Check Out Nichet and Diana’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Castillo and Nichet Smith

Hi Diana and Nichet, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Diana:
I actually got started in this when I was looking for a good way to workout that resonated with me. I had tried multiple formats and while they were nice, they just felt like exercising and nothing more. It wasn’t until I was ready to give up that I decided to give one more class a chance and that was Sensazao. I took the class from one of the few instructors in our area at the time (Jackie) and immediately fell in LOVE with it. As someone who has no background in dance, the class was easy to follow and the music was incredible. About a year into the class I expressed interest in becoming certified to teach Sensazao, and after patience, dedication, hard work, and time I became a certified Sensazao instructor!
Nichet Smith
I started Sensazao as a student when its founders, Gabriela and Jazmin Espinoza first started in Washington DC around 2007. I come from a dance background, and the way these ladies choreographed to all the genres of Latin music is what immediately hooked me. It was authentic to the culture and my body was doing things it had never done before. It was challenging, and FUN! The energy was unmatched! No other format gave me that FOMO feeling I had if I missed a Sensazao class. When I moved back to AZ in 2010, I took several classes hoping for that electrifying feeling Sensazao gave me. Nothing moved me the same way and I tried MANY classes. There was nothing like it. The only solution was to teach my own class because I wanted to continue dancing this format and spread and bring it to as many people as possible. I was telling everyone I saw about it, hoping they would try it and fall in love with it too. Many have!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Diana
I wouldn’t say it was smooth, but I knew that I wanted to do this and was ready to take on whatever challenges came with deciding to help grow this format. I had just decided on this path right before COVID had begun, so that impacted a lot of it right from the start for about a year. Other struggles were just the amount of time I put into practicing, mastering the technique of different dance styles, and just putting myself out there! All of it has been very worthwhile though and despite these ‘struggles’ I knew bringing Sensazao to others was what I wanted to do.
Nichet
In the beginning, it was just me teaching, so although it was challenging at times, my classes ran smoothly and still do- I love our students! They support us every step of the way. We couldn’t do it without them! Also, It took a long time to find a gym that would actually add the name Sensazao to the schedule. Fortunately a woman named Kenya Walker, (a group fitness manager at EOS Fitness) advocated for us and now Sensazao is officially on the schedule at several EOS locations in Scottsdale and in Los Angeles as well. I’m so grateful to her commitment to us and thankful to EOS as well. I always wanted more instructors to teach this format, and now we have that. My goal now is to continue to support the expansion of Sensazao throughout Arizona and anywhere else I can.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Diana
I work as an independent contractor, specifically an autoCAD draftsman. I’ve worked for interior designers as well as other businesses in the industry. I am proud that I tried something completely out of my wheelhouse; I found something I’m passionate about, and a wonderful community along with it. I hope my example inspires my daughter to try new things, even if she is nervous and doesn’t know what the outcome will be. You will never know unless you try!
Nichet
I work for Level 3 Design Group, a hotel interior design, procurement and development firm. I love what I do. I also co-founded a non profit called RAKE Project. I’ve done charitable work almost all of my adult life. I’m most proud that I’ve made an impact in the lives of others all over the world. I’m a people person so whether it’s through humanitarian work, my job, or Sensazao, I know I have made a difference. That feels really good.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Diana
It may seem overwhelming at first, but if you just let go, listen to the music, don’t worry if you miss a step or multiple, and have fun you’ll realize it’s not as scary as it seems in your head! Our most repeated sentiment is at the end of the day we’re all just here to have a good time! Honestly, I only wish I knew what I was missing out on sooner but I’m happy we’re growing it now.
Nichet
We will teach you how to dance! Sensazao was created for everyone, so just jump in and try it! Baila como si nadie esta mirando! (Dance like no one is watching!) I wish I knew early on that we often hold our breath when dancing. So I am a strong proponent of singing aloud or yelling out a “hey, hey” or “get it, get it” in class to remind students to breathe. It also feels like a party, and the hour is over before you know it!

Pricing:

• Sensazao Online 19.99/month
• Youtube free

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sensazaoonline.vhx.tv/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dianocastillo?igsh=ZTkzY25uaHNiNXFw
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SensazaoDanceFitness/
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/@Sensazao
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dianitaballenita?_t=8nkcWMsBkD8&_r=1

 

Image Credits
Photos courtesy of Sensazao