Zumba

Zumba is a fitness program inspired by Latin dance. It was founded by Miami-based dancer and choreographer Alberto 'Beto' Perez, who teamed up with two local entrepreneurs: Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion. Zumba combines Latin rhythms with cardiovascular exercise to create an aerobic routine that is fun and easy to follow. The name Zumba is derived from a Colombian word meaning to move fast and have fun. Zumba sells DVDs/videos through its website and via infomercials. More than 2 million DVDs have been sold in over 30 countries. Zumba currently has over 2,000 instructors worldwide. In 2006, Zumba teamed up with television producer Mark Burnett and latin music producer Emilio Estefan. The group is currently working on a project to continue to bring Zumba into the mainstream.

“We utilize the principles of fitness interval training and resistance training to maximize caloric output, fat burning, and total body toning. It’s a way of mixing body sculpting movements with easy-to-follow dance steps,” says creator Beto Perez. “It’s fun and addictive.”

“It’s wonderful to see so many people having fun while getting fit,” says Perez. “I think the terrific Latin rhythms in the program have taken the ‘work’ out of “working out.”

Music

Inspired by Latin dance and music, Zumba uses a variety of styles in its routines, including cumbia, merengue, salsa, reggaeton, mambo, rumba, flamenco, and calypso. Music selections include both fast and slow rhythms to help tone and sculpt the body.

Origin

Perez, an aerobics instructor in Cali, Colombia, had forgotten his traditional dance music for a class he was teaching. Rather than cancel the class, he improvised using the salsa music that was in his gym bag. Beto integrated traditional dance steps along with the aerobic movements and called this new exercise program "Rumbacise". In 1999, Perez brought his new aerobic dance program to Miami, where he teamed with Perlman and Aghion and rebranded the class as "Zumba".