I know that picture of Ruby and Nella was ridiculously cute earlier today, but I wanted to introduce you to Yulissa Arescurenaga who is actually the very first licensed Zumba instructor with Down syndrome in the U.S. Ruby got to meet her this summer and she showed Ruby some moves which I will share later (also ridiculously adorable), and she was so amazing! Just being around her you can feel her positive energy!! She was born to do this and watching her in action you can tell she is living her dream.

Yulissa won her first dance contest when she was 10 and took her first Zumba class in 2008. Ever since that first class, she decided she wanted to be a professional Zumba instructor. Despite challenges, she practiced 6 hours a day and received her teaching certification in 2012. Since then, Yulissa has used her talent to lead a more independent and meaningful life by teaching fitness and wellness to children and adults. Currently, Yulissa is teaching Zumba in 5 schools with more than 200 students and at two gyms in the Bay Area.

She says, “My dream is to spread the joy and benefits of Zumba to my community. I want people to believe in me and what I am doing and to come and dance with me. I hope to inspire everyone that with hard work, determination and pure joy and passion for something, everyone, without exception, can catch their dreams.”

Wow! What an amazing, positive attitude she has!! I don’t know about you, but this makes me want to get up off the couch, dust the chips off my chest and go do something amazing today! Stay tuned for a short video of her showing our very own Ruby Doobs some Zumba moves!!

#RubyAndNellaRockTheFuture