We recently connected with Katherine Farfan-Selim and have shared our conversation below.

Katherine, appreciate you joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

My grandmother was truly remarkable, possessing beauty, kindness, and an unwavering devotion to her well-being. She took great care of herself, embracing a healthy lifestyle that included proper nutrition, regular exercise, and following her doctor’s advice. However, despite her efforts, she faced various health challenges such as osteoporosis, kyphosis, and high cholesterol.

Her passing left me wondering if there was anything she could have done differently to prevent these ailments. Moreover, I couldn’t help but wonder if there was anything I could have done to support her in her journey towards better health..

This is when my focus changed. It prompted me to evaluate my own life and contemplate the steps I can take to ensure a healthier future, not just for myself but also for other women entering their 50s and beyond.

As I get closer to 50, I am actively taking measures to maintain my strength, prevent illnesses, and increase my longevity. I recognize the importance of caring for our bodies, not only by nourishing them with wholesome foods but also by engaging in strength training to enhance posture, boost bone density, and reduce the risk of injuries associated with osteoporosis.

After all, my desire is to savor every moment of life alongside my children and grandchildren, cherishing the precious time we have together.

Just as my grandmother held a special place in my heart, I understand that many of my clients are grandmothers or mature mothers who hold immense significance in the lives of their families.

This is why I am deeply passionate about empowering women over 55 to embrace strength, prioritize their health, not just for now but for many years to come!

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 believe I bring a diverse style and expert training to my students having trained under many talented coaches and teachers of different dance and fitness formats. I’ve had the opportunity of learning many different dance styles including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Middle
 Eastern Belly Dancing, Bhangra/Bollywood and Ballroom & Latin Dancing. In addition, I hold several fitness licenses and certifications in various formats including Zumba Fitness®, TRX, Drums Alive ® and Barre.

Over the past 25 years, I have taught, choreographed
 and performed throughout the US and abroad, with numerous appearances ranging from ART TV, A&E, Cablevision, Fox News Channel and Womens
 Entertainment.

In 2012, I moved to Florida and presented Drums Alive to two communities in my area. One was an over 55 community. The class was something totally new to the residents. The class began with about 8 participants and was offered once a week. Once the word spread about this class, more residents wanted to see what this “drum” class was all about. Within 6 months, the class had 60 participants every week. A second class was offered to satisfy the demand.

Having the most popular class in the community was great but there was so much more to it. I noticed that the residents were coming for more than the class. They were making friends, smiling, trying something new together…they were creating their own community within the class. For some, this was the only activity. They started buying their own drum sticks and personalizing them! I realized I was sharing the transformative experience with my students. This was OUR thing now–not just mine.

When the State of Florida went under quarantine in March 2020, I knew I had to do something to keep my students in a healthy state of mind. I couldn’t sleep thinking about them. What would happen to those that were alone or those that were out-of-town? I began doing Facebook Live sessions on her Facebook Group to connect with her students. I then extended the group to friends and family with virtual classes in all of their favorite formats. Now I was not only reaching her own students, she was even connecting with students who were in other states and countries. That is when the Dancefit Hub was born. Clients could now take daily live virtual classes or take classes 24/7 through the extensive video library from anywhere in the world.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Understanding your clients is crucial for any instructor. By engaging in meaningful conversations, we can delve into their struggles, pains, and, most importantly, their desires. While we may have a good grasp of what they need, it is essential to actively listen to their wants and provide tailored solutions.

Listening to our clients allows us to gain valuable insights into their unique challenges and aspirations. It enables us to empathize with their experiences and understand the specific areas where they require support. By doing so, we can create a more personalized and effective approach to meet their needs.

Remember, as instructors, our role is not only to impart knowledge but also to be attentive to our clients’ desires. By actively listening and providing solutions that align with their goals, we can foster a stronger connection and help them achieve the results they seek.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

In my quest to better understand my clients and navigate the ever-evolving world of social media, I have delved into a plethora of books and embarked on numerous business coaching courses. These invaluable resources have equipped me with the knowledge and insights necessary to not only connect with my clients on a deeper level but also to navigate the intricate landscape of social media.

Through my extensive reading and dedicated learning, I have gained a profound understanding of the intricacies of human behavior and the power of effective communication. This knowledge has allowed me to tailor my social media strategies to resonate with my clients, capturing their attention and fostering meaningful connections.

Furthermore, my business coaching courses have provided me with the tools and techniques to navigate the ever-changing social media landscape. From understanding the algorithms that govern platform visibility to mastering the art of crafting compelling content, I am equipped with the skills needed to thrive in the digital realm.

So, rest assured that my dedication to continuous learning and my deep understanding of both my clients and social media will guide me in creating impactful and engaging content that resonates with my audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kmemfitness.com
• Instagram: @katherinefarfanselim
• Facebook: KatherineFarfanSelim
• Youtube: @kfselim
• Other: Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dancefithub

Image Credits
They are all my personal photos