Zumba Heat Wave!
Summer is flying by! For those of you away on vacation, I hope you are having a fabulous time and enjoying this hot, hot weather! And for those of you who've been braving the hot temps and high humidity to keep the Zumba party going strong all summer long – you are true troopers! It's been scorching, and you've given it everything you've got. Awesome job – give yourselves a pat on the back!
Here's what's in this newsletter:
Stay Hydrated
We all sweat buckets doing Zumba, even when it's minus 20 outside. With this summer being the hottest on record so far, we're sweating barrels… standing still. Which is why it's so very important to make sure you drink plenty of water – before, during, and after Zumba class – in order to fend off dehydration. I know I sound like a broken record each class, but it's important, both in and outside of Zumba class.
Why Is Drinking Water So Important?
Water is essential for virtually every bodily function, including digestion, absorption and transport of nutrients, elimination of wastes, regulation of body temperature, and other metabolic functions.
The clears stuff also plays a role in staying youthful. As our bodies age, they essentially dry out; water accounts for up to 80 percent of a newborn infant's body, compared to only 50 percent after age 70. Over the course of our lives, this natural desiccation manifests in wrinkled skin, reduced saliva flow and stiffened joints.
While we may not be able to totally avoid moisture loss as we age, we can certainly slow it down by drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.
How Much Water Is Enough?
You've probably heard that you should drink at least eight glasses of water daily; this handy guide may sound unreasonable to many, but even this figure may be too low depending on how much you exercise, environmental conditions, and your consumption of beverages such as coffee or tea which promote dehydration.
Besides drinking liquids, you can also contribute to your daily intake of water by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, since many are more than 75 percent water. When it comes down to it, the human body requires enough water so that the urine appears pale, not dark or bright yellow. Drink water continuously throughout the day and don't wait for thirst to kick in; by the time you feel thirsty, you are probably already dehydrated.
What's That Dance? Cumbia
I thought it would be nice to feature some info on the origins of one of the dance and music styles that we do in our Zumba class each newsletter, so you guys have a little idea of the story and cultural influences behind the music and dances that make Zumba so irresistible! For the first installment of What's That Dance I'll be featuring Cumbia (pronounced KOOM-bee-yah).
Don't worry, there will be no test, it's not mean to be technical, and you're not required to perfect any of our steps – this is just a little FYI/trivia.
Cumbia History
Cumbia started in the northern coast of South America, what is now Colombia and Panama, during the period of Spanish colonization in the 1800s as part of the slave trade in Caribbean coastal areas. Spain used its ports to import African slaves, who tried to preserve their musical traditions and also turned drumming and dances into a courtship ritual. Cumbia is the result of blending of three cultural elements: the African, indigenous tribes, and European.
Cumbia as a Courtship Ritual
Historically, cumbia was a courtship ritual between African and native men and women at a time when the two communities began to intermarry in Colombia and Panama. The slave courtship ritual, which featured dance prominently, was traditionally performed with music played by pairs of male and female dancers. Women would playfully wave their long skirts while holding a candle, and men danced behind the women with one hand behind their back and the other hand either holding a hat, putting it on, or taking it off. Male dancers also carried a red handkerchief which they wrapped around their necks, waved in circles in the air, or hand-held with their partners.
Cumbia: Musical Fusion
Initially, cumbia was mainly performed with just drums and claves as instruments. The slaves were later influenced by the sounds of the new world instruments from indigenous tribes in the region. The European guitars were added later through Spanish influence. According to legend, the accordion was added after a German cargo ship carrying the instruments sank and a load of accordions washed ashore on the northwest coast of Colombia.
Cumbia Dance
As with many folkloric groups, the dance was traditionally (and still is) danced barefoot. One story says that the dance originated with slaves who were chained together and, of necessity, were forced to drag one leg as they cut sugar cane to the beat of drums – this is meant to explain why today we drag our feet as part of the cumbia dance steps.
The movement of cumbia is soft, slow, and lilting, with step that allows you to dip back and forth on the balls of your feet, keep your weight down in relaxed knees, let your arms sway, and really get your hips moving.
Cumbia Rhythm
The basic rhythm structure is 4/4, of four hard beats with a soft "and" beat in between each count:
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1-and-2-and-3-and-4
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HARD-soft-HARD-soft-HARD-soft-HARD
The "and" beat is almost like a hiccup between the hard beats; in the basic cumbia step, your front foot is the HARD, accented beat, and your back foot is the (soft) "and" count.
Cumbia is slower than the other Latin rhythms, which is why we often use it to slow the pace of our Zumba workout.
Featured Cumbia Tracks
Enjoy the summer and see you in class!
Johneen
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Party in Pink™ Zumbathon®
Zumba lovers around the world are taking action when it comes to finding a cure for breast cancer. Together with the Zumba Home Office and Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the global leader of the breast cancer movement, Zumba Instructor Network Members (like me) are actively getting involved in the fight to end breast cancer.
Starting next month, I can sign up to host Party in Pink™ Zumbathon® Charity Events with 75% of the proceeds benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure®
Zumba Halifax Party in Pink™ Zumbathon®
So what do you say!? Let's rally to create a crowd to come out to a Party in Pink™ Zumbathon® hosted by Zumba Halifax. I'm going to start looking at locations and dates for some time in September. Have any venue or date suggestions? Please let me know! Stay tuned for updates as I Iearn more about this important initiative.
Zumba Party in Pink™ Racerback
In addition, check out the zumba.com shop where anyone can purchase a Zumba Party in Pink™ Racerback (now available for purchase) with 30% of the proceeds benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.
Earn Free Classes When You Book Classes Online
Besides making it quicker to get into the Zumba studio, you will earn points by using my online reservation system.
Each time you sign up for a class online (and keep your reservation) you will earn ONE POINT; 10 points earn you one free class at any of my locations... so when you've signed up for 10 classes online, you get one class free.
Learn more about Zumba Halifax's Online Booking Rewards Program >>
Looking for a Massage Therapist?
Viva Health Centre's therapeutic focus incorporates rehabilitation from injury, stress reduction, body awareness, optimal health and self healing tools.
They offer a wide range of holistic and alternative health options, including massage therapy, osteopathic techniques, myofascial release, and therapeutic exercise, and provide comprehensive, effective treatment for acute and chronic pain, and immobility.
Call 880-8482 or Book Online
Class Ongoing All Summer Long
Going away? Have fun and join the Zumba Fitness party when it's convenient for you! As always, drop-ins and first-timers are always welcome!
Check zumbahalifax.com or visit our page on Facebook for updates and special classes.
Zumba Halifax
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