Natalie Smith
Zumbini – Music & movement
“My name is Natalie and I have called the Okanagan home now for 8 years. I am a mom to a 2 year old daughter which has brought me to where I am today.”
Music has been a part of Natalie’s everyday life for as long as she can remember, and then some. One of her earliest memories of music was having her classically opera-trained father serenading her to sleep. She was soon after enrolled into piano and singing lessons (dance as well). A few years later she, her dad, mom, brother formed a family “band” to perform at senior homes. Then at school age, her mother utilized music in aiding them to learn things like mathematics, and other new educational teachings! Music has been a largely impactful tool in her life, and we can’t wait until you experience her classes firsthand.
“I was first introduced to Zumbini when I enrolled my daughter into class without much knowledge of it at all. I knew there was music, dance and instruments and I was sold. It turns out the program has so much to offer. My daughter and I had an absolutely blast attending and I knew I needed to learn more. When I started digging into the philosophies of Zumbini, in all honesty, I started to cry. Music feels like home to me and the idea of being able to help you introduce music, instruments and movement into your child’s early years fills me with joy. I became a certified instructor in 2022 and first brought it to Tidal Elements in January 2023.”
What exactly is Zumbini?
Zumbini was created by Zumba and Babyfirst for children ages 0-4. The program combines music, dance, and the science of child development for 45 minutes of can’t-stop, won’t-stop, bonding, learning and FUN!
Through play with instruments, scarfs, singing and dance, we bond with the children on their level. While the focus of class is play and exploration of music, there is a lot of science that has gone into creating a well rounded program which helps to develop your child’s emotional, cognitive, social and physical skills.
Classes are offered typically as 6 class series. Committing to a series allows your child to build confidence through familiarity and they feel proud when they start to build their skills each week. At every stage of development the children gain new understandings and knowledge and watching your child thrive makes regular attendance to these series fun for all! Not ready for a commitment? Trial and drop-in options are also available.
The cost is $75/child ($65/additional child) for a 6-week series. For current class information please visit our Events Calendar. Feel free to contact Natalie via email at freedom.moves.zumbini@gmail.com for more information. Get ready to freely move, sing, dance, play, and learn, together!