We are so lucky to have Alisha as the newest member of our team of dance Rockstars. If you haven’t gotten a chance to get down with her in Hip Hop or shake it in her Zumba class, you’re missing out!
This week, we sat down with Alisha to talk about her amazing dance journey, her love of all things chocolatey, and her adorable love story with her husband. Check it out, then listen to the playlist below for a preview of the great tunes you can expect from her classes.
What is your dance background like? How did you end up teaching Hip Hop and Zumba?
I’ve danced my whole life – my mom was actually my teacher growing up in Portland – and I started with ballet, tap, jazz, and modern at a young age. When I was 17, I graduated from high school early and moved to NYC to dance professionally. I danced with Joffrey Ballet, as well as several Bay Area dance companies, and I was lucky enough to tour Asia as a dancer and choreographer. Eventually, I went to Stanford as an Art History major and continued to dance there. If you ever want to talk about Art History, I’m your girl – I still totally geek out over it!
Unfortunately, health issues forced me to stop dancing for a while, but while I was recovering, I took my first Zumba class at uforia and was immediately hooked!
uforia was a key part of my healing process and I loved dancing here so much that I wanted to share that joy with other uforians! I’ve always LOVED the freedom and free-flow form of Hip Hop, so I’m thrilled to be teaching both Hip Hop and Zumba.
Amazing! We’re so happy that you found us!
I’m grateful to Google! I googled “best Zumba in Palo Alto” and uforia popped right up. The rest is history.
What are you up to when you aren’t dancing at uforia?
I’m making sure that people get down the aisle – I work as a wedding and event planner at Stanford Memorial Church.
We hear that you have a pretty cool story behind your own wedding.
Yes! I went on an international tour of an original musical (yes, lots of singing and dancing – even on the Great Wall of China once!) and I met and fell head over heels in love with my now-husband on that tour! I’ve always had a soft spot for guitar players 😉
Anything else we should know about you?
I’m a foodie at heart. I love experimenting with new foods and recipes. I’m also always up for a slice of delicious Chocolate Rum Cake at Prolific Oven!
Yum! Thanks so much for sharing! Be sure to check out Alisha’s playlist for a preview of all the fun music you’ll hear in her classes.