Community Spotlight: Jennifer Cepeda
If you come by Youngstown on a Tuesday night or Saturday morning, you will find the building pulsing with the music of Zumba. One of the most popular classes at Youngstown, the Zumba class is always filled with active adults seeking to get their groove on to the heart-pounding, dynamic choreography of instructor Jennifer Cepeda.
After many years as a hip hop dancer, Jennifer is now in her third year as a dance instructor. “I love creating choreography,” she says, “I love watching people light up when the music comes on… I love it when people feel the complete experience of class in that they got a great work-out, they feel exhilarated by the perfect playlist, and they leave with big smiles on their faces!”
Students who join the Zumba classes are in for a rigorous workout along with lots of fun. The class welcomes students of all skills levels, including nervous first-timers as well as seasoned dancers. But no matter your skill level, Jennifer makes sure the class is suitable for everyone. “You’re going to dance your butt off for an hour to a great playlist of current radio hits and choreography that will be easy to follow, yet challenge you and allow you to grow your dance fitness skills.”
As popular as Jennifer is as a dance instructor, she is also a talented artist whose watercolors are currently on display (and for sale) in the Youngstown Promenade Gallery. Every few months, Youngstown features the work of visual artists from the community in our hallway galleries. With Jennifer’s exhibit, we are thrilled to feature not only a talented artist, but a long-time Youngstown partner whose classes keep our hallways buzzing with activity. Jennifer has been painting for as long as she can remember, most recently using watercolors and illustration to create gallery pieces as well as custom cards she sells on Etsy. She finds the same joys in painting that she finds in dance, saying “There’s an ebb and flow I ride with being an artist. I find the same for anything creative I do. It can be so easy one moment, and so challenging the next. I love it most when I’m on fire with innovation and filled with creativity!”
Jennifer enjoys being a part of the Youngstown community, and appreciates the beauty of the Movement Studio, the friendly staff, and the housing provisions made for artists in the upstairs lofts. “I really enjoy the whole vibe of the building,” she says, “as well as the location in my hood, West Seattle.” Here at Youngstown, we look forward to a continuing partnership, helping Jennifer bring her exciting and challenging classes to our neighbors in Delridge. For information on signing up for Zumba, you can contact Jennifer at jencn@comcast.net. To see her artwork, stop by the Youngstown Promenade Gallery. Ask at the office if you’re interested in purchasing any of her beautiful watercolors.