The pulsating sounds of Latin rhythms beat against the background of hiphop moves as exhilarating tempos energize, invigorate and electrify. Hips sway. Sweat pours. The sensation begins. And that’s just the warmup. Over the course of 60 minutes, in united synchrony, this Zumba class is thrilling, assembled in various shades, colors and ages, but unified by one force: instructor, April Dixon.
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After class at one of her four South suburban Chicago locations, Dixon reveals the secret behind the international obsession with Zumba. “You don’t really feel like you’re working out. You’re just dancing and having fun. That’s what I love about it and that’s what my students say THEY love about it.”
Those students, who excitedly exclaim they’ve been ‘Aprylized’ after her class, are part of the 15 million people, in 180 countries, taking (some say addicted to) Zumba.
“I went from one day per week, to five days per week, and from 190 lbs. to 165 lbs.,” says Traci Rozier, a student in Dixon’s class. A former dancer, Rozier tried Zumba as a way to overcome certain health challenges. “I had to make some lifestyle changes. Zumba allowed me to do that and so much more.”
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Besides losing weight, Zumba can help lower your risk of heart disease, reduce your blood pressure, reduce your bad cholesterol and boost your good cholesterol. Created by Colombian dancer and choreographer, Alberto “Beto” Perez, Zumba creatively combines aerobic movements, including squats and lunges, with hiphop, soca, samba, salsa, merengue and mambo dance all set to pulse pounding, high energy music.
Mary Pelletier, mother of two toddlers, is thrilled with the results of Zumba. “I’ve noticed a difference in my core area and definitely my legs,” she says. “It’s an hour long so I feel the intensity throughout the workout. It definitely gets you going.”
Men are also reaping the undeniable benefits of the Zumba life, proving that there is plenty of room on the dance floor. For Anthony Mace, the instructor’s role is integral to a student’s overall enjoyment. “This Zumba instructor is awesome. I’ve taken a number of Zumba classes before and this, by far, is one of the best,” he says of Dixon’s class. “She brings it. She brings a variety of exercise experiences, a variety of music, and it’s extremely motivational.”
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For April’s students, and classes across the country, the Zumba bond continues long after class is over. “We’ve sort of formed a family,” Rozier shares. “We have different goals but we’re motivated in the same way. And the focal point for that motivation is April.”
Indeed, the Zumba instructor becomes much more than a teacher, but rather, a conduit for wholeness and the relationships that support that continuing journey. “A lot of my students tell me that I motivate them and that I’ve changed their lives,” Dixon says. “I really had no idea that I would be doing that, but it makes me feel really good because it’s changed my life, too.”
For those who may be skeptical about trying Zumba for the first time, Rozier advises them not to worry. “Come and view the class. Eventually, you’ll meet your goals.” Dixon adds, “You don’t have to have a dance background. You just have to have a passion for dance. Zumba will do the rest.”
Get a peak at April’s class here:
Zumba for Life from nikittafostonreports.com on Vimeo.
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