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Zumba creator, Alberto “Beto” Perez, stumbled onto the concept of Latin-inspired music and movement when he arrived to teach a fitness class one day, but forgot his music.  He used whatever tapes he had in his car at the time, improvised the choreography…  And Zumba was born.  In 1999, he brought what was called “Rumbacize” at the time from his native Columbia to the United States.  In the years since, over 2 million DVDs have been sold through infomercials, and there are now more than 2000 certified Zumba instructors- several here in Winston-Salem- helping to spread “Latin fever” across the country and around the world.  In 2007, Perez is teaming up with media titans Mark Burnett (Survivor/The Apprentic/ Rockstar) and Emilio Estefan (#1 Latin Music Producer) to propel Zumba onto the multimedia entertainment stage with new DVDs, an expanded product line, and a worldwide tour with live Latin music. 

What’s all of the buzz about?  The secret of Zumba is that it combines high energy and motivating music with unique moves and combinations that allow participants to dance away their worries.  “It’s a way of mixing body-sculpting movements with easy-to-follow dance steps,” explains Perez.  “It’s fun and addictive.”

And Zumba is for everyone.  Fans include the young, the old, the thin, the voluptuous, blacks, whites, Asians, and Hispanics.  The vast majority of participants are women.  “The beauty of Zumba is that it accepts all shapes and sizes,” asserts Zumba Master Trainer, Priscilla Mirabal.  “There is no need to worry about being a natural dancer.  You’re so in tune with what the instructor is doing that you forget about feeling uncomfortable.” 

“Our members are hooked,” says Kristie Norris, Group Fitness Director at Women’s Wellness & Fitness (and newly certified Zumba instructor).  “They get an effective interval training workout, but they’re having so much fun that it doesn’t feel like work.  It’s more of a party atmosphere!” 

“It’s like Dancing with the Stars,” asserts Pat Spainhour, a 55 year old Zumba enthusiast.  “It’s very energetic.”  Janet Jones and Robi Brath (both in their mid forty's) agree.  “Zumba works your whole body, but the hour goes by fast!” 

Tamberlyn Hendrix (29 years of age) credits Zumba with helping her lose 150 lbs. since undergoing gastric bypass surgery in February of 2006.  She says that the fun of dancing enables her get the benefit of exercise without realizing it.  “It has helped not only with weight loss, but with getting me in shape to chase after my children (ages 2 and 6).”  Hendrix insists, “Even if you think that you are beyond hope, you can change your life.  Find a comfortable atmosphere and something you enjoy, so that exercise will be something that you want to do!”