Brief History of Zumba®

Zumba® is the dance fitness craze that is redefining workouts. Who knew that you could burn a ton of calories, achieve toning and weight loss, and improve your overall health by doing basic Latin movements with fitness variations? Beto Perez. You may have already heard his story but it's worth repeating. In short, Beto was an aerobic instructor that once forgot his music for class. As an alternative, he improvised with his own personal tapes of Latin music. His students loved it and eventually Zumba® was created.

2011 Zumba Instructor Convention
Orlando, Fl
(On the far left, my roommate Shannon and me)

Seems like every generation identifies with the music genre of their youth. (Yes, I will forever be a child of the 80s and a huge fan of big-haired bands). Whereas, Beto grew up in Cali, Columbia listening music like cumbia and salsa. What I love about Latin music is that although the artists change over the years, the rhythms are timeless.

Zumba® introduces a world rich with international sounds and dances without the stress of counting out steps and or need for prior experience or training. Beto's passion for his culture and love of music in combination with exercise has transformed the fitness world. Zumba® is program for everyone. My class will tell you, as long as you're moving, it is the right step.