Doug Reilly
Sports Editor
Have you ever taken a casual stroll past the New Balance store in town or have been working out at the YMCA and been rudely interrupted by the screams of Shakira and pounding bass of Pitbull? You’re either hearing things or right around the corner from a Zumba class.
Zumba is a dance fitness program created in Colombia in the 1990s by a dancer and choreographer named Alberto “Beto” Perez. Zumba uses latin dance moves and music in an effort to make working out more fun and less of a chore. Consequently, it has become one of the most popular forms of exercise in our town, especially in our high school.
“Zumba is so enjoyable because it is something you can do with friends, have fun, and get a work out at the same time,” senior Caroline Falcone said. “It has gotten so popular because a few people have enjoyed it and convinced others to try it, and it has caught on.”
Athletes and coaches have begun to take notice of the growing popularity of Zumba in New Canaan, and believe that the dancing helps boost coordination and footwork, in the same way that ballet helps athletes. “Our field hockey coach believes in the benefits of Zumba so much that she has held Zumba-specific practices for us,” senior field hockey player Marissa Van Der Voort said.
Both Caroline and Marissa agree that their instructor deserves a lot of credit for the success and prevalence of Zumba in New Canaan. “My favorite part has to be the instructor, Eddie Calle. He makes the class so much more enjoyable and really wants the whole class to take as much away from the class as they can,” [she?] said.
Eddie Calle, 33, is a former heavyweight Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter. “I took a shot to the head and my trainer had be get into Zumba to cut calories and become a lighter weight,” Eddie said. “I started taking the class and people started saying “Hey, you should teach you’d be great” and that was that. I’ve been an instructor for four and a half months.”
Another reason for Zumba’s popularity is the low-stress level involved. “Zumba is so much better than any other aerobics class because anyone can do it,” Marissa said. “I’ve been in classes ranging from nine year olds to women in their 60s. It doesn’t cause much strain and isn’t that hard of a work out.”
“It’s crazy to see how popular Zumba has gotten around here. I’ve seen a hundred girls line up to get into one class; they love it that much. It’s absolutely crazy,” Eddie said.
Classes are held throughout Connecticut and Fairfield County. In New Canaan, there are classes all over town, mainly at the New Balance store on Wednesday nights and at the YMCA five days a week.
If you’re interested in getting in shape, but tired of the generic, boring treadmills, elliptical machines, and stationary bikes, Zumba might be right for you. “I would say Zumba is better than other exercise methods because it is so upbeat and exciting,” Caroline said. “You don’t realize you are working out because you are having so much fun.”
