Meet Jessika Cantu

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessika Cantu.

Jessika, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I always seemed to be interested in dancing for as long as I can remember. I was influenced by so many different artist in the music industry growing up. I would watch music videos/ performances by Ciara, Missy Elliott, Brittney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Chris Brown, JLO, etc. I started dancing in elementary school when I joined the Drill Team at Roosevelt elementary school. I always tried to get my friends to join me in making up our own routine for school programs, and that never fell through. It wasn’t until the summer of 6th grade that I had my first chance to choreograph a hip-hop dance for a friend of the family’s 15 celebration. From then on, I stood in a couple 15’s as a participating dancer. I had to try out for the dance team going into middle school as well as high school. I made both & was actually able to move my way up in high school, to Varsity Co-Captain of the Waltrip Rambling Roses. Being a part of the Roses dance team was one of the best things that could happen for me because it helped me open up as a person/ dancer. I had the great opportunity to come up with choreography for the team and show my creativeness. It taught me responsibility and gave me a such great experience. It helped shape me into the dedicated, passionate, motivated, hardworking person I am today.

After high school, I started working and going to college to get my Associates Degree. I didn’t have much time for dancing anymore, I went to a couple of choreo classes rarely. One day I joined my mom in Zumba class & I fell in love with the concept of fitness & dancing combined. After a couple more classes & finally turning 18, I signed up to become a Zumba Instructor. I took the training and became certified. All while getting my education, working full time, and eventually getting a house, I had the chance to start working at LA fitness as a Zumba instructor on the side from my full-time job. I was also booked to choreograph another 15 celebration. Recently, the latest choreography projects I’ve had going on was being booked to teach for “Something New Dance” held at Soundbox Studios. I am now currently working on my set for the show I was recently invited to be in. I will be performing at House of Blues Houston for “RAW Houston: STELLAR”. Everyone is welcomed to come support me!

Has it been a smooth road?
Obviously, there are plenty of other dancers, choreographers, and Zumba instructors out there in Houston, which makes it difficult to have every opportunity you want for yourself. I just try my best to do this all for myself first, by keeping myself in shape & happy, then I do it in order to help others and make them happy! I know my style in Zumba doesn’t fit everyone’s taste, but I encourage everyone who wants to Zumba, to try my class! I run into challenges trying to please everyone, but that’s never going to happen. I will always stay true to myself & stick to the motto I came into Zumba with. That being ” I want to be a unique instructor, I don’t want to be known as a typical Zumba instructor”. Other than that, the only other thing I find myself having problems with is TIME. I try my best to manage my time wisely. It’s tough but I find a way to juggle my full-time job, part-time Zumba, part-time choreography, family, relationship, dog, friends & personal time.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Choreography By Jessika & Zumba with Jessika – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
My choreography is always made specifically for its upcoming event, client, etc. I want the best for each and every occasion I am lucky enough to be a part of. My Zumba classes are a good mix of mostly Cardio, some toning, and lots of unique fun moves & music. HINT: Not your typical Zumba class. At the end of class, I want everyone to feel as if they got an overall whole body workout.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I love dancing, and I aim to keep pushing for the best health and body I am capable of. I hope to push others to join me for Zumba classes in order to have fun while getting fit! I also would love to be your “go to woman” for any choreography/ dance needs. I am open to assist with classes, private lessons, birthday celebrations, weddings, dance team routines, solos, music artists, music videos, etc. I want the chance to share my creativeness with the world.

Contact Info:

• Email: Cantu.jessika@yahoo.com
• Instagram: @jessika___z
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessika.cantu.79
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessikacantu

Image Credit:
Jesus Orozco, Aleksis Cantu

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