We had the good fortune of connecting with Teresa Auva’a and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Teresa, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
(in.ten.si.ty) intensiT Dance Fitness is built upon culture, community and connection. Any success we have had is absolutely because of the positive, genuine, and like minded community of people who have been brought together by shared passions. These incredible individuals support and build each other up on and off the dance floor. Dance is simply the vehicle we use to draw people together. But what each presenter and attendee contributes to each experience by sharing their similar values, kind hearts and genuine authentic selves, truly fuels our brand.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In college as a dance major I had always continued teaching dance classes to all ages and in keeping myself in shape for performances had also fallen in love with group fitness cardio and strength classes as well. I am grateful for mentors in both the dance and fitness industry who early on took me under their wing and challenged me to be my best and keep reinventing myself in the way I would teach a class. I realized early on that I had developed my own way of teaching that ultimately created an intense connection for attendees to express themselves, connect with others on a deeper level and to music through movement in a safe, judgement free space. The past few years I had truly realized that my greatest passion doesn’t stop with giving attendees a fantastic class experience, it was in desiring to helping others learn how to teach, lead and inspire in the same way both on and off the dance floor. We officially created a program that could be duplicated and taught to other in an effective way and launched our dance fitness brand in February 2019 holding our first official teacher training. We have created an incredible opportunity to help others step into their purpose and are proud of the growth we’ve experienced in such a short time. IntensiT has reinvigorated old friendships and forged new ones. It has given balance in life and improved overall health. It has created opportunities for people to feel accepted and a part of something bigger than themselves and it has truly inspired so much JOY.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
Arizona is the most incredible place to live. We moved here almost 6 years ago as a family and wouldn’t want to raise our kids anywhere else.s There are some amazing local places to see and restaurants to eat at including the incredible brand my husband and I apart of growing called Thai Chili 2Go. We also love Liberty Market in downtown Gilbert, La Grande Orange Grocery in Phoenix and Joe’s Farm Grill at Agritopia. We love staying for the weekend at the Kierland Resort in Scottsdale, and visiting places with our family and kids such as the Phoenix Zoo and Butterfly Wonderland. For a beautiful Sunday drive and sites we love to go up by Goldfield Ghost Town and driving up Apache Trail to get ice cream!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Being a wife and mother of 3 young children, the support of my husband Tui has played a very important role in making it possible for me to continue to drive my passion. He keeps things real and honest and is always challenging my thinking and encouraging brain storming and thinking outside the box. Along with him and the constant support of family, there are 2 women who sacrifice time and energy in assisting in the growth of the brand as my partners as well and that is Brighten Pyburn and Ashley Cabanillas. They started out as clients just a few years ago and have believed in me and the bigger vision since day 1. If there is anything I know for sure it starting your own business, it’s that you cannot do it alone. I truly believe that the more success you can help others have, the more you will have and I surround myself with those that think that way as well.

Website: intensitdancefitness.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/intensitdancefitness/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intensitdancefitness/
Other: My personal Instagram is Hunt4greatness as well.

Image Credits
Marianne Overton, Jordan Batt, Chris Bontemps-Dorr

Nominate someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.