Welcome to Dance with Alessia!
Founded by Alessia Santos, a certified Zumba instructor for over 10 years with a passion for fitness and dance, our goal is to inspire joy, health, and confidence through movement. Based in Dublin, Ireland, we offer fun and energetic Zumba classes designed for all fitness levels. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced dancer, our classes are a space where everyone can enjoy yourselves, get fit, and have fun!
My Story
BRAZIL
My first encounter with dance began at an early age with ballet, but don’t be mistaken—it wasn’t something I truly wanted to do. In fact, I was simply trying to escape the dreaded physical education classes, which I didn’t enjoy. After ballet, I moved on to rhythmic gymnastics, but it didn’t capture my heart either. Then, I discovered belly dancing, and I was mesmerized. For 10 years, I poured my dedication and love into this art form. However, as I transitioned into academic life, time became scarce, and I had to step back from my passion. During that period, I landed my first job at 18, working as an entertainer at a local resort. It was there, while researching new ways to stand out, that I came across Aqua Zumba. In 2014, a year later, I finally mustered up the courage to offer my dance services to a local gym.
Not only did they accept, but over the next three years, I found unwavering support from the gym owner and my father, both of whom believed deeply in me and encouraged my growth. By 2015, I was teaching regular Zumba classes in eight different gyms. Those were some of the happiest times of my life, filled with incredible people who crossed my path. Many of them still stay in touch through social media, cheering me on from afar. These connections remind me every day that no dream is too big when you have the passion and determination to pursue it. Dance has gifted me more than just a career—it’s given me a community and a lifelong purpose.
CYPRUS
In 2016, I had the incredible opportunity to work abroad for a slightly longer period for the first time, embarking on an exciting adventure in Cyprus during the summer holidays. It was an enriching experience that allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. My role was as an entertainer at a 5-star resort in North Cyprus. In addition to teaching Zumba and Aqua Zumba classes, we also put on weekly shows featuring Brazilian music and belly dancing performances.
The job was demanding, with only one day off per week, and I worked from 10 a.m. to midnight most days, under the scorching 40-45°C sun. Yet, it was a challenge that made me stronger, teaching me resilience and the value of dedication. Every moment was a chance to inspire others through movement and joy, and despite the tough conditions, the reward of seeing others happy and engaged made it all worthwhile. It was a chapter in my life that fueled my passion for dance and left me eager to keep pursuing my dreams no matter the challenges.
LONDON
In 2014, I embarked on my first journey outside Brazil to London, and it was during this trip that I realized my place was out in the world. With just under a year of teaching dance and only a little over two months with my Zumba license, I had the pleasure of meeting my now long-time friend, Frederique. She entrusted me with the opportunity to cover her classes at two fitness centers in London while she was on holiday. This was the confidence boost I needed to dive deeper into my passion.
From that moment on, every time I visited London, I was fortunate enough to teach at different gyms, even having the privilege of leading a special Aqua Zumba class at the Marriott Hotel in the heart of London. These experiences not only shaped my career but also reminded me of the power of trust, opportunity, and believing in yourself.
DUBLIN
In 2017, I moved to Dublin with the dream of living abroad and building a career in Zumba. I thought it would be easy to establish myself, but the reality was far from what I imagined. I faced many challenges, and my first Zumba job in 2018 came with empty promises. I didn’t fit the company’s mold because I had too much experience and my own style, which led to constant criticism. This made me lose my love for teaching Zumba, and I eventually quit.
A year later, despite being in a happy relationship and financially stable, I felt deeply unfulfilled. Therapy helped me realize that what I was missing was dance. During the pandemic, I dug deeper into this need, and in March 2022, I started my own Zumba classes, just hoping to cover studio costs. To my surprise, the classes were a success, and many students continue to attend today.
Teaching Zumba fills me with joy—seeing smiles, hearing how I’ve improved someone’s day, and sharing that energy. I now have loyal students, some from the very beginning, and I feel blessed to make a positive impact. My classes are like a mother’s heart—there’s always room for one more.