Like Mother, Like Daughter: Hilary and Alena Groopman
2012
Alena Groopman, 28 & Hilary Groopman, 57
Living on opposite coasts — about 3,000 miles apart — doesn’t stop these two from sharing music and choreography ideas on an almost hourly basis. And whenever they can, the two team up to teach master classes and Zumbathon events all over the country — even during a family trip to Thailand. “Zumba events, classes and ZIN Jam sessions are opportunities for my mom and I to spend some incredible quality time together,” says Alena, a Zumba Jammer. “She will tell me the truth about my routines and cueing and is one of the main reasons I have grown into a successful Zumba Instructor.”
Mom Hilary, a passionate Zumba Fitness fan, “literally dragged” Alena to a Zumba Basic 1 Instructor Training in 2008. But Alena’s initial reluctance disappeared at the first few notes of those international rhythms. “The music started and I was hooked,” she recalls. “Aren’t moms always right?” Says Hilary: “She was a natural from the first beat!”
Over the past few Zumba-packed years, their mutual respect and admiration has grown. “She has made me so proud to call her my Mom,” says Alena. “Her students truly love her style, grace, presence and personality. She makes them successful in their personal and fitness journeys. I respect her teaching style, advice and musicality. She is truly an inspiration!” Adds Hilary: “Alena is my joy! She lights up the room when she is there and I know her students feel it, too! I am totally in awe of her creativity, her energy and her moves!” Now Alena could be the one doing the dragging. “I think that my three brothers, dad and boyfriend secretly want to give Zumba Fitness a try,” she says. “With Beto gracing the cover of Men’s Fitness, I think we may have a shot!”
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[...] Hilary and Alena Groopman By Z-LIFE in Community, Fitness, Interviews, Learn, Look with 4 comments Tags: Mother’s Day, ZIN 01 MAY [...]
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As a duo team my self I co teach and own a studio in Ukiah ca with my sister Emily this story means a lot to me..support and love from a family member is so important and inspiring…we have had the pleasure and honor of hosting these ladies at our studio and they are incredible humble and definitely embrace what Zumba shld be all about fitness fun and humbling inspiration….I love this story so cool to be so close to your mom…I
Love these ladies!!!
I love this story! I too have a similar store, I was the first in my family to get Zumba certified and now both my daughter and my mother are Zumba instructors. We are 3 generations of Zumba instructors here in Lufkin, Texas!! My grandmother of 90 years old has done several Zumba classes with us and we actually have video of all of us, including my grand baby, which made 5 generations of us doing Zumba at a Zumba party we gave my mom! AWESOME FUN!!!
I find my story unique in itself! My 57 year old father, who has been in fitness all my life…is a Zumba instructor as well as myself. He subs for me at my studio on occasion and we team up at Blacklight events to dance together. EVERYONE LOVES IT! They find it most inspiring to see two generations, of opposite sexes doing Zumba together! It’s great quality time and not mention a ton of fun!
I have actually gotten to experience both Alena and Hilary teach Zumba. I live in MD as well as Hilary. I take Zumba at a great place called Freedom Fitness. They held a Master Class which Alena taught and her mom did some routines as well. Hilary teaches not that far away from Freedom Fitness and therefore joins us for special Zumba things. In fact we just had a Zumbathon Sunday that Hilary as well as a bunch of other area instructors taught us routines. It was so much fun and both Hilary and Alena are 2 of the nicest people I have met. I’m so glad you did an article on them.