Published: September 15, 2007 10:33 pm         

Dance off stress with Zumba

People who are stressed from too many responsibilities and activities should come to the YMCA Zumba dance party Wednesday.

The free salsa aerobics party features basic Zumba moves, snacks, refreshments and babysitting from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m.

After the kick-off party, the class will be offered each Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. and on Saturdays at noon. The class usually lasts an hour. Babysitting is always offered during Zumba classes.

Zumba is a mix of Latin dancing, belly dancing, hip-hop, salsa and merengue, said Brenda Tate, a certified Zumba instructor in the Stillwater Family YMCA. People shouldn’t be intimidated by the class, though, she said.

“It doesn’t matter if you’ve never taken a dance class or just stepped off Broadway – anyone can do Zumba,” Tate said.

Though now an instructor, Tate speaks from personal experience.

“When I first started, I couldn’t do a move to save my life,” she said.

However, once Tate settled into the rhythm of the music, she started making healthier choices.

“I started eating better and working out more,” Tate said. “It just all took off from there.”

Zumba is a high energy, fat-burning series of dance moves to a variety of music, including Latin music and hip-hop.

The moves focus on toning the body’s core – abdominals, hips, waist and back. Zumba trims waistlines through hip and core movements, Tate said.

Many students come to remove stress through the cardio exercise, said Melanie Boileau, a certified Zumba instructor at the Stillwater Family YMCA.

“They don’t think about what’s going on in their lives. They’re just having fun,” she said. “It’s kind of a party atmosphere.”

Also, since Zumba works with a variety of music, the class often changes songs and genres to refresh the moves, Boileau said.

“It’s easy to keep doing, compared to other work-outs,” she said.

Tate advises students to wear comfortable, slightly form-fitting clothes to get a better feel for the dance.

“When you’re doing a little bit of belly-dancing you can see those muscles move,” she said.

Also, wearing shoes with a little traction throughout the class is vital, Tate said. Old tennis shoes or sneakers help dancers turn about, but remain balanced, she said.

Zumba’s dancing movements keep some participants like Melissa Whiteland, a YMCA staff member and participant, coming back. She said she’s always enjoyed dancing, and the class doesn’t feel like a typical aerobics class.

“You don’t think about the fact that you’re working out because you’re having fun,” she said.

Throughout the year, classes are $4 per session and free for YMCA members. For more information about Zumba, call 372-5833 or drop by the YMCA at 204 S. Duck Street.

     

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