of dance. I’ve trained in Ballet, Jazz, Acro, Hip Hop, K-pop, Contemporary, Modern, Zumba, and Tap. Outside of work and dance, I also do competitive colorguard for the George Mason University Winterguard. I also enjoy baking and crocheting. I am very excited to join the Kids In Motion team!

Hi! My name is Reanna Vèta Spence and I’m a student at Northern Virginia Community College studying healthcare. I’ve always loved working with children and helping them learn, grow, and build confidence.

Dance has been a huge part of my life, with experience in ballet, hip-hop, dancehall, Afro, bachata, salsa, and Zumba. I’m passionate about creating a fun, positive, and welcoming space where kids can express themselves and enjoy dancing.

I’m also a Work-From-Home Customer Service Representative and proud mom. I’m excited to share my love for dance with your little ones and create fun memories along the way!

Qian Zhang is originally from China and has trained in a wide range of dance
styles—from classical ballet and jazz to contemporary and Chinese folk dance. Since
moving to the U.S. in 2019, she’s been sharing her love of movement with kids in
schools, studios, and community programs. Qian’s classes are all about energy,
creativity, and connection. She’s also a drama teacher, and loves combining storytelling
with dance to help students shine both on stage and in the studio. Her favorite part of
teaching? Creating joyful, expressive moments that make everyone feel confident and
inspired. She is also Pilates certified, and brings mindful movement and body
awareness into her teaching.

Romi grew up in Europe, where she took jazz classes in elementary
school. She then moved to the DMV area in the 4th grade and sparked an
interest in tumbling and gymnastics. This background helped her join
the varsity cheer team in high school her freshman year. She did a
year of competitive cheer and four years of high school cheer. During
her first year of college, she helped lead fitness activity groups
with kids during summer programs. Romi is currently attending George Mason
University, where she is studying criminology. She enjoys teaching
kids how to integrate fitness into fun and is excited to continue that
passion with Kids in Motion!

Skyy, a born and raised DMV local, has been immersed in the world of dance for more than a decade. Her passion for dance started with acrobatic contortion and since then, she has dedicated herself to studying various dance genres such as ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, and modern. She teaches ballet, tap, and other forms of dance to 2 to 7 year olds, and will soon be teaching 5 to 10 year olds with Kids in Motion. In her spare time, Skyy indulges in her love for languages and adventure. She is semi-fluent in Spanish and actively pursuing the study of French, Mandarin, and Korean. She eagerly looks forward to embarking on her teaching journey with Kids in Motion!

Annie grew up in the DMV and we inspired by dancing culture since she was five years old. She loves Latin rhythms but has a huge passion for hip hop and salsa as well. She is attending George Mason University and hopes to create an impact on the youth. She aspires to help kids form a long lasting relationship with dancing and music. She believes dance can help unite people. Besides dancing she loves running, cooking, and baking. She loves teaching kids, and being able to see growth as they develop a passion for the arts. She can’t wait to start this year with Kids in Motion!

My name is Susan Haldeman, I am a mother of 4. I love music and I have been dancing since preschool. I received a Bachelors Degree in Psychology in South America, Lima, Peru, where I was born and raised until I was 21. In order to pay my college, I was a background stage dancer on a Peruvian TV channel. I moved to America after college, about 20 years ago. I currently work independently as a personal trainer and dance fitness instructor. I came to Kids in Motion in 2017 and I instantly loved it!! I want to thank all of you parents for allowing me to incorporate my music, my dance moves, and myself to your beautiful treasure!! I can’t wait to get to meet you all. (Ms.Susy)

Jazmin is currently an undergrad student at George Mason University. She is studying accounting and environmental science. Jazmin was born in Guatemala where she took ballet classes, she enjoys dancing latin music and has taken modern dance classes in college. She loves listening to music and is always eager to learn new styles/genres of music. In her free time she enjoys hiking and traveling. She has a passion for teaching and is excited to start this new school year with Kids in Motion!

Jasmin Ali is an Alexandria native who attended core Kelly and Lyles Crouch where she danced ballet and contemporary for 3 years. While attending Rippon Middle School she ran track and field, and at TC Williams where studied Intro to Nursing. Jasmin served Alexandria, Fairfax, Arlington, and surrounding areas as a geriatric private duty nurse for 20 plus years. In 2019 Jasmin became a personal trainer and a strengthening and conditioning coach and is now able to share health and fitness with all ages.

Jen is a California girl who thinks teaching dance is her dream job. She has been dancing since the age of 6 in ballet, hip-hop, jazz, and musical theater. In college she was the choreographer for her travelling show choir and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Human Development. After becoming a mother to three children she stumbled into a Zumba class and was hooked. She is a certified Zumba and Zumba Kids Instructor. She has taught over 200 Zumba Kids classes and hopes to stay dancing for life! When she’s not dancing Jen does a lot of administrative work for NOVA Kids in Motion. So chances are, if you email us, she might be the one replying!

Hi there! My name is Priscilla Wilson-Gay and I am 22 years old and I am from Bethesda, MD. I have been dancing for 19 years in the styles of modern, ballet, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and hip hop. I am currently a student at George Mason University studying Kinesiology. I participate in dance classes at Virginia Ballet Company in Fairfax, VA. I love working with kids and look forward to having a blast with your children!

Heather is a home-schooling mother of two, world traveler, and has a Psychology degree from George Mason. Heather loves all things fitness, especially yoga and dance fitness.  She is a registered yoga instructor, taekwondo black belt, and a licensed Zumba instructor. She currently teaches barre fitness, but has experience teaching a variety of fitness formats including aerobics and weights. Her experience working with youth include working as a play teacher at Gymboree, summer camp counselor, and volunteering as a preschool assistant. She can’t wait to share her passion for fitness with Kids In Motion students!

My name is Kristel, I am a certified nursing assistant. I discovered an interest in
childcare and became a nanny as well. My passion has always been dancing and I became a dance teacher and an educational tutor for the children. I danced with a competitive dance group for five years, where I had the time of my life! My favorite styles are hip hop, contemporary and latin dance. I was a (Cachiporrista/Porrista) in my school in El Salvador, which translates somewhat into cheerleader. During that time I was also attending ballet classes, and that’s where I discovered my love for back bend/bridges. I now attend Zumba classes, play soccer for fun. I have a small dog and I enjoy taking hikes with him him and making videos about our times together. I also enjoy arranging flowers and decorating my home. My plans now are to start learning to
bake cakes, join a dance team, and have a great time teaching fun classes with Kids In
Motion!

Anna (“Anya”) Avilov is originally from Russia and has lived in Virginia for more than 20 years with her family. Anya has a Master’s Degree in Computer Science and currently works as an Independent Consultant in the Information Technology and Project Management fields.

Anya’s love of dance began at age 6, and Zumba is the best dancing outlet she has found in years! She pursued her teaching certifications in 2010 after taking her very first Zumba class and is currently certified to teach Zumba, Zumba Kids, Zumba Gold and Zumba Toning. Teaching Zumba motivates Anya to constantly practice and stay in shape while encouraging others to do the same! She has a passion for working with children. While her two daughters were little, she taught at their Montessori school and once they started public schools in Reston, she continued to volunteer there. Teaching kids and adults Zumba is a fun and rewarding experience for Anya where she can share her love of dance with others!