I still remember the first time that Hector Case came to Tulsa about six years ago. My good friend (and mentor) Sonia had invited me to a masterclass she was hosting. “You should come, Ginger! Hector and Indra are really good.” I literally had to see it to believe it—both Hector and his dance partner, Indra (featured article about her to come!), blew me away. Their event was beyond fun, and their choreos were so captivating…
I have to see them again before they leave Tulsa and hopefully meet them! I thought.
Thankfully, they were scheduled to guest-teach a smaller class before leaving town--the next morning! I was a little tired, but I went.
The class was incredible. My starstruck self timidly approached them after class with a big smile and said, “You two are so talented!” (I can’t remember if I said this in Spanish or English, but I definitely said it!). They responded so humbly and thanked me for coming. We snapped a photograph together. I didn’t know it then, but that marked the beginning of something wonderful, as I formed a friendship with both.
It’s no secret that Island Time Fitness has seen God’s hand at work to keep the doors open. I’ve aways made it clear that we are a faith-based studio and that I believe in uplifting people along their fitness journey. Unfortunately, my heart was not enough to shield me from the struggles that came with starting a studio: heavy expenses, lack of solid advertisement, and wearing too many hats trying keep the doors open.
When we were approaching our one-year anniversary, I reached out to Hector about doing a masterclass to celebrate. He agreed, and something amazing happened: we had a full house that day, with people coming from all over Tulsa to join the Island Time Anniversary Event! One day, it’s going to be like this every day, I thought to myself.
Hector’s popularity grew among Zumba students and instructors alike—he has returned to Island Time Fitness for multiple events, including Zumba, Zumba Step, and even Zumba Sentao (chair prop Zumba) masterclasses. He now travels across the southwest doing masterclasses and workshops of his own, which feature his brand Dance Just In Case.
Hector always seems to come just when my spirit needs a boost to believe that Island Time Fitness can—and will—reach the level of success that I’ve always dreamed of for this fitness family. I’m always like, “Thank God he’s coming!” right before he comes for an event.
I think one of Hector’s biggest gifts is his ability to make dancing fun and accessible to anyone. Once you have taken his class, you ALWAYS want to come back for more! Beloved Tulsa Zumba instructor Monica was greatly impacted by Hector’s teaching style: “He is attentive to small detail and recognizes everybody in the room. His music selection, joy, and professionalism will always have me wanting to take his class, both as a student and an instructor.”
Many people don’t know this, but I asked Hector to be the male model for our window art at the studio! He is doing the “soca knee” move that students know well! I asked him to model because he has a special place at Island Time Fitness. He is a brother to me, and I am honored to feature him as we prepare to celebrate SIX YEARS of Island Time Fitness, making a difference in people’s lives for the better.
Sometimes all it takes is one class, one event—to fall in love with dance. Whether you have been dancing all your life or you haven’t danced at all, we encourage you to join us on Saturday, June 8th for our Island Time celebration with Hector. Fun on a whole different level is what you’re in store for—but like me, you may have to come and see for yourself!
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