We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Andre Dansberry. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Andre below.

Andre, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’re complete cheeseballs and so we love asking folks to share the most heartwarming moment from their career – do you have a touching moment you can share with us?

There are moments in life that quietly change everything—and for me, that moment didn’t happen on a stage or in a spotlight. It happened in a Zumba class.

At the time, my wife was battling chronic pain. Movement was difficult and her joy was gone. Then one day, she decided to try something different—a Zumba class led by an instructor named Tracy Verner. My wife was able to participate in the class using a chair. She came home different. Not fully healed, not suddenly pain-free—but there was a shift. There was movement. There was hope.

Because we’ve always shared a love for dance, she asked me to join her in class.

I will never forget that experience.

From the moment we walked in, Tracy created an atmosphere that was more than just fitness—it was welcoming, it was uplifting, it was alive. And as I watched my wife begin to move again, something stirred in me. This wasn’t just about dance. This wasn’t just about exercise. This was about restoration. My wife left class feeling successful even though she needed a chair to participate. I watched her joy slowly return.

In that moment, I realized: this is what I want to do.

I wanted to become the kind of person who could walk into someone’s pain and hesitation and help them discover that they can accomplish more than they imagined. That they are stronger than they think, and joy is still available to them.

So, I became a Zumba instructor.

What started as gratitude became purpose.

For a season, my wife was able to join me on stage – dancing side by side, pouring into others. And even when her health required her to step back, I continued. Because by then, I understood that I don’t just lead an exercise class, but I am called for so much more.

Over the years, I’ve seen people walk into class unsure, discouraged, even broken—and I’ve watched them leave stronger, lighter, and smiling. I’ve seen confidence return, community form, and people reconnect with a part of themselves they thought they had lost.

I will be eternally grateful for that first class with a teacher who made space for a moment that sparked purpose. I am also grateful for my wife, also named Traci, who took a step when it would’ve been easier not to.

That’s what drives me.

Because sometimes, all it takes is one welcoming environment, one encouraging voice, one opportunity to move—to remind someone that their story isn’t over.

And if I can be that for someone else… then every class is worth it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m Andre—most people know me as “DanceMan”—and at my core, I’m someone who uses movement to bring people back to life.

I’ve spent over 30 years in the hospitality and service industry, where I learned how to connect with people, serve with excellence, and create environments where others feel seen and valued. Those same principles shape everything I do today as a Zumba instructor and ministry leader.

Currently, I teach Zumba at The Edge and Crunch Fitness, and I co-lead a dance ministry with my wife called DanceBerry Movement. Whether I’m in a gym or ministering through dance, my mission is the same: to help people move—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

What I offer goes beyond choreography or a workout. I create an experience. My classes are high-energy, welcoming, and judgment-free. Whether someone is stepping in for the first time, returning after a setback, or simply needing a release from the stress of life, I meet them where they are and help them take that next step.

The problem I help solve isn’t just physical—it’s deeper than that. Many people walk into the room carrying stress, insecurity, discouragement, or even pain. Some haven’t felt confident in their bodies in years. Others don’t think they can keep up. Some just need a space where they can breathe and be themselves. I create an environment where they can let go, rebuild confidence, and rediscover joy through movement.

What sets me apart is heart. I’m not just leading a class—I’m paying attention to people. I’m encouraging them, celebrating progress, and creating a space where no one feels like an outsider. People don’t just come for the workout—they come because they feel connected, supported, and seen.

What I’m most proud of isn’t a title or milestone—it’s the impact. It’s seeing someone walk in unsure and leave smiling. It’s watching confidence grow, consistency build, and lives shift over time. It’s knowing that something as simple as movement can help change someone’s mindset and outlook.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about me and my brand, it’s this: you don’t have to be perfect to start—you just have to show up. I’ll meet you there.

You can connect with me on Instagram @danceman247, or on Facebook -Andre Dansberry and follow our dance ministry at @danceberry_movement. Whether you’re looking for fitness, community, or a place to be free and move again—you are welcome.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Beyond training and knowledge, the most important thing a Zumba instructor needs is heart.

You can know every step and have perfect timing, but if people don’t feel welcomed, seen, and encouraged, they won’t come back. What makes the difference is the ability to connect—to create an atmosphere where people feel safe enough to show up as they are, whether they’re confident or completely unsure.

A great instructor carries energy, but also empathy. You have to be able to read the room, recognize when someone is struggling, and encourage them without pressure. Sometimes people aren’t just there for a workout—they’re there because they need a release, a reset, or a reminder that they can still move forward.

Consistency, authenticity, and genuine care go a long way. When people know you’re not just there to lead a class but to pour into them, it builds trust—and that’s what keeps them coming back.

At the end of the day, it’s not just about leading movement. It’s about creating a space where people can experience joy, freedom, and confidence again.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe my reputation has been built on consistency, connection, and genuine care for people.

Over the years, I’ve shown up—consistently. Not just physically, but with the same energy, passion, and commitment every time I step into a room. People know what they’re going to get from me, and that reliability builds trust.

I also focus on connection. I don’t see people as just participants in a class—I see them as individuals. I learn names, I pay attention, I encourage, and I celebrate their progress. That personal connection creates a sense of community, and people naturally share that experience with others.

Another key factor is creating an environment where everyone feels welcome. Whether someone is brand new or has been coming for years, I make sure they feel like they belong. That kind of atmosphere speaks for itself and becomes something people talk about.

Most of my growth has come through word of mouth. When people feel seen, supported, and uplifted, they invite others. That’s how my reputation has grown—not just through what I do, but through how people feel when they’re in the room.

At the end of the day, it’s simple: I care about people, and I stay consistent in showing that. That’s what has built my reputation.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: danceman247
• Facebook: danceman
• Youtube: @andredansberry4932
• Other: Dance Ministry – @danceberry_movement
  TikTok – @andredansberry