Zumba instructor and Pinnacle Peak event marketing director Leonardo Gandulfo dances nimbly from morning till night

07:30

My biological clock automatically wakes me up. First thing I do is open all the windows in my apartment. I love to see the daylight through the window in my bedroom and the Star of David which is located on the top of the Shanghai Exhibition Center! I think to myself: “It’s a beautiful thing to be alive.” I like to enjoy the first minutes of life in silence; I meditate.

08:00

I cut some fruits, mix them with yogurt and have them with a slice of brown, toasted bread for breakfast. During breakfast time I like to read a few pages of a philosophy book, like Osho, Rumi or Kong Zi. It helps me a lot to see the beauty of existence.

08:40

I jump on my bike to go buy Shanghai Daily. The weather is still a little cold, but it’s OK. I know I will enjoy spring and summer more when it comes! I ride my bike around the French Concession. I like to get the local feeling of being in Shanghai and have the chance to see the urban show!

09:30

Arrive back at my place. Do some workout, start to listen and select the music for my Zumba class (Zumba fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a dynamic workout system that will blow you away). I have to train and dance for two hours, preparing for my class before I teach. I LOVE IT!

11:30

I iron my shirt that I’ll wear today. Since I was in junior school, I’ve always liked to iron my shirts. I think it’s more like therapy, as it gives me a relaxing feeling. Then I take a refreshing shower.

12:30

It’s a beautiful day and I’m in the mood to cook a delicious spinach omelet with red onions, green peppers, shitake mushrooms and Monterrey cheddar cheese for myself! And of course, a café con leche.

13:50

Arrive at my office, Pinnacle Peak. Check and reply to work emails, and meet with owner Steven Smith to discuss di fferent things regarding the restaurant, like upcoming events or any other activities. I check tonight’s reservations.

16:00

Gaylan from Pacifica Wines arrives. We are meeting today to taste delicious Californian wines! Mmm! I can’t wait. I believe the reality of the world of wine is that “the more you know, the less you know.” Well, I guess it’s the same in everything.

17:00

Time for a Chinese meal–I love it, especially if you don’t want to feel like you cannot get up from the chair after eating. Anyway, I cannot really eat a lot; I have to dance soon.

17:30

Meet with the executive chef, bar manager and all of the front of the house team to discuss the plan for today, talk about some targets and the activities for the rest of the night. Today we’ll have a busy night! I’ll stay around for a little while, just to make sure everything runs smoothly.

19:00

Get to the street and chase a taxi. If 40,000 taxis are not enough for Shanghai, good luck for the World Expo! Finally I get one! I show my cell phone to the taxi driver to let him know where I’m going.

19:40

Arrive at the studio where I teach Zumba class in Hongqiao’s Green Villas. Set up the sound system, get my music ready and stretch for a little bit before the class.

20:00

Ditch the workout, join the party! Time for Zumba!!!

21:00

Wow! I love it when you’ve just finished a great hour dancing and working out your body. All of us are completely wet! Now a quick shower then back to Pinnacle Peak.

21:50

Arrive for the salsa party! Some dancers are already on the dance floor! Wow! Looks like it’s going to be a fun night! I love Friday nights.

22:30

I socialize with a couple customers and dance a few songs with some of our regular dancers. At this time I feel a little tired–it’s been a long day!

00:25

Unfortunately I cannot stay! I have to get up early tomorrow to teach another Zumba class in Jinqiao!

01:00

I take a warm shower at home, the last one of the day. Time to get some rest. The tragedies of the winter still present among us, making us realize how wonderful spring and summer time are ...

What We Think

Whoa, this man is a bouncing ball of energy. Last time we saw this many exclamation points on the page was when we featured a life coach. How do we get in on that? A bit of dancing, a bit of philosophy and some healthy eating? We’ll start with ironing our shirts. Tell Leo what you think of his day