The Arc of Hilo strives to put its participants on the road to success and personal achievement.
One such success story is about Leah Ann Fujii, who has become the first differently-abled Zumba instructor to be licensed in the state.
Zumba is a form of exercise that involves dance and aerobic movements performed to energetic music. The choreography incorporates hip-hop, samba, salsa, merengue and mambo. Fujii was first introduced to Zumba by the Arc’s Zumba volunteer and instructor Rhonda Kekauoha.
Fujii’s certification will enable her to teach classes to other community organizations, but her goal is to become a Zumba Gold instructor so she can expand her services to seniors and senior care facilities.
Zumba gives Fujii the opportunity to be engaged in creative activities that make a contribution to the lives of others. Her story is an inspirational one that is based in self-determination and commitment.
“Self- determination is the ability to decide what you want to do with your life, and then to act on that decision” said Jennie Maikui, Fujii’s Arc direct support worker and advocate. “For the last nine months, Leah has been actively involved with Zumba, incorporating her love of dance, music and cheerful interaction with other students. It’s achieving her goals on her own terms and at her own pace.”
With Maikui’s help, Fujii set out to explore the possibilities of becoming a “ZIN.” She would have to go through a comprehensive training and certification process in order to become licensed. She attended community Zumba classes, memorized dance routines and powered through 60-minute, exhausting workouts several days a week.
Although difficult at first, Fujii soon realized Zumba not only brought her joy, but gave her a sense of freedom and empowerment which she was determined to share with others.
“I like it because I can do the class by myself, so don’t be afraid to try,” Fujii said.
“She is very excited to share her talents with her family, who support her unconditionally,” said Marta Birchard, (title).
Fujii graduated from Waiakea High School in 1993 and has been a part of the Arc of Hilo extended family for more than 20 years.
“She has achieved many goals in her life, but this achievement and ZIN certification has given her a special status in our community,” (source) said. “As a ZIN, Leah can attend any Zumba class free of charge and learn from other instructors.
“It opens the door to many other avenues and raises awareness to embrace diversity and provide true community integration.”
The Arc of Hilo staff and participants honored Fujii with a Zumba party Friday at the Arc of Hilo facility.
For more information, visit Arc of Hilo on Facebook or www.arcofhilo.org.
