Zumba

What is Zumba?

It's a party! Zumba (pronounced ZOOM-buh), which is Colombian slang for "fast." It emulates being in a nightclub without the drinking, smoking, and the bad pickup lines.

Zumba is a Latin- inspired, dance-fitness class that uses Latin and International music and dance movements.

Zumba incorporates footwork and body movements from the flamenco, salsa, merengue, cumbia, and other dances. You pump your legs, move your arms, gyrate your hips, clap your hands, dip, slide and spin — all to a frenzied beat that leaves you with flushed cheeks and dripping in sweat.

I along with 49 other men and women from all over AZ and 4 additional states participated in the 10 hour, 1 day training program to become a certified Zumba instructor. The training wasn't nearly as intimidating as I expected. When I received an email stating I needed to bring 2 changes of clothing and at least 2 gallons of water I became a little nervous. It was a long, tiring day but it turned out to be a lot of fun. I LOVE Zumba. If you haven't tried a class yet go to Zumba.com and find a class near you. I can now "officially" teach Zumba anywhere. Whatever that really means. Next year they will be starting a Kids Zumba program. I can't wait for that certification class. I miss teaching kids dance lessons and this will give me the motivation and desire to get started again.