Key Takeaways
- Zumba is a dance-based exercise program that combines upbeat movement with a range of workout intensity to target various parts of the body.
- The program focuses on having fun while building stamina, flexibility, and strength.
- Zumba classes are accessible to anyone, regardless of dance background or ability.
- The classes are a great way to de-stress, meet new people, and experience different cultures.
- The UREC at LSU offers Zumba classes, as well as other GroupX classes, for students to try out.
Introduction to Zumba
Recently, I had the opportunity to try out a Zumba class at the LSU UREC, and it was an incredible experience. As someone who had left dancing behind after high school, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed letting loose and moving to the beat of the music. Zumba is a dance-based exercise program that features upbeat movement and a range of workout intensity, targeting many parts of the body, from arms to core. The program focuses on having fun while building stamina, allowing participants to feel more flexible, strong, and energetic in the long run.
The Class Experience
The Zumba class I attended was led by Camille Kattan, a sophomore mass communication major with a concentration in journalism. Kattan started her journey with the UREC early on, attending Zumba and Turn Up Dance classes with GroupX during her first year of college. As the class began, I felt nervous, having never been in a dance class that focused on having fun rather than perfection. However, as the class progressed, I found myself focusing less on what I looked like and more on feeling the movements and working out. Kattan kept the class feeling upbeat, calling out words of encouragement throughout different segments and ensuring everyone understood what her hand signals meant.
The Instructor’s Passion
Kattan’s passion for teaching dance was evident throughout the class. She explained that she has always liked teaching dance, and that in high school, she was the cheerleading captain and would teach other students dance routines. Kattan’s goal is to make the class accessible to everyone, regardless of dance background or ability. She believes that Zumba is for anyone and that any type of dance fitness is for anyone. Kattan’s energy and enthusiasm were incredibly comforting, and I knew that even if I found the class to be difficult, I would still have a great time filled with fun and good vibes.
The Benefits of Zumba
The attendees of the class seemed to enjoy the dancing as much as I did. There were moments where everyone was laughing, and others where we were all focused on keeping up with the beat. Maria Jose Andino, a sophomore environmental engineering major, is a frequent attendee of Zumba classes and encourages others to attend. She explained that the classes help her de-stress and forget about her daily worries. Andino also appreciated the cultural aspect of the class, as Kattan shared her Honduran heritage through her song choices. The songs we danced to were Hispanic or Latin, bringing a culture unfamiliar to me into my day.
Cultural Immersion
I often found myself experiencing immersion, losing myself in the music. Not understanding the lyrics actually enhanced my experience, as I felt myself leaning into the beat more for guidance. Andino explained that every single move in the class is made with the purpose of following the music’s beat, and that the class starts slow, builds up to high intensity, and then cools down, making it accessible to everyone. This experience was not only a wonderful opportunity to experience parts of a culture unfamiliar to me, but it was also a great reminder of the diverse community found at LSU.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The class was incredibly fun and fulfilling, but lacked participants. I believe that this experience felt worthy of a class full of people. It’s a great way to let loose and stop caring about what others think of you. If dancing isn’t your thing, Kattan recommends trying out any of the GroupX classes at the UREC for a similar experience. I highly recommend trying out the Zumba classes at the UREC, as Kattan is a wonderful instructor who is great at motivating you to feel the music and dance your heart out. You can attend a Zumba class on Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m., or on Friday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. If you are looking to attend a different GroupX class, you can find the schedule on the UREC website.
