Zumba

Zumba Class: Zumba is a Latin inspired dance/fitness program. The word Zumba is derived from a Columbian word meaning to move fast and have fun. Combining steps like Salsa, Cha-cha, Meringue a high energy fusion of Latin and International music, Zumba is a unique and effective program that everyone can do.

Dim lights Embed Embed this video on your site

Zumba is the name of a dance fitness program created by dancer and choreographer Beto in Colombia during the 1990s. Zumba was marketed by entrepreneur Alberto Perlman^[1], who made the concept popular through dance classes as well as branded merchandise.^[2] The program combines Latin and international music with dance in an effort to make exercise fun. Zumba classes are offered through licensed instructors in more than 90,000 fitness center locations in 110 countries with ten million participants.^[3] DVDs are also available for learning at home. Classes and instructional DVDs use music based on salsa, merengue, cumbia, reggaeton, samba and other international music styles and forms.

The Zumba program is recognized by the America's leading fitness educators, including the Aerobic Fitness Association of America, IDEA Health and Fitness Association, and the American Council on Exercise.^[4]

History

Beto previously attended the Maria Sanford Brazilian Dance Academy. There he became an instructor and choreographed dance routines for popular performers including Shakira.^[5]

Beto invented the class in the 1990s and in 1999 specifically designed for women, after visiting Miami four times, he was given his first opportunity to teach fitness based on Latin dance music, a method he had developed in Colombia when he had forgotten his music and had to use a tape of recorded Latin music with the class he was teaching.^[6]

The class gained popularity and in 2001, Beto joined Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion to create and exploit the Zumba trade name and form the company Zumba Fitness LLC that today offers the Zumba-branded programs globally.^[7] Zumba Fitness is headquartered in Hollywood, Florida.

The workout

Music is the key ingredient to Zumba classes.^{[citation needed]} The score, created with specific beats and tempo changes, transitions the workout from one toning, strengthening or cardio move to another, and targets every major muscle group in the body. The Zumba program borrows Latin flavor from the following dance styles: Cumbia, salsa, merengue, mambo, flamenco, cha-cha-cha, Reggaeton, samba, belly dancing, Bhangra, hip-hop, and tango.^{[citation needed]}

Classes and instructors

Instructional classes are offered at health clubs, gyms, country clubs, senior citizen centers and community centers worldwide by professionally trained Zumba instructors. The Educational Division of Zumba Fitness has licensed thousands of instructors who work in over 90,000 locations worldwide. To become licensed, instructors must participate in a basic skills instructor workshop, and then have the option to become trained in specialized areas. The following provides an overview of the types of Zumba classes:

• Zumba—The traditional Zumba class including basic rhythms like merengue, foxtrot, salsa, cumbia, reggaeton, belly dance, waltz, tango, samba.
• Zumba Gold—This workout is designed for adults and de-conditioned participants. It addresses the anatomical, physiological and psychological needs specific to these populations.^[8]
• ZUMBA Toning—This class blends body-sculpting techniques and specific Zumba moves into one class focusing on calorie-burning and strength-training. Instructors use weighted, maraca-like Zumba Toning Sticks to enhance rhythm and build strength.
• Aqua Zumba—This workshop is an all ages class similar to water aerobics. It is designed to be safe, yet effective and challenging, integrating the Zumba formula and philosophy into traditional aqua fitness disciplines.^[9]
• Zumbatomic—In September 2009, Zumba Fitness launched Zumbatomic, the first Zumba program for children. The original workout program is designed specifically for girls and boys ages 4–12 and incorporates urban dance styles like hip hop, reggaeton and pop with fundamental concepts such as coordination, discipline, confidence and teamwork.^[10]

References