Student Testimonials
Dance Conditioning
“Paula’s blend of subtle, continuous awareness and ass-kicking workout is truly unique and worth trying”
-Davis, Meditation Teacher &
Doctoral Student
“Paula’s classes dramatically improved my technique and flexibility in my dancing. I became aware about muscle groups that I previously didn’t pay attention to and I gained a lot of strength as a dancer!!”
-Rachel, Dancer
“Warm and inviting. Challenging and fun. Really recommend any classes that Paula teaches. She knows her stuff and is an amazing instructor. She makes even the most challenging workout almost delightful. She encourages the entire class and creates a really no judgement and inspiring environment. Can’t wait for the next session - and I’m no fan of exercise!”
-Julie, Marketing Consultant
"Paula's Dance Conditioning class taught me how to WORK!
She is so funny and makes burning your booty and abs into a party. You will be laughing while doing crunches, dancing while your legs sweat and shake at the barre, and feeling grateful while you breathe deep and stretch out your deserving well-taken-care-of body in the end.
Her feedback is excellent as she teaches you proper technique every little step of the way. Like the other dance instructors at City College of San Francisco, she goes way above and beyond. Her class is better, more hands-on teaching than classes in a gym or a dance studio.
I never knew how to use stretch bands or rings before this class and I'm happy I can now use them properly in the gym!
Very inspired and feeling strong after this class."
-Julia, Student Dancer
“Dance conditioning was a beautiful, positive environment to strengthen and tone my body! I saw my body change in the mirror in one semester! Paula Plessas-Hall is a joy and a wonderful support if you want to get a stronger body to improve your dance stamina! Thank you so much for a wonderful and inspiring semester!”
-Dallas, Student Dancer
Boxercise
“Paula’s ‘Intro to Boxercise’ course is PHENOMENAL. When I found out about Paula’s class I was both excited and terrified. I have never taken a fitness class and I have never boxed before. Being that this is an introductory course, Paula has strategically designed the course to prep your mind and body for boxing. The first several weeks of the course is structured to build your mental and physical endurance--during this time we focus primarily on building stamina through cardio and circuit training. Shortly after you learn boxing/punching combinations. The second part of the course is when you utilize boxing gloves and equipment along with the punch combinations. This allows you to get the full effect of boxing, and it is so much fun!
Paula encourages the class to perform at their own pace while also pushing limits. The key word about Paula and her class is encouragement. Even though I haven’t known her for long, I can tell she genuinely cares about her students and her top priority is encouraging students to do their very best. She is SO motivating. Because you go at your own pace, this class is accommodating of people of all ages; the age range of my current class is between 19-65+ years old.
I work a desk job and have pretty much been sedentary my entire young adult life. I was a (metaphorical) potato before I met Paula and it wasn’t until the beginning of this year (2017) when I started to exercise not for health purposes, but for the sake of being active and getting fit. I have never felt stronger and if I can do it, YOU can do it. Take her class, you won’t regret it! ”
-Heidi, Administrative Coordinator & Graduate Program Assistant
“Paula is an inspirational dynamite force of nature who believes – as I do – that good things come from hard work and discomfort. Her classes push the body to its limits: as she often says growth and change come in those zones of discomfort. All of this would be simply painful and sometimes impossible if it weren’t for her style, personality, total enthusiasm and all around wonderfulness that makes her classes the highlight of my week. She believes profoundly that movement is of fundamental importance to the mind and the body and delivers what she preaches with joy and charm. A total pleasure to be in her classes, with amazing physical and mental results!”
-Steven, Somatic Movement Educator & Performer
Paula is such an amazing choreographer and teacher. I've learned so much from being in her class. She teaches you to control your body and explore many different styles that are out there in the dancing world. I've even had the honor of being a teacher assistant for her class and taught a choreo for the students! She's willing to help whoever is in the class whether you're a beginner or master and never fails to deliver! Definitely sign up for her hip hop classes as well as her Zumba classes!
-Jonathan, Dancer
Zumba
“Paula’s Zumba class is fun and she will have you burning those calories in no time!”
-Junior, Registered Nurse
Fun, charismatic and an amazing choreographer, Paula Plessas-Hall is a wonderful Zumba instructor and so much more. She fully immerses herself into her choreography during Zumba classes and encourages the class to do the same through her enthusiasm while promoting body positivity and personal growth. Her classes allowed me to become more comfortable under my own skin and grow my appreciation and love towards Latin-style dance. There are times when the choreography may be challenging, but Paula encourages you to listen to your body and go at your own pace while gradually challenging yourself to surpass your own physical limits. I cannot recommend her highly enough, you will not regret taking any of her classes!
-Mishael, Zumba T.A.
Paula brings out the best in everyone. Whether you are a dancer, a boxer, or even a pure amateur -- she makes you feel that you belong and you "can". Not only will you enjoy and learn from her class but you will also have sense of community and friendship along with you because of the energy that she gives. Her technique is one of a kind and she always strives to better something that seems already the best. She would encourage you to work on your skill and also push you to moves that you did not know you are even capable of.
One thing's for sure, when you take her class, you must be willing to be honest with your body and treat it with respect -- share yourself to your mentor and your peers. Whether it's boxercise, hip-hop, dance conditioning, zumba etc. you will always want more and will always look forward to attending the next class. As Ms. Paula always says at the end of our class, "honor your body, know that you fought hard... give yourselves a round of applause" -- this has remained with me through out the course of taking class with her and hopefully through out the rest of my life. I have so much love and respect for her and her classes :)
-Martley, Photographer
I go to City College of San Francisco and took Zumba from Paula Plessas-Hall for the first time. I was afraid to take the class but she makes you not be afraid because she takes it step by step. Her class is so much. She teaches you the move and once you know how to do it you don't want to stop. I love the music she play with the Zumba. She is energetic and fun. Take the class at City College. You won't regret it.
-Jan, Student
Hip Hop
I have been learning from and assisting Paula in her Beginning, Beginning-Intermediate, and Intermediate Hip Hop classes on and off for the past 8 years. Her number one priority above anything else is the students' comfortability and growth in her classes. She helps every student succeed, by tailoring her choreography and teaching methods to accommodate the different levels of dance experience that walk into the studio. Technically, Paula is an amazing mover with years of experience as a dancer, in addition to being a smart and creative choreographer. Her musicality is on point. She can be both syncopated and groovy. Also, she is a living advocate for "dancers are athletes" as you will see in her efficient warmups that include movement, workouts, and stretching. Finally, she is just a kind, caring, and funny person that will you for sure have a positive experience in any of her classes and will want to come back semester after semester.
-Julian,
Children's Counselor & Dancer
Paula was one of my first dance teachers years ago at CCSF. She has an incredible way of teaching that allows you to not only be able to easily understand movement & technique but also allows you to have room for growth as well as creativity. Too many dance teachers out there only really give attention & focus towards students who either already have prior dance training or have the ability to learn quickly, however she is one of the genuine few who are always very encouraging towards everyone of her students regardless of skill level or experience. If you ever have the pleasure of taking one of her classes you will without a doubt have a lot of fun. Cheers Paula!
-Mimi, Student
You know there is so many thing to say about her!!! I feel like the best way to start this is by last year. I'm a 2nd year college student at City right now and when I first came to CCSF, I wanted to take a dance class and one of my friends suggested I take her Hip Hop dance class and of course I went for it. I was still a novice in dance but after taking few of her classes I felt more comfortable with Hip Hop and be myself more. She goes through the dance very carefully and she gives meaningful speeches to students and it's always from her heart. I've met so many talented and beginner dancers and became friends with some of them. I'm glad to be part of her class and to be very close to her. If you guys want to try Hip Hop don't be afraid to start and take her class, it's never too late to start dancing.
-Nine, Student
Jazz
I danced with Paula for a semester at CCSF and fell in love with her energy immediately. She is the kind of instructor that will push you to better your craft all the while reminding you of the joy that is dance. I am so humbled to have taken her class and plan on taking another one of her classes in the spring of 2019. She is one of the best dance instructors, mentors, and teachers I have ever had! If you have the chance to take one of her classes you will not be disappointed. We love Paula and I will stand with and for her forever!"
-Julianna,
Yoga Instructor & Vlogger
I loooove Paula!!!! Paula is the best fitness instructor I've ever had at CCSF. Once you've taken one of her classes you're going to want to take them all! She offers a variety of classes to help you as a dancer (i.e. dance conditioning, hip hop and jazz) and as someone that just wants to get fit (i.e. boxercise, zumba). She's very approachable and keeps every class at a fun and exciting pace while motivating you to reach your goals. You're sure to make friends in her class because she supports a safe and supportive community environment. I assure you won't regret stepping into her studio. It'll change your life!
-Katarina,
Web Designer & Dancer
Paula is a true professional! She is a great dancer, choreographer, and an exceptional teacher. Regardless of the amount of experience that a student has, she adjusts the appropriate teaching technique and makes him/her dance. With her, you will be able to learn the material of any difficulties. You will definitely grow as a dancer.
-Oxana, Student
I have taken many dance classes before, but Paula is one of the best teachers I have ever had. She really knows how to break down the dance steps and really knows how to help you get there. She has also excellent inspiring words when you have to go out there and perform. I want to continue dancing and performing with her.
-Susana,
Nurse Practioner