An Inspired Chat with Gabriela Espinoza of West Side

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Gabriela Espinoza. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Gabriela, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
My experience has informed me that a Sensazao class looks too hard for a beginner and too simple/repetitive for an experienced dancer. And that is OK. I trust that the people who connect with the music, the vibes and the moves will stick to it and will soon see how great it can be. For beginners, it is an immersive experience where you have to catch what you can and sweat like crazy when you do. For experienced dancers, it is great for polishing footwork and hip isolations in addition to learning new genres such as Baile Funk and Samba.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
About me.

I was born and raised in Cochabamba, Bolivia, where movement, music, and dance were part of everyday life. My sisters and I grew up playing sports, staying active, and dancing at every school event and family gathering.

In high school, we discovered Brazilian-inspired dance workout classes at our gym. We connected instantly, picked up the moves naturally, and soon were invited to help lead the class. When we moved to the United States, we searched everywhere for something that captured that same energy — but nothing came close.
So we created it.

That idea became Sensazao — a cardio dance format inspired by Brazilian rhythms and designed to make people feel powerful. Pronounced sen-suh-zow, the name comes from the Portuguese word for “sensation.” We wanted a class that felt sensational, and the name fit perfectly.

Our classes quickly became the most popular in every gym we taught in, which inspired us to open our own studio in Alexandria, Virginia. We trained instructors, built a community, expanded online, and eventually moved — I to Los Angeles and my sister to Florida — to share Sensazao with even more people.

What we’ve learned along the way is simple:
when you do what you love, you create space for others to find joy, confidence, and happiness.

About Sensazao.
Sensazao was founded by two sisters from Bolivia who wanted to create a cardio dance experience unlike anything else. Our format blends popular Brazilian rhythms — like Axé, Baile Funk, and Samba — with global street-dance influences from around the world.

Pronounced “sen-SUH-zow”, the name comes from the Portuguese word “sensação” (sensation). We chose it after hearing a bold Brazilian Funk remix of the “Thong Song,” and it perfectly captured what we wanted to offer: something energetic, powerful, and truly sensational.

What sets us apart is our energy. Through our choreographies, music, and teaching style, we inspire you to let go, have fun, and surprise yourself with what your body can do.

We are especially proud of our instructors — they work hard, believe deeply in the brand, and bring the same passion and commitment to every class.

And one more thing for your readers:
Sensazao will challenge you — but in the best way.
You’ll sweat, you’ll move, you’ll grow… and you’ll leave feeling incredible.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What restores the bonds between people is the time and energy we choose to invest with them. Accepting the flaws and imperfections because we are also not perfect and we must find a way to get along to make this world for each other a little kinder. Which brings me to what breaks the bonds: life in general I think. It is very vague but there are so many reasons and ways bonds can be broken, some justified perhaps.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would say: add more empathy and gratefulness to your personal and non-personal relationships.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
My mom. She is the most magical being I know and she kinda knows it.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Staying at home too much! But I have been taking care of my 15 year old senior pitty which I also dont regret.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.sensazao.com/gboss
• Instagram: @gbossz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SensazaoDanceFitness/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Sensazao
• Other: https://sensazaoonline.vhx.tv/