Dear Readers,

As you know, I am now a Zumba® instructor (see My First Zumba® Class Aug. 31st ).  And I have chosen the Zumba Gold® program as my specialty!

I grew up dancing and performing Ballet, as you can see from my old Ballet pictures.  As an adult, I have spent thousands of dollars learning Latin and Ballroom dances including Salsa, Cha-cha-chá, Bachata, Merengue, Tango, Mambo, Foxtrot, Waltz, Rueda de Casino and more.  I have danced socially in Denver, Minnesota, Las Vegas (Fremont Street performance), Switzerland, Mexico and Jamaica.

As a 52-year-old dancer with disability (PTSD), I can personally attest to the benefits of the Zumba Gold® program including everything from improved balance, toning and posture to sleeping better and significantly enhanced quality of life.  In addition, the Zumba Gold® program is the most effective way I have found to get people who can’t dance dancing!

That’s why I’m planning to start teaching Zumba Gold® classes soon, and I’m writing this blog post to tell you all about the program.  I am so excited!  We’re looking for places to dance now.  You can see my actual schedule of classes at mariekube.zumba.com.

The Zumba Gold® program is a series of fitness programs designed to bring the exciting Latin and international dance rhythms created in the original Zumba® program to the active older adult, the beginner participant, and other special populations that may need modifications for success.

The Zumba Gold® program offers a lower intensity, lower impact workout so easy to follow that people of any age can do it.  Zumba Gold® classes combine high-energy and motivating music with unique moves and simple combinations that allow the participant to dance and have fun.  Rhythms include Merengue, Cumbia, Salsa, Flamenco, Belly Dance, Tango and more.  There is a focus of bringing rhythms together, creating a fusion of music.

My Zumba Gold® class is a low to medium intensity and low impact dance fitness class including Merengue, Cumbia, Salsa, Flamenco, Cha-cha-chá, Tango and Bachata rhythms.  The instructor normally faces the class while class participants mirror the instructor.  The instructor gives cues that may be non-verbal and/or verbal.  I use non-verbal cueing whenever possible because it makes the class more PTSD-friendly.  Sometimes the instructor turns around and dances with the class if it makes it easier for the class to follow (e.g., Tango).

Here’s a short video to give you an idea:

Bachata originated in the Dominican Republic with Indigenous, African and European musical elements.  The Dominican Republic is also thought of as the origin of Merengue, although many countries have stylistic adaptations of this marching rhythm.  Cumbia is known as the rhythm from Colombia, South America, but also has much influence from Africa and Europe.  In Mexico, Cumbia comes from the north near Texas.  Salsa is a blend of many cultures strongly influenced by Cuba, Puerto Rico, Columbia and Africa.  The Flamenco influence comes from the Andalusian Gypsy culture in Southern Spain.  Belly Dance is Middle Eastern.  Tango comes from Argentina.

It’s a huge opportunity to broaden your cultural perspectives.

Dancing to a Salsa song in my Zumba Gold® class, you may hear Congas, Bongos, Bass, Piano, Tres, a Horn section, and percussion instruments such as Claves, Güiro, Maracas, Cowbells, Cascaras, Cymbals and/or Timbales.  During a Merengue song, you will probably hear a Diatonic Accordion, a two–sided Drum called a Tambora, Congo Drums, Mambo Trumpets and Güiro.  Seven instruments compose a typical Bachata song: Requinto (Lead Guitar), Segunda (Rhythm Guitar), Electric Guitar, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Bongos and Güiro.  You can recognize Tango by the Guitar, Bandoneon (also known as “Tango Accordion”), Piano, Violin, Flute and Double Bass.  Cha-cha-chá uses instruments such as the Cowbell, Timbale, Clave, Conga, and Güiro.  Cumbia music uses instruments including Drums (e.g., Tambora), Accordion, Flutes and other wind instruments, Guitars, Ouds, and percussion instruments like the Maracas and Güiro.

Zumba Gold® follows the guidelines established by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) to improve cardiorespiratory (aerobic) capacity, strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance (e.g., to reduce injury from falls).  Benefits include improved posture, coordination (stability and mobility), motor control and performance/agility; increased caloric expenditure; and improved ability to perform pain-free activities of daily living.  Psychological benefits include enhanced self-esteem, general well-being and quality of life; reduced depression, stress and anxiety; and increased opportunity for social interaction.

The Zumba Gold® class creates a party-like atmosphere that is great for the mind, body, and soul.  You get the physiological and psychological benefits while having fun and learning dance steps, rhythms, and cultures.

I love the Zumba Gold® program.  It makes my life better, and I am so excited to share it with others.  You can find a class near you at zumbagold.com.  If you are in the Twin Cities area, you are more than welcome to come and dance with me!  Your first class is free!

Visit www.zumba.com and Marie Kube’s Zumba® Instructor Profile page for more information.  Zumba®, Zumba Gold® and the Zumba Fitness logos are trademarks of Zumba Fitness, LLC, used under license.

Feel free to contact me

Please stay tuned for more about MKs Dance Fitness.

Tomorrow (Saturday, September 14) at 11:00 am – 12:00 pm I’ll be teaching Zumba® at GT Artistry Studio in NE Minneapolis Arts District at 2433 Grand St NE, Minneapolis 55418.  Come dance with us!

Lots of Love, Marie