Zumba viewed as a great form of exercise

On Friday, Nov. 18 Social Life invited all of the girls on campus to take part in Zumba.

According to Sara Loucy-Swartz, resident director, Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance fitness program created by Alberto Perez in Colombia during the 1990s. “Zumba's choreography incorporates hip-hop, samba, salsa, merengue, mambo, martial arts, and some Bollywood dance moves,” said Loucy-Swartz. “Squats and lunges are also included.” Sophomore Elizabeth Foster attended the Zumba event and said it was her first time doing this particular exercise. “The best part was the crazy moves we had to do, and the variety of music,” Foster said. “It was hard to improve when she asked us to.” Freshman Kaitlyn Smith also attended, but she has done Zumba in the past. “The best part is the feeling after the hour is over,” Smith said. “The worst part is getting stared and getting over being self-conscience and not worrying about looking like a fool.” She added, “If some of the steps are confusing and you are offbeat, chances are other people are too, which makes it less awkward.” Some people wondered why it was a girls-only event. Loucy-Swartz said it was because, “Primarily females like this type of fitness program. So, because it was our first Zumba event, we wanted to start by advertising to the ladies on campus.” Those who participated seemed to be glad it was a girls-only event because of some of the dance moves. “I feel like boys would not be serious about it and turn it into a joke,” said Smith. Foster agreed, adding it “allowed for more freedom to dance and move however we wanted to. There wasn't any pressure to do it right or look good while doing it.”