Zumba dancing 💃🏻🏋️🎵
Zumba is a mixture of a dance style and a fitness workout. The dance originated in Colombia in the 90s, when the fitness trainer Alberto “Beto” Perez played Latin American music for the first time during an aerobics class. Zumba dancing is a mixture of aerobics and several Latin American dances. In the meantime, it has become a big hype.
History of origin
In fact, Zumba dancing only came into being by chance. In the 90s, the Colombian fitness trainer Alberto “Beto” Perez forgot a cassette with the music he usually played during his aerobics classes. He then helped himself to the other cassettes he had with him. It was mainly Latin American music, such as Salsa music. He then had his aerobics class performed to this unusual music, which he and his participants liked.
The name Zumba comes from Colombian, where it means something like “having fun” or “moving fast”. Perez subsequently even patented the word and the newly acquired dance and has been very successful with it.
Worldwide Spread
According to Perez, there are now about 15 million dancers all over the world who do Zumba regularly. There are trained Zumba teachers at over 200,000 locations in 180 countries. Zumba has also long since arrived in Germany, so that there are suitable courses in all major cities.
Music
Dance styles
In Zumba, the different dance styles tend to be called programmes, as they are different types of courses. The differences are mainly in the age group and intensity. Overall, however, it can be said that there is something for everyone in Zumba and you should not be put off by the effort.
Zumba Basic
The basic version of Zumba dancing is perfect for getting started with this dance workout. There are only a few basic steps that are not complicated at first, but prepare you for the more advanced programmes. In addition, you get to know the feeling for the beat and the spirit of Zumba.
Zumba Step
Zumba Step combines normal Zumba with step aerobics. For this, a so-called step board is added so that dancers repeatedly take steps on the step. This mainly trains coordination and the muscles. However, this makes Zumba Step much more intensive than, for example, Zumba Basic.
Zumba Gold
In contrast, Zumba Gold is not quite as intensive. It is mainly aimed at beginners or older dancers who want to do a Zumba workout. The movements are a little slower and the effort is much less. Nevertheless, the classical Zumba music creates a great atmosphere, so that this form of Zumba is by no means boring.
Zumba Sentao
Zumba Sentao is a variation of Zumba that is danced on and with chairs. This might make you think that it is not too intense either, because you sit a lot. However, this is not the case, as the chair is rather used as a dance partner or step board. This makes Zumba Sentao a very varied form of workout that everyone can do, since you always have a chair at home.
Zumba Kids
Not surprisingly, Zumba Kids is aimed at children. They get the opportunity to move to music and practice choreos. This is not only good for the children’s health but also increases their concentration. In addition, they learn to work together with other children and have fun.
Zumba Circuit
One of the most intensive forms of Zuma is Zumba in the Circuit (or Zumba Circuit for short). This form of fitness training combines Zumba with interval and circuit training. This strengthens the muscles and general fitness. However, Zumba Circuit requires sports equipment, so it can be done mainly in gyms or dance schools.
Aqua Zumba
Aqua Zumba is also self-explanatory. It is Zumba that is danced in water about the height of the chest. The intensity can be varied at will, so it can be a welcome change for all Zumba dancers. Aqua Zumba is offered with optional equipment, such as floating noodles or weights, so that certain areas of the body can be worked more or less.
Other programmes
The hype around Zumba dancing is growing and more and more variations of this dance workout are being created. We cannot list all these programmes here. However, the other programmes differ mainly in the target group, the intensity, the music and the aids used for training.
Description of Zumba dancing
As already mentioned in several places, Zumba is not a classical dance, but rather a fitness programm. As a workout, it combines many dance and musical elements of Latin American dance. In addition to stamina training, fun is the main focus, resulting in fun and motivating group workouts. Zumba is usually danced in a group in dance schools or fitness studios, where choreographies are rehearsed to a certain song.
The dancers are spread out in a room and form a formation. Depending on which Zumba programme is being danced, the participants then move around the room.
Basic Steps
The basic steps of Zumba consist of walking on the spot and swinging the hips to the right and to the left in circular movements. The arms can either swing along or be stretched out to the side with the elbows alternately bent towards the chest. This basic step is now combined with various step sequences or movements, whereby it is important that one does not get out of time and always moves rhythmically to the music.
Further Steps
In addition to the basic steps, Zumba consists mainly of lunges in all directions, stretching the arms in the air and shifting the body weight to one side. This is also always done on the spot, as you should never stop moving in Zumba. Especially at the beginning, Zumba probably doesn’t look as loose and light-footed as it does in videos, but as with other dances, practice makes perfect.
Figures
Zumba can be expanded at will for advanced dancers, adding more and more complex movements and step sequences. However, there are no classical figures in this sense.
Worth mentioning about Zumba dancing
Zumba dancing has been proven to be not only good for physical fitness, but also good for the psyche. Zumba, like other dances, releases endorphins. This helps fight stress, anxiety and even depression. So Zumba really is a dance workout for the whole body.
What do you train with zumba?
Zumba is above all a good workout for physical endurance and basic fitness. It also trains coordination and some muscle groups efficiently.
What is the best way to learn zumba?
The best way to learn Zumba is to take a dance class, just like any other dance. Practical training in a dance school is much more beneficial for dancers than learning it alone at home.
Where does zumba come from?
Zumba originally comes from Colombia. It was developed and spread there by the fitness trainer Alberto “Beto” Perez.
Can you really lose weight with zumba?
Yes, you can really lose weight with Zumba. It is a good endurance workout that burns a lot of calories and can help you lose weight in the long run.
Is zumba a dance style?
Zumba is not a classical dance style, such as salsa or waltz, but it is still a dance. It is a fitness workout in which you dance and train your stamina.
How often should i do zumba per week?
You can do Zumba as often as you like. However, you should make sure that you do not overstrain your body, as the dance can easily be considered a sport.
Find a zumba class near you and become part of the Danceflavors family!