How Zumba Evolved
Have you ever wondered about how Zumba Evolved. I’m sure some of you remember Curves, an exercise program targeted towards women to compete with facilities like Gold’s Gym. Throughout the years we see fitness fads come and go like Jazzercise and Reebock Step classes. I’m sure some of these bring back memories of leg warmers and leotards. At the end of the day we are all just looking for a way to sweat while having fun.
Some of todays fitness programs incorporate dance and others simply don’t. For instance programs like cross-fit use circuit training, lifting, and explosive excercise tactics to get into shape. By taking a group and creating a competition or stats, these clients have something to work towards and or beat. Some of us simply love competition.
SUCCESS OF ZUMBA & HOW IT INCORPORATES DANCE
Zumba has brought happiness and fitness to many lives around the world. In the early 1990’s Alberto “Beto” Perez forgot his music to teach an aerobics class. Being quick on his feet, Beto pulled out some of his favorite Latin and Salsa music he had in his bag. The class was an immediate hit and people wanted to do more of this type of dance.It has become the largest branded fitness program in the world!
In 2001 Beto brought Zumba to Miami where he met with Alberto Aghion and Alberto Perlman. The Alberto trio trademarked to word Zumba, meaning, “buzz like a bee” or “move very fast” in Columbian slang. By 2002 an infomercial was released selling DVD’s of lessons. The triumph created a demand for more instructors, so Beto started to prepare by setting up the best courses with top choreographers, dancers and trainers. Classes became increasingly popular all over the country and providing the best teachers possible.
In 2003 they teamed up with Kellogg’s Special K creating a whole advertising campaign! The campaign was active in five countries. In 2004 another infomercial was released targeting the Spanish culture. This increased sales by millions! By this time DVD’s and classes were happening in over 30 countries.
In 2005 something called Zumba Academy happened. The best of the best fitness activist came together forming the educational division of dancers. The Aademy teamed up with the best fitness organizations: AFAA, ACE, IDEA, SCW, Can-Fit-Pro allowing them to continue Zumba training for current certifications. The brand had stayed true to 70% Latin rhythms along with basic steps and intervals.
By 2007 the dance class was internationally established on six continents: North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. In 2008 Zumba teamed up with fitness expert Guthy Renker creating the third generation of DVD’s that came with new Toning Sticks. By this time there were 11 types of classes available including Aqua Zumba, Zumba Kids, and Zumba in the Circuit. In the years of Zumba an average 1-hour lesson burns between 600-1,000 calories!
By 2010 the market expanded into clothing, accessories and cookbooks. They also created video games for the Wii, Xbox, and PS3. The fitness dance classes had expanded to 110 countries with over 90,000 instructors by this time!
In January 2016 Zumba Cruise went on a 5-day vacation starting in Fort Lauderdale, FL traveling to Labadee, Haiti and to Falmouth, Jamaica! The ship included a casino, ice skating arena, chapel, theatre, and a 360 running track on the top deck. Classes are now held in over 140 countries, while McDonald’s is in about only 120 countries! So in the spirits of staying fit and having a blast doing it, find an awesome location to join the Zumba community!
At Windy City Wedding Dance we offer group classes that are fun and cater to single and couples. Our Zumba program, taught by Vaneza Perez, incorporates fun exciting Latin music, and hot blazing him movements. To learn more about our classes and how to register click here.