The Marianas Powerhouse – All 4 One Fitness Crew isn’t your typical fitness group; it’s a vibrant movement where sweat meets smiles, where local beats fuel powerful workouts, and where every dance step builds stronger bonds in our island community.
From tattoo artist to Zumba pioneer
Marcus Taisacan
Marcus Faisao Taisacan Jr., a 44-year-old tattoo artist and father of two, might not fit the typical image of a Zumba coach. When he’s not helping lead Zumba sessions, you can find him at his shop, Marked 4 Life Tattoo Shop, where he’s made a name for himself as a skilled artist. Yet his journey to becoming one of the founders of Marianas Powerhouse speaks to the inclusive nature of this fitness phenomenon.
“It all started when I was attending a wedding in Guam and saw how many local people were there too but for medical referral,” Marcus recalls. “That experience inspired me to dive into Zumba. I just want to help the community.” His motivation wasn’t just about personal fitness; it was about creating a healthier future for his fellow islanders.
Before discovering Zumba, Marcus was no stranger to fitness. His background included long-distance running, calisthenics, circuit training, and even martial arts. It was Zumba that captured his heart, though.
“It’s fun, and you get to move your entire body,” he explains. “But more importantly, it actually works.”
After nearly two years of doing Zumba, Marcus has become a cornerstone of the CNMI’s Zumba community.
A family affair: The power couple’s journey
Judith Taisacan
Marcus’s wife, Judith Taisacan, joined the Zumba movement three months after her husband. As a stay-at-home mom of two daughters, she found conventional gym environments intimidating. “Zumba is different,” she shares. “It’s like a party where you move your body, and seeing other people’s motivation keeps you going.”
Her transformation has been remarkable. Since starting in August 2023, Judith has lost almost 50 pounds. But more than the physical changes, it’s the sense of empowerment that keeps her coming back. “It gives me options I never thought I had,” she says, her eyes lighting up as she talks about the community she’s helped build.
The health transformation champions
Vince Cabrera
Vince Cabrera’s story is perhaps one of the most inspiring testimonials for the power of Zumba. A certified Zumba® Basic 1 instructor with five years of experience, Vince’s journey began from a place of health concerns. “I was a bigger person before, pre-diabetic, and had hypertension,” he reveals. Within three months of starting Zumba, he shed 30 pounds from his initial 200-pound frame.
But the numbers on the scale weren’t the most significant change. “Today, I have no diabetes and no hypertension,” Vince states. “Zumba is the only exercise that gives you full cardio while moving all parts of your body. I continued because I wanted to maintain my health, and it’s become so much more than that.”
Christine Cabrera
His wife, Christine Cabrera, completes the founding quartet with her own passionate approach to Zumba leadership. Having started with other groups before helping establish Marianas Powerhouse, Christine discovered that Zumba wasn’t just another fitness trend; it was a calling that perfectly aligned with her love for music and movement.
“When you get to sweat after a dance workout, it’s a different kind of satisfaction,” she shares. “There’s something special about feeling the rhythm and moving your feet with the music.”
As both a mother of four and a dedicated instructor, Christine brings a unique energy to her classes. What sets her sessions apart is her thoughtful incorporation of local music into the workout routines. “Our culture has such rich musical traditions,” she explains. “When we mix local songs into our sessions, you can feel the energy in the room change. People connect with the music on a deeper level because it’s part of our heritage.”
Her journey with Zumba became even more meaningful after she started seeing physical results. “When I started losing weight, it motivated me to push harder and try new routines,” Christine recalls.
Perhaps more importantly, she found herself in a position to inspire others. Her classes have become known for their welcoming atmosphere and the seamless blend of international Zumba hits with beloved local tunes, creating an experience that’s uniquely CNMI.
Vince and Christine work as teacher aides in Special Education and Early Headstart.
From bodybuilding to beat-dropping
John Jimeno
The newest addition to their instructor lineup brings a unique perspective to the team. John Jimeno, a Special Education teacher at Koblerville Elementary School and a bodybuilder, joined in October last year. His transition from competitive bodybuilding to Zumba instruction might seem unusual, but it makes perfect sense to him.
“Part of bodybuilding is doing cardio, but running on a step machine for an hour gets monotonous,” John explains. “With Zumba, you’re working out with a team, dancing, and having fun. It’s a completely different experience.”
Now a certified Zumba® Basic 1 instructor, John represents the bridge between traditional fitness and this dynamic form of exercise.
A cultural fusion of fitness
What sets Marianas Powerhouse apart isn’t just their local roots; it’s their commitment to incorporating the CNMI’s rich cultural heritage into their workouts. Their diverse team, featuring Chamorro and Chinese instructors who are predominantly male, brings a unique energy to each session. “We don’t just follow popular dance routines,” the team explains. “We incorporate local songs into our repertoire, making our sessions something different from what you’d find elsewhere.”
The group maintains an active schedule, running classes from Monday through Friday in various locations, including at their studio, the Round House in Garapan, and at the Minatchom Atdao. Special events are regularly announced through their Facebook page and WhatsApp group chat, keeping the community engaged and connected.
Breaking barriers
For newcomers who might feel intimidated, the Marianas Powerhouse team has a simple message: “Don’t be shy; move at your pace. We don’t judge. Just have fun and dance.”
This welcoming attitude has helped create a supportive environment where people from all walks of life can pursue their fitness goals together.
Sessions typically run from one to two hours, but participants are encouraged to go at their own pace. The focus isn’t on perfection but on progression and enjoyment.
Looking to the future
As the CNMI’s first locally-founded Zumba group, Marianas Powerhouse – All 4 One Fitness Crew is more than just a fitness organization. They’re pioneers in showing how local initiatives can make a significant impact on community health and wellness. Their success stories—from Judith’s weight loss journey to Vince’s health transformation—demonstrate the profound effect that accessible, enjoyable fitness programs can have on people’s lives.
“We’re trying to expand more,” the team shares.
With their unique blend of local culture, inclusive atmosphere, and proven results, Marianas Powerhouse is not just leading a fitness revolution in the CNM. They’re creating a blueprint for community-based wellness programs everywhere.
Whether you’re looking to improve your health, find a fun way to stay active, or simply become part of a supportive community, Marianas Powerhouse’s doors are open. As their stories show, sometimes the best step toward a healthier life is a dance step, taken among friends.
