MyDaily were given the opportunity to chat with celebrity Zumba instructor Tanya Beardsley at the UK's first Zumba instructor conference to give us the lowdown on her stylish life.
Celebrity Zumba instructors, Kass Martin, Gina Grant and Tanya Beardsley.
What inspired you to do what you do?
I remember people used to tell me about Zumba. I checked out the first VHS and did the whole tape. I was having such a good time and ended up in one of the first trainings. Really, Beto [the founder of Zumba] inspired me. He told me that doubt kills and that is something that has stuck with me for the last 10 years. So I think with Zumba it ultimately came from Beto, he is my role model, my teacher and my mentor.
How and where do you do your best work
When I step out of the spotlight. Last time I was in Paris we had major events and at the last minute we scheduled one class in a random gym and it was one of the most fun classes I've ever taught.
Who is your style icon and why?
Gwen Stefani and Pink, they're so unique and they stay true to who they are no matter what people think. I idolise those core values.
What's that one piece of clothing that every woman needs in her wardrobe?
A pair of sweat pants. I think that women don't need to show their whole body and their skin to be sexy. If you're confident and comfortable with who you are that shines from within more than any clothing item you could put on. I challenge people to put on a pair of sweat pants and rock it out like it's a glamorous dress at the red carpet.
Which designer(s) do you most admire and why?
I've been into Y3 lately which is a branch off of Adidas from Japan. Going back to Gwen Stefani, I do like her clothing range LAMB but I'm not really into one big brand name. If you're creative you can mimic certain designs.
Who or what inspires you creatively?
With Zumba, Beto has been my inspiration but creatively what inspires me beyond dance and fitness is culture, history and difference in people. I try to seek inspiration from things that are not the norm, connection inspires me whether it's learning or having a conversation.
What is your most extravagant fashion purchase?
I have a pair of Y3 boots that were about $700. They're combat boots but I wear them all the time. My philosophy is that you can buy pieces that are that little bit more expensive but they will last you for years and years.
Describe the best outfit you've ever worn
When I was younger my mum dressed me in a Halloween costume that literally was a TV using a cardboard box. It had a picture of Sesame Street on the front and the headband was the antennae. That was the best outfit I've ever worn because as a child you aren't inhibited with fashion, you can do what you want.
What's the most stylish city in the world and why?
Nothing compares to New York. New York is a cultural melting pot. It's the land of the misfits where anything goes. I love the 'take me as I am or not at all feel' to fashion in New York. You can go formal or edgy and cool and it just works.
What look do you love but doubt you could pull off?
I love the whole Vegas Show girl, Brazillian Samba dancer style but could not pull that off at all. Also a perfect prim and proper clean cut, together look I think I would fumble in five minutes – I wouldn't be able to pull it off because it's not me.
Fictional, real, dead or alive, who would you like to swap wardrobes with and why?
Marilyn Monroe because I think that I would not just want to swap wardrobes because of her clothing but because I think I would wear her wardrobe with the confidence that she didn't have.
And last but not least what's your best piece of fashion advice?
If you feel comfortable in something, wear it.
Tanya Beardsley will be hosting the first Zumba Fitness Party at Ministry of Sound on 21st March Tickets are £10.