'My name is Bernie Veronica Connolly and I am a dance and fitness instructor. I grew up in County Galway in a place called Ros A Mhil in the heart of the Connemara Gaeltacht.
What I love most about Galway is its diversity. The Connemara area where I'm from is breathtakingly beautiful, steeped in local folklore, dance, song and of course our beautiful Irish language. Traditions of old are very much still part of everyday life there and I love that, it keeps me grounded and reminds me of where I am from. And then you have the very vibrant city of Galway which is so multicultural indeed cosmopolitan even. Its many festivals attract people from all over the globe. This infusion of people and culture influences us as Galwegians and I think that we can be considered to be very open, friendly and adventurous in spirit as a result. I love Galway and it's energy, I wouldn’t change it for any other city.
I have my own fitness business where I run fitness/ dance classes based in Galway city and county. I enjoy helping people change their lifestyle and seeing their happiness & confidence grow after each class. I want to show people fitness can be fun and enjoyable. A few years ago I went through my own transformation where I lost 30kg through my own dance routines and fun workouts with friends.
I haven't stopped dancing since. It has been a passion of mine since an early age, my mother used to enter me into all Sorts of dance competitions when I was younger but like so many of my clients I meet I had disengaged from this passion. So I can relate to many of my clients who walk through my door for the very first time. However, once I rediscovered my love of dance I never looked back and I know my clients will feel the same. I always tell them that the hardest part is just getting to the class, after that the rest is a breeze!
I completed all my dance and fitness training in the Pineapple Dance Studios in London which was a definite highlight in my career so far! I teach various types of dance such as Zumba, salsa, hip hop, reggaeton to teenagers and women & men of all ages. 2 years ago I got into Fitness & Sports Modelling. I did my first photoshoot with UK photographer Alex Wightman which led to a lot of opportunities in the sports modelling world. I was the ambassador for Irish Muscle Power this year and 2017 and that opened up a door into the UK fitness scene for me, which is so exciting.
My goals are to keep inspiring people to become the best versions of themselves, and to go out and enjoy life!'
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