ABOUT ZUMBA 

With the incredible popularity of TV shows such as "Dancing with the Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance", dance-based fitness is back as a way to get in shape, relieve stress and have some fun!  But you don't have to wear high heels, do back flips or even have a partner to get started.  If you haven't exercised in a while or you've never had a dance lesson in your life, don't worry - you can still Zumba.  

WHAT IS ZUMBA?

Zumba (pronounced ZOOM-BAH) is a popular latin dance-based fitness program that was created accidentally by Alberto "Beto" Perez in his native Colombia in the mid-90's.  The story goes that Beto, a dancer and fitness instructor, forgot his aerobics tapes on the way to class one day, so he improvised a class using the tapes he had in his car, a mix of salsa, latin and international music that he personally enjoyed listening and dancing to.  The class was a raving success!  Beto moved to Miami and with support from local entrepreneurs, created Zumba, which has now been in existence for over 10 years, and has spawned several specialty programs such as Zumba Toning, Zumba Gold for beginners or active older adults, Zumbatomic for kids, Aqua Zumba, and Zumba in the Circuit for Curves. Zumba has sold millions of copies of their DVD series and video games for xbox and Wii.

WHY DO PEOPLE LOVE ZUMBA?

Let's face it, you know you need to get active as part of a healthy lifestyle, but sometimes it's hard to get motivated to exercise.  The key to success is to find an activity you really like and stick with it!

There is nothing like a live Zumba class with its party atmosphere to really motivate you to burn calories, tone your body, strengthen your core and make you sweat!  Where else can you shake it, pump it, work it, and holla in Spanish with a bunch of fun people.  IT'S NOT JUST A WORKOUT, IT'S A PARTY!

Zumba classes are so much fun, with great music and many different dance-inspired moves, before you know it, the hour has zipped by and you feel exhilarated!  Poeple often tell me that Zumba is the only fitness class that they have ever looked forward to or stuck with!  

 ABOUT US

Pat de Vries spent most of her life in Toronto where she obtained an MBA from York University and worked in marketing management for twenty years.  She became involved with dance-based fitness classes over 10 years ago while living in New York. She has been an ACE-certified Group Fitness Instructor since 2001.   She moved to Burlington in 2002 and began the Dance Workout at the Burlington Fitness & Racquet Club, where spent 8 years. In 2007, Pat was introduced to Zumba (and Beto!) at the Toronto Canfitpro conference and became hooked!  She has been teaching Zumba in Burlington since January 2008 and introduced Zumba and Zumba Toning which soon became the most popular classes at the club.