Recently, I have been on a journey to try new things. Through this journey, I found myself at a Zumba class, which allowed me to dance with a group of people for the first time since I graduated high school.<\/p>\n
Although dancing was something I thought I was content to leave behind, it reminded me of the joy that can be found in letting loose and moving to the beat of music.<\/p>\n
Zumba is a dance-based exercise program that features upbeat movement and a range of workout intensity. It targets many parts of the body, working out everything from your arms to your core. It focuses on having fun while building stamina, allowing you to feel more flexible, strong and energetic in the long run.<\/p>\n
The Zumba class I attended was on Friday, Jan. 16 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. It was a class hosted by GroupX at the LSU UREC, and it was led by Camille Kattan, a sophomore mass communication major with a concentration in journalism.<\/p>\n
Kattan started her journey with the UREC early on, attending Zumba and Turn Up Dance classes with GroupX during her first year of college. However, this was not the start of her love of dancing.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve always liked teaching dance,\u201d Kattan said. \u201cIn high school, I was cheerleading captain. There was no dance team, so for me, it was so much fun teaching other people and just seeing them have fun with what I have fun.\u201d<\/p>\n
When I first arrived at the class, I wasn\u2019t sure what to expect. Kattan was very helpful, and her energy was incredibly comforting. I knew that even if I found the class to be difficult, I would still have a great time filled with fun and good vibes.<\/p>\n
As the class began, I first felt very nervous. For me, dancing was never about letting loose and having fun. I was always in classes or on teams that focused on perfection, leading to an experience that was loved and hated simultaneously. It was rigid, with little room for mistakes or creativity \u2013 the exact opposite of this class.<\/p>\n
However, as the class progressed, I found myself focusing less on what I looked like and more on feeling the movements and working out. I found that the less I cared about how well I executed the movements, the more fun I was having and the more I felt like I was actually getting in a solid workout.<\/p>\n
Kattan kept the class feeling upbeat, calling out words of encouragement throughout different segments. She ensured everyone understood what her hand signals meant, and would pause the music to work through difficult dance circuits. Even if you have no dance background, it is a perfect class to get in exercise while learning something new.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think Zumba is for anyone,\u201d explained Kattan. \u201cAny type of dance fitness is for anyone. I always try to make it accessible for everybody. Not everyone can move the same way, and that\u2019s completely fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
The attendees of the class seemed to enjoy the dancing as much as I did. There were moments where everyone was laughing, and others where we were all focused on keeping up with the beat. When Kattan would stop to show moves, some participants would ask her to repeat them, which she happily did each time.<\/p>\n
Maria Jose Andino, a sophomore environmental engineering major, is a frequent attendee for Zumba classes. Andino encourages others to attend the classes, as they are a great way to de-stress.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt helps me for an hour forget that I have anything else to do,\u201d Andino said. \u201cYou\u2019re going to enjoy it. You\u2019re going to feel great after, and it\u2019s honestly very fun. Everyone laughs, and you get to meet new people.\u201d<\/p>\n
I often found myself experiencing this immersion, losing myself in the music. Kattan is originally from Honduras, and she shared this part of her identity through her song choices. The songs we danced to were Hispanic or Latin, bringing a culture unfamiliar to me into my day.<\/p>\n
Although I didn\u2019t understand the lyrics, I could feel the beat and appreciate the songs for their artistry and musicality. I honestly feel that not understanding the lyrics enhanced my experience, because I felt myself leaning into the beat more for guidance.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery single move that we do is made with the purpose of following the music\u2019s beat,\u201d Andino said. \u201cIt\u2019s great because you start slow, then you go really high intensity and then pretty slow as well for a cool down, so you don\u2019t end up feeling like you are too overwhelmed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Not only was this a wonderful opportunity to experience parts of a culture unfamiliar to me, but it was also a great reminder of the diverse community found at LSU. Without this community, I would not be as knowledgeable about the world, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities that this campus gives me every day to learn something new.<\/p>\n
This class was incredibly fun and fulfilling, but lacked participants. This experience felt worthy of a class full of people. It\u2019s a great way to let loose and stop caring about what others think of you. If dancing isn\u2019t your thing, Kattan recommends trying out any of the GroupX classes at the UREC for a similar experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have different things and instructors who are very passionate.\u201d Kattan explained. \u201cFor me, it isn\u2019t just about the dancing \u2013 it\u2019s about helping other people and just making them feel free, and making this a very safe space for anybody and everybody. I think that\u2019s honestly the whole point of the job.\u201d<\/p>\n
I recommend trying out the Zumba classes at the UREC. When class ended, I felt thoroughly exercised and satisfied with the time I put into the class. Kattan is a wonderful instructor who is great at motivating you to feel the music and dance your heart out.<\/p>\n
\u201cI work for my students,\u201d said Kattan. \u201cI don\u2019t work for my boss; I work for my students.\u201d<\/p>\n