Zora Sowinska is an ethnic studies sophomore and rotational opinion columnist for Mustang News. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang Media Group.
What could be more fun than doing something you’re bad at for an hour in a dark, hot room with thirty other people who are better at it than you? The correct answer is probably anything—unless we’re talking about the Rec’s Wednesday night Zumba class.
The good news is that I love to dance. The bad news is that I’m terrible at it.
Dancing in public has always been a source of embarrassment. My foot-eye coordination is lacking, my arms always seem to wind up a foot lower than intended and I have never once stepped in the right direction.
When forced to dance with others, I stick to a few subtle hip movements and the good ol’ shuffle back and forth. So, when my best friend asked me to come to Zumba with her last winter, I was nervous.
As the room filled with chattering Zumba-ites, dark aside from a few colorful backing lights, the instructor, Danya N., asked those who had never come before to raise their hands. I did so with extreme trepidation. My thoughts raced.
What if I spun the wrong way? (I would). What if I couldn’t get the footwork down? (I wouldn’t). What if the teacher brought me up on stage and I fell off? (I’m still waiting on this one, thankfully).
But, as I quickly realized, Zumba is more than just a workout—“it’s the best part of the week,” as Olive Baker, nutrition sophomore and regular attendee for a year, puts it.
The combination of Danya’s infectious energy and talent and the inclusive community she’s fostered makes Zumba into a welcoming environment no matter your skill level (which is low for me, in case that wasn’t yet apparent).
With fast-paced songs ranging from salsa to hip hop to pop, I ended up spending so much time staring at Danya’s shoes, trying to figure out the footwork, that I didn’t even have time to watch anyone else.
And slowly, I realized no one was watching me, either. We were all just doing our best to keep up, connect with the music and have fun. Plus, having the lights off doesn’t hurt.
As it turns out, I’m not the only one who feels this way.
“My favorite thing is being able to workout and dance without fear of being judged for being a bad dancer,” said Lily O’Hara, a nutrition freshman.
Even for those who are more experienced, Zumba retains its merits.
“Zumba has been the most fun way to fulfill my love for dance while getting an effective workout in,” said Amani Arellano, a theatre arts sophomore and multi-style dancer since the age of two.
If you want to cha cha, request “Spicy Margarita” by Jason Derulo and Michael Buble. If you want to get down and twerk, there’s “WAP” by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion. If you want to transform your body into a motorcycle, try “Vroom” by The FaNaTiX, Idris, and Lil Tjay. There’s something for everyone.
And while Zumba is a great workout, it’s also so much more.
“It’s hard for me to come late at night, but I come, and I’m like—this was good. I feel so good after,” said Baker.
In fact, studies from Harvard Medical School prove that dancing has the power to reduce stress, increase serotonin levels, and aid in forming new neural connections.
On an average Wednesday night, my stress levels are usually running high: I’m tired, I have a million (or so) assignments due the next day and I don’t want to work out. Yet, I’ve never left without feeling lighter, happier, and more relaxed.
In fact, what makes it so freeing is the fact that I am embarrassing myself in front of so many other people. I’m being vulnerable, putting it all on the Studio 3 floor, and feeling the music. Everyone else is too. Zumba is about taking that risk together.
Fair warning: if you give it your all, you will be dripping sweat after. You will miss a move and get off-beat and struggle to get back on and miss the rest of the song (not that I’m speaking from personal experience or anything). You will look a little stupid, or maybe really stupid.
But, as Danya said to me, a first-timer with my hand raised: “You have to keep coming back. It gets easier every time.”
And she’s right—after each Zumba class, you’ll want to come back even more. So, I’ll see you at 6:30 pm this Wednesday (and hopefully every Wednesday after that)!