Jenna Hall jenna.hall@goodlifemakesiteasy.com jrhall@cbe.ab.ca
What is Zumba? Zumba is a fun aerobic fitness program that is done through latin inspire dance. It has very upbeat music and is very repetitive. It doesn t matter if you are on the right foot, doing the exact same step or off time. As long as you are moving and having fun, that s all that matters. It began in 2001 and is now done in more than 110 countries. Zumba can be done in water or, more commonly, on land. It involves aerobic, muscular, interval training and flexibility. Who does Zumba? Zumba is for anyone and everyone. They have Zumbatomic, for kids, Zumba Gold, for elderly, Zumba toning, Zumba Circuit and a variety of other forms. Zumba can be done by anyone and everyone. It is not gender specific; it was actually created by a male. When instructing Zumba you always face the group, however, you are able to do it on DVD as well. It is for both genders and was created by a male, Beto Perez, which seemed to be helpful getting boys to engage. When Do Zumba? Zumba is fun to do at all times. Students love to do it before school, at lunch, during class time or afterschool. It is a great way to introduce the dance unit or for a Fitness Class. It is also a good activity to include heart rate monitors, perceived exertion and parts of other subject curriculum. Students liked doing this as a warm up to the dance unit, as there is no right or wrong way. Teaching zumba The best part about Zumba is that is doesn t matter if you are on the right foot, doing the same step or what you look like. The important part is moving and having fun. Tell students to focus on the feet the first couple times and the arms will come. If you are having fun, they will too. It is done mostly non-verbal and any cues or changes of direction are indicated by a clap. It s a follow the leader type activity. Old shoes are recommended, with little grip, so that any twisting and turning on the toes is easier on the knees. It works best when facing the group, or if mirrors then facing the mirrors. There is very little verbal cues given during ZUmba. A clap usually indicates a change in direction or a new step. Cueing can be done verbally, visually, through the music or a combination of all the above. You want to face the group, as this way you can see if they are following and they can see your enthusiasm.
What are the types of latin dance included? Merengue Salsa Reggaeton Cumbia Samba Calypso Flamenco Tango resources www.zumba.com ZUMBATOMIC - THE BOX SET $45.95 Youtube has lots of dances also. If you search Zumba some great choreography comes up. You want party-like songs that motivate, encourage, empower and are fresh. You want to select high energy songs with lots of rhythms and a variety of music styles. You want to keep repetition as this makes the class more successful for all participants. Some of my students favourites are: Waka Waka Shakira We No Speak Americano Krazy Pitbull African Dream African Beats Aromuzak Great Cool Down Song Shake it up Mara
Traigo Fuego Merengue Rosa Cumbia Zumba He Zumba Ha
Waka waka shakira choreography To the right side step X 2, up and out (arms circle two times, reach the roof and to the sides). Repeat three more times. R_L_R_L Chorus hands together in prayer position. Two steps forward, two steps back. Shake knees and hands up and down twice, and then over shoulder twice) Following Chorus always four step togethers to the right right hand out and alternate palm up and down with each step. Then circle for eight counts and hand screws in the lightbulb. Repeat to the left. Two step together steps to the right (knees twisting with each step). Then kick left leg out twice. Repeat to the left and continue for this part of the song. Arms sway overhead and then swing out. Repeat Chorus Repeat first part End with two steps and two leg extensions.
We no speak Americano choreography Start the song with simple heel and toe lifts and slide side to side 4 times through o Step front and step back (arms swing in Charleston fashion) o 4 times through o Step, knee raise and step toe touch at the back (clip on the knee raise o 4 times throough o Four kicks forward and four jumps back o Repeat all three sets of four again Turn in circle, pivoting on one foot and other lifting to the music. Repeat all three sets again on the right and the left Spin to the right, switch to the left, add clap when leg comes in. Hands up and music will stop kids love when you pretend its over Repeat three sets of four again End pivoting front and back. Final three jumps and a kick.