DANCEWITHTHEZTEAM
Our Partners
The Z Team is proud to have a variety of talent across Chicagoland! Our partners contribute their time giving back at many of our events. In addition they teach classes and have a link to their schedules below.
Maria Adamo
Maria Adamo is a AFAA Certified group fitness instructor. She is licensed to teach regular Zumba classes, Zumba Gold (the the active older adult or de conditioned participant), Zumba Kids,Aqua Zumba, and coming soon Zumba Step! Being a licensed Esthetician and Massage Therapist, Maria has worked in the health and wellness industry for nearly 20 years! When she is not working out, Maria enjoys spending with her husband and 2 small boys.
Monique Bailey
MONIQUE BAILEY- OWNER OF Skyy Level Group, LLC...2-year veteran Zumba instructor with a 25-year history in fitness. Featured on WGN-9 with Zumba Fitness creator Beto Perez. I love teaching Zumba classes. The reason is simple: Every class feels like a party! As a former runway & print model, I have always used healthy eating, fitness and dance to keep my mind, body and spirit in shape. Training in the art of Belly Dance, for over 6 years with the North African Dance Group of Chicago, has allowed me to pass on those important inner spirit teachings through dance. I have enjoyed adding Latin Dance to my resume through the wonderful world of Zumba!
Kira Brabeck
Fitness has always been a huge part of my life; gymnastics and volleyball made up my “younger years” and I played volleyball in college at Augustana. I have been participating in Zumba for 11 years. I started out as a class member and each class fell in love with the music and movements more and more and finally decided to take my passion to the next level and become an instructor!
When I am not shaking a tail feather in Zumba you can find me on the football field as a professional athlete, as I start my rookie season in the Lingerie Football League for the Chicago Bliss!
Mike Kida
I took my first Zumba class in September 2012 and was immediately hooked. For the first time in my life, I was excited about exercise and I couldn’t wait for my next workout. I quickly began to notice the health benefits, both physical and mental, that Zumba offers.
My success has inspired friends, family, and co-workers to make changes to improve their health. All of this, plus a little encouragement from my instructors and my love for dance, helped in my decision to become a Zumba instructor. I was licensed in November 2012, just 6 weeks after my first class, so that I could help others achieve their personal goals and have fun doing it!
Gina Thunstedt
I love Zumba because of the energy the music brings to me and to those around me. I'm inspired by the premise of giving, sharing and friendship in and out of the classroom.
Leah Martin
I was born and raised in Central Florida, but traded the sunshine for some colder winds with my move to Chicago upon finishing high school. I attended Northwestern University, where I received my B.A. in Communication, graduating a quarter early, with a Major in Theatre and Minors in Business Institutions and Dance.
On September 9, 2012, I was licensed in Chicago as a Zumba Fitness® Instructor and began teaching a week later at the American Rhythm Center. I have continued to teach Zumba Fitness® classes ever since, teaching at Northside Dance Theater, the American Rhythm Center, Joel Hall Dancers and Center, Foster Dance Studios, and more!