DONALD RUTHERFORD
Jersey City,NJ
Summary
Energetic Group Fitness Instructor dedicated to teaching fun and engaging exercise classes. Skilled in choreographing unique routines that incorporate fun and effective exercise techniques. Hardworking, outgoing and personable instructor encouraging all participants to work hard and have fun. Passionate dancer with a background in choreography, recital planning, performance management and 25+ years of dance performing.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Professional Ballroom Dancer/Teacher
Arthur Murray Dance Center Of Nyc
Cranford, NJ
09.2023 - Current
- Developed strong relationships with students, teaching them multiple styles of ballroom dance and introducing them to new and unique dance opportunities
- Assessed students'' progress and provided constructive feedback, enabling continuous improvement in their dance abilities
- Choreographed unique routines tailored to individual student abilities, enhancing each dancer's strengths while improving areas of weakness
- Participated in regular rehearsals, refining movements and synchronizing with fellow students and teachers for seamless performances
Zoom Sales Associate
The Camp Spot
01.2018 - 07.2023
- Trained and managed groups of 8-10 employees on how to sell, communicate and advise customers while building trust and working effectively in fast-paced environments
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in team environments
- Advised customers on what camp uniform was needed based on knowledge of merchandise and expertise of 60+ summer camps
- Maintained calm demeanor and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations
- Communicated and managed warehouse team with proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations
Camp Counselor, Zumba/Lead Dance Instructor
Camp Towanda
06.2014 - 08.2022
- Managed group of 30+ campers, leading, guiding and watching over them while being an effective role model
- Managed staff of 7+ counselors teaching them how to properly communicate, live with and guide children
- Encouraged team performance to increase camaraderie, trust and rapport with both campers and staff
- Listened, guided and helped children of varying ages with problems/concerns
- Instructed Zumba and dance classes to children of varying ages and skill sets
- Choreographed unique fitness and dance routines that were tailored specifically to each different age group
Fitness Specialist, Zumba Instructor
HQC Fitness Center
09.2016 - 06.2017
- Maintained daily operations of gym such as advertising new events, providing personal training to multiple clients and teaching fitness classes such as Zumba and Dance Cardio
- Taught Zumba and Dance Cardio classes incorporating fun and unique choreography as well as effective exercise techniques
- Created new and innovative Zumba and dance routines each week catering to clientele of each class
- Trained multiple clients of various fitness and physical abilities on how to effectively and safely exercise by coming up with personalized exercise programs for each client
- Led team fitness programs such as Fun Runs (5K), Fitness Challenges and Seminars to encourage members to make physical fitness part of daily routines
Exercise Program Instructor
Student Recreation Center
01.2011 - 12.2014
- Instructed Zumba and Dance Cardio fitness classes to college students and faculty
- Choreographed fun, unique and innovative fitness dances that incorporated effective exercise techniques
- Effectively taught many Truman State University students and faculty how to properly exercise and dance
- Taught Zumba and Dance fitness classes at many different on campus events such as fundraisers, dance recitals and charity events
Dance Teacher, Dancer
Melody's School of Dance and Tumbling
01.2011 - 12.2014
- Choreographed solo, duo and group performance dance routines for recitals, performances and competitions
- Taught and explained choreography by breaking down steps and demonstrating moves to 5+ different skill level dance classes
- Tailored each class to meet student needs and abilities and allow dancers to progress at comfortable pace
- Developed professional relationships with different dance professionals, choreographers, and performers by actively listening and effectively communicating
- Motivated and encouraged all students to practice dance routines, set goals, push themselves and grow in a safe and inspiring environment
Education
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science
Truman State University
Kirksville, MO12.2014
Associate of Science - Psychology
Truman State University
Kirksville, MO12.2014
Skills
- Presentations and Demonstrations
- Complex Problem-Solving
- Excellent People Skills
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Effective Communication
- Time Management
- Group Fitness Instruction
- Leadership and Coaching
- Designing Classes and Routines
- Stage Performance
- Choreography
- Customer and Service-Oriented
Certification
Certified Zumba Instructor
Associate Bronze Certification through Arthur Murray Ballroom Dance
Timeline
Professional Ballroom Dancer/Teacher
Arthur Murray Dance Center Of Nyc
09.2023 - Current
Zoom Sales Associate
The Camp Spot
01.2018 - 07.2023
Fitness Specialist, Zumba Instructor
HQC Fitness Center
09.2016 - 06.2017
Camp Counselor, Zumba/Lead Dance Instructor
Camp Towanda
06.2014 - 08.2022
Exercise Program Instructor
Student Recreation Center
01.2011 - 12.2014
Dance Teacher, Dancer
Melody's School of Dance and Tumbling
01.2011 - 12.2014
Bachelor of Science - Exercise Science
Truman State University
Associate of Science - Psychology
Truman State University
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