Dance isn’t just about learning choreography — it’s a full-body workout that delivers cardiovascular, cognitive, and emotional gains all at once. Harvard Health reports, “Music stimulates the brain’s reward centers, while dance activates its sensory and motor circuits.” A study also found that Zumba classes improved mood and decision-making skills more than walking alone.
“Dance can easily be done virtually and offers many benefits including connecting the mind and body, spreading joy and promoting heart health and well-being during this uncertain time,” said Nigel Lythgoe of the American Heart Association.
From a heart-health standpoint, moderate-intensity dancing can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and may outperform walking in reducing mortality risk. If you are looking for a heart-pumping Latin beat or a liberating vogue session, these eight instructors will have you moving and sweating in no time.
1. Bilella Fierce
Los Angeles–based drag queen and certified Zumba instructor Bilella Fierce fuses high-octane Latin rhythms with full-glam drag flair. Since earning her Zumba certification in March 2019, Bilella has led hundreds of virtual and in-person classes, creating safe spaces where nonbinary and queer participants feel seen and celebrated.
2. Luis Valverde
Hailing from Bolivia, Luis Valverde lights up Instagram with his mix of traditional folklore footwork and Zumba cardio. A proud queer instructor, Luis weaves messages of equality and body positivity into each session. His “Folklore Flow” master classes blend Bolivian cultural dance steps with modern Zumba choreography — proving you can honor your roots while burning calories.
3. Zumba with Zivvy
Certified in both Zumba and Zumba Gold, Zivvy’s body-positive, queer-inclusive approach welcomes dancers of all ages and abilities. She emphasizes low-impact modifications alongside full-power routines, making her classes perfect for older adults or those easing back into fitness.
4. Naomi Atkins
When Canberra’s Naomi Atkins hits the virtual studio, she brings an energy that’s downright contagious. Hosting weekly Zumba sessions for the Australian Queer Dance Community, Naomi focuses on Indigenous Ngunnawal and Ngambri cultures in her warm-up rituals — with music and high-energy cardio.
5. Laganja Estranja
“Drag Race” alum and choreographer Laganja Estranja takes vogue and contemporary dance to new heights. While she’s best known for runway battles, Estranja also teaches virtual workshops that blend heels-off choreography with expressive voguing techniques.
6. Hiten Noonwal
Indian performance artist and gender-fluid educator Hiten Noonwal specializes in oriental belly dance and flow movements. Over the past decade, Noonwal’s blended cultural heritage and queerness into a teaching style that emphasizes fluidity, mindfulness, and body acceptance. They’ve led more than 800 shows worldwide, with no signs of slowing down. Noonwal’s workshops often double as gender-sensitization sessions, offering community dialogue alongside core strengthening.
7. Alphadancers Collective
For those who thrive on group energy, Alphadancers (@alphadancers_lgbtq_) offers weekly virtual and in-person dance classes across multiple genres — from jazz funk to waacking. As a queer-run collective, they feature rotating instructors and guest teachers, ensuring fresh styles and perspectives each week.
8. Bollyqueer
If you like a mix of Bollywood beats and queer vibes, look no further than Bollyqueer’s online workshops. This LGBTQIA+ Bollywood dance community leads corporate and public classes, infusing classic South Asian choreography with a flair that honors queer history — and yes, you’ll sweat through at least three song mashups per session.
Do you prefer dancing solo at home, or in a group class setting? What makes it more fun for you?
