We recently connected with Jessika Cantu and have shared our conversation below.

Jessika, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

It all started from the very beginning as young as an elementary student. I grew up wanting to model, I would put my moms coat and heels on, grab a purse and pose for a picture. I’d always want art supplies for my birthday presents and paint, draw up clothing, make crafts. My big sister and I would come up with dance routines and perform them for my parents. I had always been a part of the schools dance team from elementary to high school. Middle school is where the choreographing became more serious for me, because I took on my first gig creating a routine for a quincenera celebration. From then on the choreographing became more and more of my thing, and high school dance team gave me the opportunity to choreograph for a whole team as the Waltrip Rambling Roses Co-Captain. As for Zumba, that began right after high school when I took my first class and fell inlove with the idea of DANCE fitness. The thought of working out being fun and feeling like a dance session made me want to be leading that class. So i almost immediately did some research and became a certified Zumba instructor at 18.

Jessika, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am currently a dance choreographer, and a certified Zumba Instructor. I’ve taught at different organizations including LA Fitness gym, Algoo Buenoo, and currently for Socially Fit at select luxury apartments. I teach choreography classes occasionally at Algoo Buenoo. I’ve been certified in Zumba since I was 18 years old, and making up dance routines since elementary. Dance has always been a passion of mine, and continues to grow with me as I see how creative it allows me to get. When it comes to choreographing, I love being able to provide a specific style of dance to cater to the clients needs. Whether it being for a quinceanera, a dance class, or an individual, I try to always incorporate a little of my signature style; so that people who are familiar with my choreo can recognize it. Also, when it comes to my Zumba classes i feel like they stand out because the routines consist of such a variety. For example, I start of by letting my class know “this isn’t your typical Zumba class”. The normal latin based dance fitness class has been altered to a mixture of hip-hop & R&B , pop, cumbia, reggaeton sounds. This comes with a good warm up/stretch followed by routines to get your blood flowing and energy up, to routines for toning areas like your abs, legs, arms and booty! At the end of class we wind down with a cool down routine and a good lengthed stretch to make sure you leave feeling amazing! My goal is to give my clients a great class experience and make working out feel like a fun dance session while toning up key areas. I took something I enjoy personally and applied it to my class, hoping others will love the combination as well. I always get good feedback after class, and that is truly a reward in itself. I love the fact of knowing i’m helping others stay healthy in a enjoyable way. I want everyone to know that my class is a safe place and there is no judgement there. Whether you come to my dance choreography class or a Zumba fitness class, I want you to push yourself and try your best, but I know everyone has their limits and should go at their own pace. Everyone is welcomed to my classes no matter what level or gender. Just be ready to come and shake it!

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think as a society we need to support our local artists and creatives more often. We get caught up only buying big brands and supporting “familiar” businesses because we see it more often than others. As locals and small businesses we need the support just as much. It’s so simple to support people by word of mouth, social media (liking, sharing, reposting, commenting), donating, purchasing, participating, etc. I know a lot of times we see someone following their dreams or trying to hustle, and we simply have no need for their service/art. Or maybe we are struggling at the time and feel like we shouldn’t be spending extra money, but there’s always an alternative to support. When I see that I always make sure to “like, or leave a comment, maybe even share/repost” for someone else just to give credit where it’s due. At the end of the day all these small gestures could potentially lead more business and attention to the creatives who are seeking it. Truth is we all need support so that we can be successful, and we shouldn’t see others as competition.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal with Dance and fitness is to keep expanding. I know this will happen as more opportunities arise. In the past I’ve got great opportunities such as being able to choreograph and perform on stage at House of Blues. Also, being asked to teach private party Zumba classes. Every new opportunity is a blessing to me, considering this is just something I do on the side of my full time job. An end goal would be to eventually have my own studio to host dance and fitness classes. Till then, I will continue to put myself and business out there to reach as many people as I can and make an impact on our community.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jessika___z
• Facebook: Jessika Cantu
• Twitter: @jessikacantu
• Other: TikTok: @jessikareneecantu