Zumba has a lot going for it. It’s humble beginnings began in the 90s as an alternative exercise class. Zumba incorporates mostly Latin dance styles into a workout routine. It has skyrocketed to craze status for good reason. My first experience with Zumba was with a group of people that I was traveling the world with on Semester at Sea. We danced while on a ship that was continuously listing from side to side. If everyone from the 5 year-old traveler to the 70 year-old professor did it while taking malaria pills and fighting off see-sickness, well, you see where I’m going with this…I’m jealous of the children who dance in the kitchen with their eyes closed simply because they haven’t yet digested that there is any noise that isn’t music. I’ll start the abbreviated version of benefits but I’d love to hear your excuse for loving it too.
Shake Your Groove Thang: Physical Benefits
Dancing has great fitness benefits. Zumba classes encourage you to move constantly. Can’t shake your hips like the Zumba god up front? Doesn’t matter just move. You’ll burn calories, amp up your aerobic fitness without pounding on your joints, and increase your flexibility and coordination.
Never trust a spiritual leader who cannot dance. ~Mr. Miyagi: Emotional Benefits
Before you tell me you don’t want to dance in public, take the class. Did you pay attention to anyone else? Didn’t think so – you were too busy making sure you were twirling to the right instead of the left and high-kicking on the beat. You can’t master the samba if you are focusing on what your neighbor is doing. That being said, it feels amazing to be able to laugh at yourself. Smile, it doesn’t hurt.
There is a bit of insanity in dancing that does everybody a great deal of good. ~Edwin Denby: Social Benefits
Dancing is a release. Release anxiety, dance like no one is watching. And when the music ends, realize that every other person in the room just did the same thing. I won’t lie, the majority of class takers are female (personal observation, not statistical fact). So women – make some new friends. Guys – it is more likely that you will find someone open to chatting through class here than in hot meditation down the hall.
Dancing: the vertical expression of a horizontal desire legalized by music. ~George Bernard Shaw: Mental Health
There is a reason latin dances are called dances of love. Learn to move, learn to love that movement and learn to believe that movement is sexy. Learn the dance: education is a boost. Let dance change your body: fitness is a boost. Let it make you happy.
Those who dance are considered insane by those who cannot hear the music – George Carlin
I had a pair of tap shoes growing up. I’m sure my dad mildly wished they’d disappear but I’d dance my heart out in the hallway, where the noise on the tile made the best echo…
Close your eyes and dance. Salsa your way back to your 4-year-old-sense-of-self.
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