About
Meet Tammy Panzironi
Why Pulse?
I really wanted to give people the ultimate Zumba experience! So opening my own studio was what I needed to do to pull all key pieces together—an amazing sound system, a real dance floor, bright colors on the walls, and lots of natural light. Pulse brings Zumba to the city. It offers something for people who live or work in the city or the nearby suburbs without the hassle of finding downtown parking. I knew I wanted to have classes at a variety of times too, so people could have the option of stopping by right after work.
Why teach Zumba?
Zumba makes me excited because I see how excited people are about it. Most people don’t think, “Oooh, I get to run on the treadmill after work today.” But they probably think, “Oooh, I get to go to Zumba on my way home!” It’s something fun that people of all ages and backgrounds can do. Zumba brings everyone together.
When I’m not at Pulse, I’m…
At home, practicing Zumba! I try to keep it fresh by varying the songs so that means a lot of practice and repeating the routines until I know them by heart. There’s not a lot of time for any other hobbies. But when I have free time, I enjoy spending it with my daughter.
Favorite Zumba song?
It changes all the time, but my new favorite is “Con el Pompi Pa’rriba” off the latest Zumba instructor CD. It’s a fast Merengue. Ask me again in a month and I’m sure my song choice will change!
Favorite Zumba groove?
I tend to like the fast, upbeat songs. Songs that I can add powerful athletic movements to. One of the reasons I like Zumba so much is because you can take a dance that’s been around forever and add strong athletic movements to it to really rev things up.
What are your qualifications?
I’ve been working in the fitness industry for 18 years. I am AFAA and CPR certified and licensed to teach Zumba and Zumba Toning. I’ve also worked as an independent fitness consultant for University Hospital, Syracuse University, Crouse Hospital, Syracuse Developmental Center, Oasis Center, Town of DeWitt, and local health clubs and nursing homes, among others. For eight years, I wrote a monthly fitness column for Table Hopping newspaper. And I frequently appeared as a television guest on “Hour CNY.”
Meet Heather Goodson
Why teach Zumba?
I fell in love with Zumba the very first night. Tammy was teaching a class at the gym I was a member of, and I was immediately hooked. I couldn’t believe the feeling I had during and after the class—my face almost HURT from smiling so much! I knew that night that if I were to ever teach any type of fitness format, it would be Zumba.
Why Pulse?
The students!! I love the energy, the excitement everyone brings to the classes. I feed off of it and it helps me to bring a fun, upbeat class. Working with Tammy is phenomenal, of course, and I also love the studio itself—the bright colors, the sunlight streaming in the windows, the more-than-loud-enough sound system…it all helps to set the tone for class.
Favorite Zumba groove?
I love all the different rhythms, and I go through cycles as to which one is my favorite, depending on what my playlist is comprised of at any given time. Right now, my favorite is the Samba. I become so excited when I see participants “get it” for the first time. The exhilaration on their faces inspires me to really BRING IT!
Favorite Zumba song?
Are you kidding?! There are way too many awesome songs to have a favorite!
When I’m not at Pulse, I’m…
A freelance sign language interpreter, and that means my schedule is pretty hectic. I am passionate about my job and the variety it brings to my life. Between Zumba and interpreting, I think I’ve got it made in the shade. I love what I do very much. Sundays are my day off, and I enjoy volunteering at my church and spending time with my family—it’s my time to just “chill” and reconnect with God, myself, and those important to me. In my spare time (what’s that?!), I lovelovelove to read and I am also a couponing QUEEN. I always know where to go to get the best deals!
How do you stay fit?
Zumba, of course! I would like to create a strength training regimen, but I haven’t had the time to do that just yet. I also recently started doing yoga at home, and I’ve found my body feels remarkably more relaxed and alert the day after I do a simple hour of yoga. I also try to snack healthily. Being on the run most of the time, my meals often leave a lot to be desired (can you say fast food most of the time?), but I’ve found that if I make a small effort to remember to always have a reasonable snack on me, I can curb my hunger by the time mealtime rolls around. You’ll almost always find me with a spare granola bar, apple/banana, or some trail mix on me.
What are your qualifications?
I am licensed to teach Zumba and am looking forward to becoming AFAA certified!
Meet Julie Hsieh
Why teach Zumba?
Zumba got me working out again after having kids. I love dance, especially when it’s choreographed. I also love aerobics. So when I tried Zumba the first time, I got hooked instantly. I want to share the love and joy of Zumba fitness with others.
Why Pulse?
Atmosphere! It’s the people who come to Pulse that makes the place feel like a big dance party. Without people in it, it’s just an empty space. Pulse gives me the freedom to let loose and have fun. I love it when people hoot and holler! As a new member, I thank Tammy and everyone else for welcoming me into the family!
Favorite Zumba groove?
I love them all.
Favorite Zumba song?
It changes as my mood changes!
When I’m not at Pulse, I’m…
A full time mom of two preschoolers.
How do you stay fit?
Did I mention I have two preschoolers? From playing duck, duck, goose, to picking up toys and crumbs off the floor, I am constantly in motion keeping up with my young active kids. I usually attend two Zumba classes and one pilates class per week. I also watch my portions so I don’t overeat.
What are your qualifications?
I’m licensed to teach Zumba and trained in CPR/AED and first aid. I have some performing arts background. I plan to pursue AFAA certifications and other Zumba specialty licenses in the near future.
Meet Jackie Kallfelz
Why teach Zumba?
Zumba came into my life because of Tammy Panzironi. If she hadn’t opened Pulse, I probably would still be on a treadmill at the gym. It was love at first sight when I took my first Zumba class. I was addicted instantly. I never really thought about teaching Zumba until Tammy mentioned it to me. Now I feel inspired to spread Zumba love to as many people as I can.
Why Pulse?
I couldn’t see myself any where else! You will not find people this great at another fitness place. They all give me so much support and positive energy that I don’t want to leave. Pulse has changed my life for the better and I’m very lucky to be a part of the family.
Favorite Zumba groove?
My favorite groove is the merengue or reggaton because they have such high energy! But then again, I like all of the different rhythms and beats that Zumba brings to fitness.
Favorite Zumba song?
My favorite Zumba song will probably change soon but for now, I really like “Baila, menea, y goza,” which is a quebradita. There is loud high pitch singing that always makes me laugh. There is fast jumping and movement that transitions into a calm belly role, then right back into the high energy again.
When I’m not at Pulse, I’m…
At LeMoyne College working on my bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing, cheerleading practice, listening to music for zumba, or going out to dinner and a movie with my boyfriend, Bradford.
How do you stay fit?
I used to go to the gym, typical. I paid $300 for a personal trainer but couldn’t stick with what she told me to when I was on my own. Cheerleading has definitly helped by running half a mile and doing a set of lunges and an ab workout at the end of every practice. Now that I’m at Pulse, Zumba Toning has dramatically changed the appearance of the shoulders and arms. I also take Tammy’s yoga-lates class along with heated and regular yoga sessions.
What are your qualifications?
As of right now, I have 12 years of cheer and dance experience and my license to teach Zumba Basics. In the near future, I hope to achieve other Zumba licenses, but the sky is the limit!!
Meet Lindsay Lukowski
Why teach Zumba?
I loved Zumba from the very first class I took! There’s nothing like having fun while working out and leaving class on such a high that you can’t wait to go back. I teach Zumba to share that same feeling with others while helping others to get fit in a class where you’re having so much fun you don’t even feel like you’re exercising.
Why Pulse?
Pulse to me feels like my Zumba home. This is where I started taking classes and grew to love Zumba so much. It is also where I received that extra bit of encouragement I needed to become an instructor. The people are wonderful and Pulse really offers something for everyone!
Favorite Zumba groove?
Right now I would say Reggaeton. I come from a dance background, and this groove has a hip hop feel that I can really get into. I also love a really high energy, fast merengue.
Favorite Zumba song?
This changes weekly. There are way too many great songs to pick just one!
When I’m not at Pulse, I’m…
Teaching dance at CNY Performing Arts Center
How do you stay fit?
Zumba, dance, and running.
What are your qualifications?
I am certified to teach Zumba and will become NASM or AFAA certified in the Fall.
Meet Raven
Why teach belly dance?
It’s a wonderful opportunity to help other people develop a sense of self-confidence, an awareness of their bodies, and a sense of rhythm, if they haven’t already got one. Plus, it’s fun! It also opens the door for people who know nothing about Middle Eastern and Turkish culture to learn a little about the music and dance, and maybe spark an interest in the cultures themselves.
Why Pulse?
Pulse is centrally located in the downtown Syracuse area, making it a convenient location for people who live and work in Syracuse, as well as college students, who can easily take the bus from the SU campus right into the heart of downtown.
What’s your teaching philosophy?
First and foremost, it must be fun. Dancing is a form of play; it’s about getting out of your head and into your body for a little while, getting your energy up and your feet (and hips!) moving. Everyone learns differently, and at different speeds, so I’m always keeping an eye on my students in the mirror to see who may be getting stuck on a particular move. This allows me to focus on explaining the moves people are having trouble with, without wasting valuable class time going on and on about moves all the students are doing quite naturally. I want to make sure everyone gets the most they can out of each class, and send them home with something fun to practice.
Favorite belly dance style?
Egyptian Oriental, Turkish Romany, and American tribal style are my favorites. They are all very different, and all cater to completely different musical styles, so it definitely keeps things interesting!
When I’m not dancing, I’m…
knitting, knitting, knitting!
How do you stay fit?
I dance on a regular basis, at the studio and at home; I stretch daily; and I do some basic cardio and weight training.
What are your qualifications?
I’ve been dancing my entire life—ballet since I was three, bellydancing since my early 20s, and when I dance, I immerse myself in it. I take classes several times a week, and seek out workshops with other teachers to learn new moves, styles, and hone my technique.
