Keeping In Shape Through Zumba

Imagine arriving at a fitness facility where you are about to teach an aerobics class, only to find that you have forgotten all the dance music. That's exactly what happened to Beto Perez, founder of ZUMBA® Beto's only alternative was to use the tapes he kept in his back pack which consisted of his favorite music; traditional Latin, Salsa and Merengue. Instructing his students to let the music move them in the way they felt appropriate, the first ZUMBA® class was born.

It didn't take long for it to become popular at the fitness facility in Columbia, and in 1999 Beto brought it to the United States and began teaching classes in Miami. Shortly afterwards, he was approached by Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion to create a global company that would be based on ZUMBA® Fitness philosophy. In 2007 the program was launched at an international level, and currently offers trained instructors in 110 countries.

So what is ZUMBA® ? "The ZUMBA® program is a fitness-party with a contagious blend of Latin and international rhythms that provides a fun and effective workout to a global community, either at home or in the gym." according to ZUMBA® Fitness, LLC. The program borrows Latin moves from dance styles such as Cumbia, Salsa, Merengue, Mambo, Flamenco, Chachacha, Reggaeton, Samba, Belly Dancing, Bhangra, Hip-Hop, Axe, and Tango.

Still can't visualize what a class might be like? Those of us who already know the line dance Cumbia Semana, a creation of dance Choreographer Ira Weisburd; and recent hit in many of the ZUMBA® classes are already dancing some of the steps. It seems that shortly after a Florida ZUMBA® instructor contacted Ira describing the dance as the perfect routine for her class, other instructors began to inquire about it as well. "I have received dozens of requests from ZUMBA® instructors around the world. Yesterday alone, I received 30 e-mails from ZUMBA® instructors requesting this dance for their classes. Each one said that Cumbia Semana is becoming the standard Cumbia routine played at ZUMBA® classes," Ira said.

Literally tens of thousands of instructors world wide offer instruction in this program. But you don't have to leave your home to participate. For only $89.95, a fraction of what you might spend attending regular classes; you can order the program on DVD. Exhilarate, a seven disc DVD collection; offers routines set to international rhythms that you can practice on your own time...anywhere you choose. Other volumes prior to this one have already sold more than seven million copies. It's a small price to pay for the health benefits, and is an excellent ways to stay in shape for Ballroom Competition.

About the Author:
Melva Gail Smith is a disabled dance enthusiast from Louisville, KY who enjoys promoting the health and social benefits of both dancesport and linedancesport through her writings. Melva has written for USA Dance, as well as various online magazines; and is the inspiration of dance choeographer Ira Weisburd's Breathe Freely Campaign for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness.

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