Contributed by Tick
On the gray, cold morning of September 17, a cheerful group of 12 of us met for a Zumba lesson at the studio Tanz Atelier Nivo near the Wylerbad in Bern. For many of us it was the first time to take a Zumba lesson. We came armed with our towel, gym wear, and water bottle for an energetic workout. Our instructor, Alicia Egli, explained how Zumba was invented in the early 1990s by a Columbian dancer and choreographer, Alberto Perez. Each lesson combines a variety of Latin dance music and international rhythms. The movements are basic and the idea is to keep moving with the music as you work out different parts of your body.
We all looked fresh and full of energy at the beginning, and the music really did keep us going at a good pace. We all laughed a lot as we followed the dance steps for tango, salsa, samba, flamenco reggae and more. Alicia led us through the steps and the beat of the music got us wiggling and giggling. By the end of the class, we were a group of happy, sweaty, Zumba dancers! We all felt it was an excellent workout and also a chance to see friends at the same time. By the time we left, the sun was coming out and we all left with a healthy glow in our cheeks.
Alicia Egli gives Zumba dance classes at several locations around the Bern area. If you are interested see her website: www.swisszumbafitness.com.