Exploring Life & Business with Gabriela Espinoza of Sensazao

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gabriela Espinoza.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in Cochabamba-Bolivia. My sisters and I were always encouraged to stay physically active. We were always part of an activity group such as volleyball, track, etc. And, as in most Latin American households, music and dance has been part of our lives in various forms, we dance in school shows, in social gatherings, and pretty much every single family event.

During my high school years, my sister and I discovered these dance workout classes at the gym. They were based off of Brazilian popular music, which is mostly instructional (for example, lift your arms and jump, or go to the left and draw a circle with your hips); once we started taking these classes, we were naturally good at them and were asked to lead the class. Fast forward to moving to the United States, my sister and I were looking for something similar. Because we didn’t find it, we created it.

At the same time other cardio dance formats were starting, however, we still wholeheartedly believe we stand out. We customized the instructional Brazilian popular classes into what is now Sensazao. Pronounced sen-suh-zow, it means sensation in Brazilian Portuguese (proper spelling Sensaçao, but we didn’t want the extra confusion). We chose this name because it was the title of a cool Brazilian Funk remix of the “Thong Song” and we wanted to offer something Sensational to the world.

Our classes were the most crowded and sought-after in the gyms which inspired us to open our studio in Alexandria, Virginia. We trained instructors to offer more classes and started a community that is going strong to this day. My sister and I started offering classes online for the people who would travel or moved away from us. At the same time, we realized that to grow we had to physically get out there. So I moved to LA, and my sister moved to FL.

Fortunately, it didn’t take long to find people who connected with what we created and my classes at LA DanceFit and EOS Fitness are growing strong. Over the years we realized that doing something we love opened a space for people to find happiness.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think because there was always the opportunity to dance it out, the road seemed less bumpy. Once I hit play and start moving with people around me, I feel bright and hopeful.

I think the biggest struggle has been staying authentic in a world where quantity is favored over quality. We work hard to create a class that offers a great workout and train instructors who can lead with love and strength. This means there are standards we choose to set and unfortunately, this hinders growth because there are other formats that care for sales more than quality.

There are also the big corporations that small businesses such as ours are always competing with.

We’ve been impressed with Sensazao, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our company is founded by two sisters from Bolivia. We created a cardio dance class based on popular Brazilian rhythms such as Axe, Baile Funk, and Samba while embracing worldwide international street dance vibes.

Pronounced “sen-SUH-zow” and originating from the Portuguese word “sensaçao” meaning “sensation”. We chose this name because it was the title of a cool Brazilian Funk remix of the “Thong Song” and we wanted to offer something sensational.

What sets us apart is the energy we bring to class. Through our choreographies, we are able to inspire you to let loose and learn something new.

We are most proud of our instructors. They work hard and believe in the brand as much as we do.

I would like for your readers to know that Sensazao might that challenging in a really good way kind of class.

How do you think about happiness?
Helping other people find the joy in dance is beautiful. When we move as one in class is a one of a kind feeling.

Pricing:

• Online Studio $19.99
• In-Person class $20

Contact Info:

• Website: Sensazao.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sensazao/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SensazaoDanceFitness/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEee-slBVEy-PigUeVVtvTg
• Other: https://sensazaoonline.vhx.tv/