Inspiring Teachers Awards: Shirley pushed me to discover my hidden potential for Zumba

When Boon Leng started accompanying his wife to her Zumba classes, he never thought that he would end up being a student himself.

After joining the Zumba classes taught by Shirley in April 2017, he got to know her better and discovered what a great teacher she is.

Boon Leng said: "At the beginning, I accompanied both my sons to the dance class as my wife was the one attending the class.

"I officially started to attend the classes from April 1, 2017 (NOT April Fool's Day) onwards as my wife and sons went to Myanmar. That was when I started getting to know her better.

"I attend classes two to three times weekly during evenings. They are free classes organised by Nee Soon South Community Centre, Happy Fit, CSC and RC.

"Despite only joining last year, Shirley is always helpful and friendly in cultivating a nice learning environment.

"She is eye-sharp in pushing me from being a non-zumba dancer to next level dancing, including becoming one of her dance shadows in mass Zumba events and performances.

"Unlike traditional dancing classes, she can break the ice, and is always creative and innovative in discovering her students' hidden potential and confidence level.

"She inspires others to fall in love with Zumba just as I did, and to demonstrate that ANYONE can (and should) dance!

"Zumbaing has allowed me to grow in so many ways, including transforming from a non-dancer to form part of her shadow team on stage."

When contacted by Stomp, 45-year-old Shirley shared that she has been a full-time Zumba teacher for five years. She holds classes island-wide every day.

Here is the rest of Boon Leng's entry for the Samsung-Stomp Inspiring Teachers Awards:

A surprise for you
For all you do
Every day you make me smile

Standing and walking
Running and jumping
You help me to learn in so many ways

Nice community bonding and promote healthy lifestyle
Active days with music and dance
Good healthy lifestyle to keep happy fit
Shall We Dance the Zumba

We can Zum!!
You can Ba!!
Let’s Zumba Together!!

Have a teacher you want to nominate? Find out how to join the Samsung-Stomp Inspiring Teachers Awards here.

Read all entries for the contest here.