Who I Am

Kia Ora!

I'm Yumi and I've been involved in dance for nearly 45 years. I've found that at my age, my body and mind need less disciplined physical routines, and more fun, energy and flow to glow. YouMe Dance (a play on my name) is founded on the principles of moving for joy, appreciating our body just as it is and energising fun! My classes are designed for all people, not matter what age, to move their bodies in ways that feel right to them, without complicated steps.

I started learning ballet at 5 and have gone on to learn many different forms of movement including jazz, lyrical, hula, swing, Latin, ballroom, salsa, Zumba and in another century was an avid aerobic, Tae Bo and Step class attendee! I've taught dance to all ages and just LOVE the joy and confidence it sparks.

Almost 5 years ago I moved from Feilding to Kapiti almost 4 years ago, where I volunteered at a small dance school focused on joy and kindness. Most of the classes I taught were free of charge so that children from all backgrounds could experience the joy of Dance. I thought I was teaching them to dance, but when I left, I realised that they, in actual fact, were teaching me these things:

what it means to feel alive
how amazing joy and giving is
how very much dance is a part of my well-being
And actually… who cares what you look like… joyful dancers are infectious dancers!

And while I’m not the world’s best dancer, I LOVE dance, I love teaching it and I want to help people's wellbeing through experiencing dance. This is why I started YouMe Dance. (And a sedentary day job is a good motivator too!)

Can't wait to Move with you and hear what motivates you!