Zumba - Gentle Dance Fitness Class for Cancer Recovery & Prevention, fun for all who need a bit slower pace � Flash Mobs, Parties, Crowd Engagement & Activism�� ‘Hard Times Require Furious Dancing’ -Alice Walker As an Expressive Arts Therapist, Certified Zumba Instructor, and Yoga Teacher, I’ve been leading Dance/Movement Therapy, Meditation in Motion sessions, and Zumba® classes for cancer patien
ts, survivors, the general and aging population through UC San Diego Health Moores Cancer Center, San Diego Cancer Research Institute, North County Cancer Fitness, Yoga Vista, for 8+ years, now adding The Soul of Yoga in Encinitas, CA. Join in my weekly Zumba® classes in person, via Zoom, hybrid, and pre-recorded ( check out www.YogaVista.TV )
Zumba® is a very popular form of aerobic dance exercise using contemporary music from all over the world with emphasis on Latin, African, Arabic, Pop, Hip-Hop, and Bollywood. Zumba® classes are usually fast-paced, high-energy, lead by instructors with passion, lots of practice and Zumba® instructor certification training. Zumba® is recognized by the American College of Sports Medicine and the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America. Many beginners and older adults find market-based Zumba® classes intimidating; too fast, too strenuous and often too difficult to follow. Specifically the dance routines are not suitable for cancer patients and survivors who often experience pain, physical limitations, post-op & recovery issues, fatigue, treatment side effects, self-image issues, weight gain or loss, lack of motivation and decreased mental and physical energy. Zumba Gold® classes for older adults use slower paced music, which doesn’t provide enough energy for spontaneous engagement and are not popular enough to provide the playful motivation that popular dance tunes do. Since the joy of movement is one of the highlights in Zumba® classes, participants are motivated to exercise playfully. Research shows that movement provides a wide range of benefits: it reduces physical and mental fatigue; increases blood flow and oxygen intake; awakens and enlivens body, mind and spirit; increases range of motion, balance, coordination and focus; facilitates sleep; increases body awareness, and might help individuals affected by depression and isolation - all assisting in lowering risk of recurrence. I’ve been using dance/movement therapy with cancer patients and survivors for 6 years through SDCRI, since Expressive Arts Therapy is an integrated multi-arts approach in which all art modalities – dance/movement, visual art, music, writing, sound, and drama - are woven into the exploration and therapeutic process as appropriate to each individual’s situation. I have been practicing Zumba® several times a week for more than 5 years with several different instructors and attended Master Classes with Dance/Movement Therapist Daria Halprin as well as certified Zumba® instructors; I also practice JourneyDance, NIA, 5Rythm and dance regularly with a Cuban Salsa dance group. I embrace exercise/movement that is fun and encouraging as part of healthy lifestyle and one of the keys to wellbeing; I offer a modified version of Zumba® with a gentle, interactive approach to encourage individuals affected by cancer and other limitations to enjoy moving and reconnecting with their bodies, and to benefit from exercising in safety. I designed each Zumba® routine with our patients and survivors in mind and often incorporate their suggestions & preferences; simple dance movements to low, medium to high energy music that are conducive respectively to warm-up, balance, flexibility, toning, and to practice focus and coordination through learning simple dance steps, addressing specific areas of the body and abilities – with the brain benefiting as well from focusing and learning new steps; high-energy music has the effect of stimulating participants to move; free-form dancing according to each individual’s preference, cultural background and style is encouraged as well. My Zumba® is suitable for beginners at any age and is adapted to each participant’s ability and limitations, even while sitting on a chair. Many patients find that Gentle Zumba helps them to:
• Get aerobics/cardio/toning fitness while having fun with a group;
• Enhance flexibility and range of motion;
• Relax;
• Improve sleep;
• Lessen feeling of isolation;
• Boost confidence and self-esteem;
• Enhance feeling of well-being;
• Reduce fatigue;
• Lessen feelings of anxiety and depression;
• Reduce stress.
