I had a really good time the other day, and I believe I may have found my happy feet. I’m pretty sure that all of you are way ahead of me on this particular curve, but what the heck. One or two of you may be back here with me, and we can catch up together. You know what Judith Wonacott and Shawn Berrera-Leaf are doing?
I will tell you. They are leading leventy-eight other women, a spaniel and a terrier through some cool Zumba moves. They called it a Zumba Party in the Park, and that’s exactly what it was. It was way too much fun to be an exercise class.
As you can see, there were a lot of those splendid young women who run miles every morning and never eat cookies. However, there were also women of a certain age who were having a heckuva good time, not worrying in the least about where their hair was flying and feeling no guilt over their last cookie. And the music was excellent. A sassy Latin beat. With attitude.
Can you bounce around like that for a whole hour without passing out? I can’t–not yet, anyway–but I’m thinking it might be good to give it a try. I love to dance. I have been known to dance on the deck in my YakTrax. This looks better.
I did not dance on Thursday. Miss Sadie and the Cowboy were with me and I have learned the hard way not to dance with them when they are on leash. Still, I found myself bouncing along in time to the beat. You suspected as much, right?
Next time I’m leaving the Duo at home and I am dancing. Dare you to come too. For more about it:
- Zumba all over the world—who knew? (OK, you knew. I did not know. I’ll bet somebody writes in that they do Zumba on the Wii at the Senior Center.)
- Zumba in Elk Rapids at bodywise
Torch Lake Views 
Sybil
August 6, 2011
They introduced Zumba classes at my “Curves” … I was born with two left feet, which makes it very hard to find shoes AND dance.
Good for you
You go girl !
Gerry
August 6, 2011
I believe I have two feet with identity issues, but somehow we manage to navigate. I am going to give this thing a try. Dancing used to be a great joy.
uphilldowndale
August 7, 2011
I’ve a friend who has discovered zumba, she is buzzing for days after her class, I’ve got it on my give it a go list for the autumn term, I love to dance (a little too enthusiastically for some of my families taste!) but I think I’d prefer my class away from public gaze though, the village hall maybe.
Gerry
August 7, 2011
I was astonished that everyone came out to the party on the beach and just went for it. I felt like cheering. There was something about the whole thing that called forth joy and left embarrassment behind in the dust. Cool! Having said that, I would like to be able to wear a full length robe while dancing–but I hope to get over that. 🙂
kiwidutch
August 7, 2011
Ok, my excuse comes in the form of crutches but you had my 100% attention on this one for later as it looks like FUN!!!!
I am dire need of my fitness routine (actually ANY fitness routine) after 8 months not being able to walk. , since the very earliest I can expect to be on my feet again is Christmas, I’m going to ask my physio if there is ANY possibility that it can be part of my physical recovery programme.
Through you, I am delighted to discover that Zumba is available on the wii (I’m currently saving for the whole wii system and a new TV as part of my 101 tasks) so lets see if it works out… This looks very much like the sort of exersise I could start small with and build up.
You have given me a new goal.. Thanks!!!
Gerry
August 7, 2011
I think you should watch a demonstration somewhere and just incorporate the hand and arm movements, bouncing along to the beat while seated. I have no idea whether it would be beneficial in the sense of exercise, but it would be fun.
P.j. grath
August 7, 2011
I’m wondering if it’s possible to do zumba with one’s feet in the lake. My feet want to be in cold water and squidging in wet sand. Dancing in a breeze would be good, too, though. Was there a breeze?
Gerry
August 7, 2011
I don’t see why not. Miss Sadie, the Cowboy and I go wade-dancing on a regular basis and we don’t fall down all that much. There was a bit of a breeze Thursday morning, and there were shady patches where people could dance. It was a very nice morning in every way. Still, very warm work. Judith and Shawn kept up that pace for a full hour in the sun and they were definitely damp. I would have faded away after about ten minutes. But I am determined to start slowly and achieve a Big Finish.
Karma
August 8, 2011
Go for it Gerry! I took a Zumba class last summer and loved it. I would do it again if I have the opportunity.
Gerry
August 8, 2011
I will indeed. I’m curious – clearly it would be more fun to dance with a congenial bunch of lunatics, but don’t you ever feel the urge just to put on some music and dance around the living room? OK, maybe that’s just me. And the Cowboy and Miss Sadie, of course.
La Mirada Bob
August 8, 2011
“just to put on some music and dance around the living room”
Your Mom did that very thing, oh so many years ago.
Gerry
August 8, 2011
I have noticed certain similarities between my particular self and Mom. Yes indeed.
Karma
August 9, 2011
Of course Gerry! Teddy likes to join in, but Daphne prefers to sit on the couch and act sophisticated.
Reggie
August 10, 2011
I’ve never heard of Zumba before, Gerry, so I’ll be happily joining you at the back of the class, with the other beginners. It sounds like a quite marvellous way of working off all the calories (and guilt) from having that second chocolate mousse in the fridge all by myself – *before* lunch. They don’t appear to have it down here at the southernmost tip of Africa, but perhaps I can find some YouTube videos?
Gerry
August 10, 2011
I am positive that someone somewhere has made all kinds of Zumba videos–a handy thing for those days when the snowpiles reach the windows and a little Latin music warms the spirit.
I have this image of you huddled inside the refrigerator with the mousse.
Reggie
August 12, 2011
You would, Gerry! LOL!
Nope, it was the mousse that was huddled inside the fridge, trying to hide away behind a grapefruit and a bunch of carrots – pretty clear message that!
I reached in, shoved aside the vitamin-full stuff, and grabbed it by the scruff of the neck… and then sat outside under the tree, savouring every single chocolatey mouthful. Sigh…. I wish I had another one…
Zumba Away, Gerry! 😉
Giiid
August 11, 2011
How festive, Zumba on the beach, it looks inviting. In Denmark Zumba has been the new way to exercise about one year, I think. I haven’t tried it yet. I probably would if it was on that beach, in that weather, knowing that we could share a good cake and coffee afterwards.
Gerry
August 11, 2011
You are an exerciser after my own heart. Beach dancing is definitely fun–Miss Sadie will attest to that. Dunno about beach dancing in the winter, though, even in my YakTrax.