Our instructors
Brianna Marie and Ivan
Martha Ferreira Moreiras
Martha is a Certified Zumba instructor with 5 years experience teaching classes at local gyms and community centers.
“Hello and welcome to Zumba! I love Zumba classes…both teaching and taking them! I started as a student over 15 years ago and then became certified to teach in 2021. I just love the energy and happiness Zumba gives you! It can turn around even your worst day. Every class is like a party, but you also get a full body and mind workout! Best part is Zumba is for everyone! Any age, any fitness level, all are welcome! In addition to my love for Zumba, I love my full-time career as a nurse practitioner in geriatrics. I am married and have two amazing children!“
As a team Ivan and Brianna are accomplished Competitive Professional Ballroom Dancers.
Ivan Valeri Zahariev Aguilar
Ivan is an International DanceSport champion and has been sharing his love of ballroom dance for the past 6 years as an instructor.
Ivan has represented Spain and Croatia in competitions worldwide, earning titles such as: Spanish Youth Standard Champion (2020), Croatian Under-21 Standard & 10-Dance Champion (2022, 2023), and Croatian Under-21 Latin Vice Champion (2022, 2023). He has also reached the semifinals at the WDSF Under-21 German Open and placed in top positions at the WDSF World Championship and European Cup.
Ivan has performed professionally, including choreographing the intro for Dancing with the Stars in Spain (2024).
Brianna Marie Zahariev
As a Competitive Professional Ballroom Dancer, Brianna Marie has earned the title of top choreographer and is a showcase champion.
Brianna is technically trained in hip-hop, tap, jazz, ballet, lyrical, and contemporary—and went on to earn multiple regional and national titles while competing and traveling extensively. She is a sought after Choreographer and has extensive experience performing as a dancer with the WNBA Connecticut Suns and the NBA/G-League Celtics.
Brianna is an experienced dance instructor of 12 years, works as a private coach and is a movement Specialist Alumni.
Taylor Kelly
Patrick O. Silva
Taylor is a Registered Nurse, a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, and a group fitness instructor with over 18 years of experience.
Her wellness journey began in 2008, the moment she stepped into her first Zumba class and felt her soul ignite. That single class changed everything, leading her to teach dance fitness, open fitness studios, and help countless people discover the joy of movement.
During the pandemic, she returned to school and became a nurse, an experience that deepened her understanding of health and healing. Licensed in Zumba as well as specialty classes, she continues to bring her love of music and connection to every class she teaches.
Outside the studio, Taylor's children are grown, but her house is still full of life, shared with her husband and their two dogs and two cats.
Her mission is simple: to empower others to feel strong, confident, and alive through movement.
Patrick is a Graduate of Waterbury Arts Magnet School Dance Dept, and has choreographed many of the school productions at the Palace Theater in Waterbury. He is currently a Sophomore in college with a major in Psychology and Minor in Dance.
Coming from a Brazilian family embracing dance was part of his culture. He later studied Hiphop, Modern, Contemporary, and Jazz. Eventually earning the opportunity to join a dance company (Rockwell Dance Center) in Trumbull CT in 2018. Being exposed to dance through Hip-Hop was what caught his interest the most. The creativity to apply movement to a nice beat along with the costumes, the choreography and lighting just really caught his eye.
Patrick has certifications in PMT and CPR training and currently works as a Direct Support Professional. Being able to make connections so easily has helped him help others in a very natural way which pushed his idea in pursuing psychology because of how easy he felt it was to help someone through the small things, so he wants to see the change he can make through the big things with Psychology.
