What does self-expression mean to you?
Danni: It's being raw, intimate, and unapologetically yourself. I often find myself spiraling through questions like: Who even am I? What do I actually want to give to the world? Can being myself help others? Most days, I don't have a clear answer. But what I do have is a feeling – a pull from deep in my chest. That's where I move from. That's my truth.
Sebastian: Self-expression means showing up as who I really am – unfiltered and unapologetic. It's the freedom to share my energy, my personality, my story, and my style without trying to fit someone else's mold. Whether it's through music, movement, or the way I connect with others, it's about letting what's inside come out in a way that's honest.
What does being your authentic self mean when you're leading a workout?
Danni: It means letting people see the real you – the highs, the lows, the full messy emotional ride. Sometimes it's sweaty joy, sometimes it's quiet strength, sometimes it's loud, unfiltered release. It's not polished, and it's not perfect – but it's real. As Instructors, we're vessels. If we can be brave enough to show our full selves, we give others a little more room to show theirs too.
Meno: Being honest and open with myself and my people in my classes, hoping to inspire someone not to be afraid to be who they want to be. Everyone deserves to live a life where they feel accepted, safe, and heard!
Amy: It means being real in how I'm feeling and sharing that freely, without worry or fear of judgment from others. It also means accepting others for their authentic selves. My biggest goal is to create an environment where people feel safe to express whatever they think or feel, and know they’ll be accepted no matter what.
Was there ever a moment in class where you truly felt "this is where I belong"?
Meno: Yes! It was our first ever Sweat With Pride class organized by the Rainbow Team at Les Mills International, supported by Les Mills New Zealand with our incredible host Drag Queen Miss Geena. We did a Mash-Up LM DANCE™ and BODYJAM™ class with a surprise performance by Miss Geena. It was beautiful seeing different communities expressing their love for rainbow inclusion through movement and music. That moment I knew we, as a company, can change the world one colorful step at a time.
Amy: Every time I walk into the gym! I know sometimes my personality and energy can be "too much" for certain professional settings, so I feel blessed to have Les Mills and to be able to teach. Group training classes give me a safe space to be my biggest self and express myself without limitations!
Sebastian: Yes – many times. That feeling usually comes when I sense a real connection with the people in the room. It's when I understand why they're there – not just for physical changes, but for something deeper. Most people show up because they need a mental shift, a release, or simply a moment of joy in their day. When I see genuine smiles, hear laughter, and feel the energy lift, I know I'm exactly where I'm meant to be.
Has teaching helped you overcome any personal challenges or insecurities?
Danni: Yes, in more ways than I ever expected. There are places in the world where simply being yourself can feel unsafe. Teaching has given me a space where I can speak boldly – not just for myself, but for those who don't have a platform, who've had their voices stripped away. It fuels my love and advocacy for this community. It's why I serve on the Rainbow Advisory Board at Les Mills International – to help make space where everyone feels seen, celebrated, and safe.
Amy: Absolutely. If I hadn't joined Les Mills, I'm not sure I would have even come out. Queer culture was not as common or well accepted when I was coming to terms with my sexuality. At the time, I felt like I was always hiding with a mask on to fit in. After I joined Les Mills, I was suddenly surrounded by people who were so unapologetically themselves! People who encouraged me to be me and I have never felt more accepted or safe in my life!
Sebastian: Definitely. Teaching gave me confidence when I didn't always have it in other areas of my life. It showed me that people connect with how you lead, not just who you are. Being openly queer in a leadership role wasn't easy at first – I worried about being judged. But the more I leaned into it, the more I realized that my visibility mattered.
Have your classes ever given a participant or other Instructor the power to be themselves?
Meno: A few years back I was on an overseas trip teaching workshops. A participant came up to me after class and shared their experience with being Trans FTM like me, inspiring them to come out to their community. In that moment I realized my influence is more than getting people to live healthily – it's also influencing them to live their most authentic life.
Amy: I think it's hard to say that "you've given" somebody else something because at the end of the day, you can do all you can and say all you want, but it's up to the person themselves to make the change. All I can hope for is that I make people feel safe to explore themselves in whatever quirky way they are.
Sebastian: After a BODYJAM class, someone came to me and said how empowered and inspired they felt knowing that a queer person was leading with confidence in the industry. Moments like these remind me that showing up authentically gives others permission to do the same.