Zumba de Mayo

Wednesday, 25 May 2011 11:45

The official Zumba website boldly states: "Ditch the Workout/Join the Party" and after my experience, I have to say that I am tempted. Created in the early 90s by Colombian choreographer and dance instructor Beto Perez, Zumba was introduced to the United States in 2001 and has since grown exponentially. About 10 million people participate each week in Zumba classes and it is featured in more than 90,000 fitness centers, private studios and community centers. Don’t think you’re a Latin dance natural? Read on for why you just might want to join the party. —Tony Federico

My Zumba experience started early Saturday morning, and after arriving late in town I was having a hard time getting motivated. I dragged myself to a 10 a.m. class and found myself searching for a parking spot at Natasha Lee's 23rd Avenue location. After taking a deep breath, I stepped out of my car and began laboriously walking towards the door.

The room was packed. A diverse crowd of about 20 women and one courageous (or very smart) man was waiting for Natasha, a lean, athletically built mother of four who is a lifelong Gainesville resident.

We wasted no time getting started with a warm-up to the "Cuban Shuffle." I felt myself starting to crack a smile as we all moved, shook and stepped in rhythm.

The next thing I knew, I was in the middle of a Zumba rendition of "Jai Ho!" and my Zumba awakening was official. For the next hour, we took a syncopated journey through the music of the Cha Cha, Salsa, Funk, Hip Hop and Dance Natasha's energy never ebbed and she moved through the class like a force of nature. The class participants were no slouches either; they followed Natasha's movements with coordination and confidence. 

Although I am an avid exerciser, I was sweating profusely and definitely "feeling the burn." At one point, we were led through a Zumba Toning sequence that had everybody in the class squatting and jumping to the song, “Apple Bottom Jeans.” The sign outside of the studio advertised, "Burn 1,000 Calories In One Hour!" and I think that I must have come close.

After an R&B cool-down and a rhythmic stretch sequence, the class closed with a theatrical bow and my Zumba experience was complete. I had "joined the party" and felt the energy, excitement and empowerment of Zumba.

The Zumba craze is fueled by participants who don't look like your average gym-goer. An exhilarating hour of Zumba feels nothing like "working out" and its party atmosphere fosters a sense of family and fun that is unique and powerful.

If you are ready to join the Zumba Party, there are a number of classes each week throughout Gainesville. Natasha's studio (714 NW 23rd Avenue) hosts classes four days a week. The first class is free and additional classes are $8. A 10-class pass is $60. See zumbawithnatasha.com. Members of Gainesville Health & Fitness can take Zumba at all three Gainesville locations, included in the membership. See www.ghfc.com/zumba. There are multiple weekly classes held throughout Gainesville, and many are free. Go to www.zumbagainesville.com for more. University of Florida students and staff can also enjoy multiple weekly Zumba classes, depending on the school schedule. See recsports.ufl.edu for updates. Head to www.zumba.com/parties/search to search for more classes in the area.

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