Pepper Von ~ Dance, Fitness, Motivational Speaker

Zumba Fitness - Ditch the Workout and Join the Party

Are you ready to party yourself into shape? That's exactly what the Zumba® program is all about. It's an exhilarating, effective, easy-to-follow, Latin-inspired, calorie-burning dance fitness-party™ that's moving millions of people toward joy and health.

A Personal Letter to Pepper From Beto Perez - Zumba Fitness Creator

In 1994 in the big capital city of Colombia, Bogota, where I moved to from a smaller city, Cali. I had the unbelievable opportunity to go to my first aerobics convention, where the fitness celebrity Pepper Von was presenting. I had the privilege to take one of his classes, and in the middle of his session he invited me and my best friend Walter to come on stage with him. I couldn't even sleep that night; I was full of joy and felt privileged for the opportunity.

Two days later, there was a meeting for some of the instructors, where Pepper Von was giving a speech about fitness and motivation. After a while Pepper Von asked if anybody had a question. I raised my hand and asked, while a translator helped me, and aked " if I have an idea about a different type of fitness class, what do I have to do to become a respectful , wellknown instructor like you, and make people believe in my fitness program? Pepper's answer was exactly what I was doing at the time and ensured me that I was going in right path. He said : who perseveres and is patient will make if far in life, and then the right moment will come in the right place" At the end of the speech, Pepper Von signed his post card to each one of the participants.

A lot of years went by, and I kept my thoughts and Peppers' advice always in me. I believed in myself as an instructor and in my program. Now, 14 years later after Pepper Von's speech, I see the results and the success reflected on Zumba Fitness.

For that reason, I invited Pepper Von to the 2011 convention in Orlando, Florida. And we worked together in a video and I introduced him to all my student/instructors as my mentor and inspiration. I believe it is important that everyone knows, that we all learn from each other and have a mentor who we learn a lot from, and in my case this mentor was Mr. Pepper Von. Many Thanks, from the bottom of my heart. Beto Perez, Zumba Fitness Creator.

Training Specialist

Cardiovascular Efficiency
Muscular Strength
Endurance Training
Flexibility
Weight Management
Nutrition
Stress Reduction
Competitive Aerobics
Cross Training
Mental Attitude
Fat Burning
Redefine the Aging Process

A quick and healthy breakfast for people on the go.

Personal Trainer

Pepper Von is a world renowned dance and fitness instructor, choreographer, performer and motivational speaker. He has conducted master dance and fitness workshops and seminars throughout the U.S., Canada, Asia, Europe, Central and South America. As a previous Reebok National Aerobics Champion, Pepper was nominated for Instructor of the Year award by the International Dance and Exercise Association. He subsequently has been presented the Make Fitness Happen Award. His credits include Talk Show Host, Dance Consultant, and Dance Production Director for SAFE Streets, KCRA-TV, Sacramento; Production Choreographer for WABS-TV, New York and for television Emmy Awards Show; Choreographer for three music videos in association with Kids Reaching Out and Saying No to Drugs. Pepper has appeared on the "Mike and Matty" show and featured on the national television show "EXTRA"

Pepper is co-founder of DREAM COLLECTIVES, a creative dance and motivational program for development of personal pride, self-esteem and sense of community for children of all ages.

Step 1 Studio

Step 1 is a professional fully equipped dance, aerobic, and fitness studio, and is the fruit of Pepper’s hard work and determination. His limitless enthusiasm and motivating energy inspires the lives of others. A tenured role model and voice for physical fitness for all, Von has become the leader of Sacramento's dance and fitness.

Dance

Pepper will take your dancing beyond the expectations and limits you thought you had to a higher performance! Whether a beginner or a professional, a variety of classes are offered for all skill levels and stages of life.

Fitness

Ignite the floor with physically electrifying, highly charged dance and step moves for all fitness levels. Do a full cardio workout with a variety of classes offered including, hip-hop, funk, step, country, salsa, aerobics and more!

Featured on ESPN

Pepper trained exercise teachers around the nation by co-starring in "ESPN Fitness Pros" TV show. He is also a member of the Reebok National Aerobic Championship team. Many of Pepper's competitive athletes he has worked with became well known and successful such as Sandra Augustin, owner of SASS Fitness.

Scroll down to view the 1991 Reebok Champion Video

Pepper placed 1st in both the 'Men's Individual' and 'Team of Three' categories from the Pacific Regional Reebok competition. Moving on to become Reebok's National Aerobic Champion of the world.

"Pepper's influence, advice, amazing choreography and drive to excel has been a major factor in my professional success as a Group Exercise Instructor, Personal Trainer and IFBB Professional Fitness competitor. I value his opinion and praise over all others. I always look forward to our joint ventures and projects." - Sandra Augustin

Ethnic Opportunity

Pepper is working hard to introduce minority populations to the importance of fitness and wellness, as well as career opportunities in the health-club industry.

There are a number of other African-Americans who, like Pepper, serve as positive role models not only for minority populations, but for individuals of every ethnic persuasion. While Pepper is no stranger to discrimination, he was able to enter, advance and succeed in the health-club industry without encountering any obstacles that seemed related to race.

Pepper has a mission to unify people's hearts. To encourage them to have more fun. He offers solutions that help people realize and appreciate the moment.

Fitness 4 Everyone

Pepper is certified by the National Handicapped Society and fashioned his "Fitness for Everyone" programs which includes those in wheelchairs and those who are hearing impaired. He serves on the California Governor's Committee for the Employment of Disabled Persons and organized a major fund-raising effort with the purpose of benefiting AIDS research.

Alexa Yee, hearing impaired and avid signer, desired to dance with music. It was a dream of hers that she thought would never come true. She attended Pepper's rhythm class for the hearing impaired and was ecstatic not only feeling the musical vibrations through the dance floor, but with Peppers creativity, she learned of other ways to sense vibrations. Alexa's once inconceivable fantasy, can now dance to the beat of the music.

The 1991 Reebok National Aerobic Champions

Testimonials

"Wow! What an unbelievable job you did writing and choreographing the Greater San Diego Inner-City Games "Hip Hop" dance video. Everyone that sees the tape is excited about it's potential impact on the kids.

Pepper, you are truly an amazingly talented person with an unusual empathy for helping young people. Despite your worldwide notoriety and success you have remained loyal to the kids and are still just a real nice guy.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and I appreciate your continued support of the Governor's Council and Inner-City Games. You are a real professional and friend."
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"Pepper has been a positive influence in my life for the past ten years. He gave me an invaluable opportunity to dance with his company, to perform on stage, to learn that hard work and discipline have a reward...pride! Pepper allowed me to do something constructive with my life at a time when I was hangin' around in the streets doing nothing and going nowhere. Pepper has always shown me great support and encouragement. We always trained long and hard in our rehearsals, and it always plaid off during our performances. Pepper made me feel good about myself and my talents, I could always rely on Pepper to listen to my problems and give positive and constructive advice. Thanks to Pepper, I am a better person today, and take life for the best that it has to offer."