What is Zumba®?

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Zumba® is the perfect combination of fun and fitness! Dance to great music, with great people, and burn a ton of calories without even realizing it. That’s why it’s often called “exercise in disguise.” 

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What’s the difference between Zumba® and Zumba Gold®?

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Both feature fun music and moves. Both are a full-body workout. The difference is intensity and complexity. Zumba® is a high-impact workout, whereas Zumba Gold® is a low-impact workout, and the choreography is free from any jumps, turns or twists, and it’s perfect for beginners. Many students take both! After all, every class is YOUR workout, done YOUR way. We offer modifications, so you can take it up a notch or keep your feet on the floor regardless of which class you choose. Both dance fitness formats will work up a sweat.

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What's the difference between a Zumba® class and a cardio dance fitness class?

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Zumba® is a type of cardio dance fitness class that features Latin and international rhythms. You can expect to hear Merengue, Dancehall, Soca, Urbano Latino, Bachata, Salsa, Reggaeton, Cumbia, Afrobeats, Samba, Calypso, K-Pop, Tango, Swing, Tropical Fusion, Bhangra, Funk Carioca, Hip Hop, Polynesian, Quebradita and even Bellydance! It's a trip around the world in 60 minutes! And, there are often a few other songs, like a pop song, or oldie, or showtune, or another sprinkled here and there just for fun. Cardio dance fitness classes will have similar movements and choreography to one of my Zumba® classes, but will instead feature one musical style or a specific artist. 

 

What do I wear to class?

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Most students wear workout clothes that allow freedom of movement, like you might wear to any fun group exercise class. Perhaps a t-shirt or tank top, leggings or shorts, and sturdy sneakers. Or go wild and wear that old leotard and leg warmers from your aerobics days. For sneakers, we recommend ones with smoother soles and allow you to turn more easily on the dance floor. Some local students wear Capezio Danseakers®, Bloch adult sneakers, or Zumba® shoes. But any sneaker will do!

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Do you have any tips for new students?

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Did you search for "Zumba classes near me" and now you're wondering: how do I prep for my first Zumba® class? Check out these 5 tips for success!

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How do I register for a Studio or Zoom class?

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CathyAllenZ classes are run on a drop-in basis. If you plan to attend in-person only, simply show up ready to work out! If you prefer a livestream virtual class, use the Zoom link to log on. Zoom links are sent once a month to active students on our class roster, or can be requested any time by emailing cathy@cathyallenz.com.

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How do I register for Video class?

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Are you busy at the time of our classes but still want to work out? Have no fear! We record a video of each class and make it available for 48 hours for you to do the class at your own convenience later that day or the next. Prior to the class you want, use the Zoom link and fill out the registration form and this ensures a copy of the video will be sent to you after class. Zoom links are sent once a month to active students on our class roster, or can be requested any time by emailing cathy@cathyallenz.com.

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How long is a class?

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Classes are an hour long. New students should arrive 10 minutes early to sign in.  

 

Where do I park?

 

There is plenty of free parking just steps from the House of Dance studio door. Look for my sign on the door to know which door to enter.

 

I’m not very coordinated. Can I still take a Zumba® class?

 

Absolutely. No experience necessary! Zumba® classes are not about perfection, and the moves are easy to learn, especially if you come to class regularly, and keep an eye out for my cueing. And besides, the other students are so focused on their own moves to even notice what you might be doing! Just let loose and have fun. If you're looking for salsa lessons, bachata lessons, or other dance technique classes - this offers the same great music and will get you moving, but is much less formal.

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Why don’t Zumba® instructors talk more during the class?

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You’ll notice the music is played at a party volume, and if I shout to tell you what we’re going to do next every couple of seconds it would totally kill that party vibe. So look for my non-verbal cues throughout class and with a wave of my hand or a turn of my head you’ll see what’s coming next. That's also why Zumba is great for beginners - the instructor cues you so you know what to do!

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I’m unable to attend the same class each week. Will I miss something?

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The great thing about Zumba® classes is that they are always drop-in friendly! New choreography is introduced regularly to keep things interesting (and to exercise your brain too!), but I take care to cue every move so that you can follow along. Pick and choose which class to attend based on your schedule with our drop-in fees or class cards, or take them all with an unlimited class pass.