Dancing up a storm

GETTING THE BLOOD PUMPING: Not only is Zumba great exercise, it is fun for everyone involved. More than 15 million people take part in the Latin dance-inspired classes across the globe, including some Gisborne locals (below right). The Mangapapa Zumba team are, from left, Jacqui Ata, Elena Serena, Nikita Brown and Greg Spooner. Picture by Avneesh Vincent

Want to know the best way to get fit and have fun? Zumba.

Zumba is a fitness style that involves cardio and Latin dance.

It was founded by Colombian dancer and choreographer Beto Pérez in 2001, and now, more than two decades later, Zumba is practised in 180 countries, with over 15 million weekly participants.

Some of those 15 million are right here in Gisborne.

Fitness instructor and Mangapapa Zumba co-organiser Elena Serena said the style could be likened to a modern version of aerobics.

“It's a good fat-burning cardio workout. It's exercise but in a fun way.”

Flexible dance routines are what makes Zumba stand out from other dance styles, Ms Serena said.

With several instructors at Mangapapa Zumba, each class is different and can be adjusted based on how people feel on any particular day.

“For example, we might conduct a lower-impact class on hot days,” Ms Serena said.

“I'm not going to run a workout that makes people too tired, because then you lose the fun element.”

Ms Serena runs the classes with Greg Spooner, Kelly Ennis, Nikita Brown and Jacqui Ata.

Scores of locals have taken up the Zumba way — including children and a few 70 year olds — since the group started almost 11 years ago.

“Back then we held the classes in Wainui, but about five years ago we shifted our sessions to the Mangapapa School hall,” Ms Serena said.

Growing up in Italy, she was a teenager when she developed an interest in dancing and got involved in the fitness scene in her early 20s.

After coming to New Zealand in 2011, the mother of two decided to get her Zumba instructor licence.

“Zumba came up as a result of my love of dancing. It brings joy to me and so many others.”

People who sign up for the dance classes are no strangers to the philosophy of learning by seeing.

“Research has shown that people learn quicker by looking rather than hearing. And since the dance style has a repetitive pattern both in format and musical beats, the brain doesn't take long to join the dots and mirror the steps taken,” Ms Serena said.

All the instructors want is for people to have a good time dancing and to stay healthy.

People wanting to give Zumba a go can reach out to mangapapazumba@gmail.com

Classes are on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. For more information, find Mangapapa Zumba on Facebook.