Zumba takes Area I by storm

Photo By Sgt. Karla Elliott | More than 50 Warrior Division Soldiers, military spouses and children gathered at Camp Casey’s Carey Fitness Center for dancing, aerobics and fun during a “Zumba Jam,” March 5.  

CAMP CASEY, 26, SOUTH KOREA

03.10.2011

Story by Sgt. Karla Elliott 

2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division

CAMP CASEY, South Korea – “All right guys, I want to see some energy out there,” said the dance instructor enthusiastically.

Just like a scene from the popular ‘80s movie “Footloose,” members of the Warrior Division family sported their spandex pants, leg warmers, and arm and head bands.

More than 50 soldiers, military spouses and children gathered at Camp Casey’s Carey Fitness Center for two-and-a-half hours of dancing, aerobics and fun, March 5.

Dubbed “Zumba Jam,” the aerobics workout session featured an array of Hispanic music, from Bachata to Reggeaton to Cumbia.

But what is “Zumba?”

According to the Web site www.zumba.com, Zumba Fitness is a Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that blends international music and “contagious steps to form a fitness party that is downright addictive. Zumba classes feature exotic rhythms set to high-energy Latin and international beats.”

“For me, teaching Zumba has become more than just a job; it’s my passion,” said Kathleen Walsh, a Warrior Country Zumba instructor. “As an instructor, I have had the privilege to meet amazing people that inspire me to keep on going, dancing and teaching Zumba.”

Walsh, a Grand Rapids, Mich. native, added that every class is an adventure.

“I meet people from different walks of life; I experience diverse cultures; I see smiling faces; I hear giggles from the first-time dancers; I get ‘woots’ and whistles from the avid dancers; but most importantly, I witness positive changes from the regulars – physically, mentally and emotionally,” Walsh said with pride.

One regular said that this was exactly what she was looking for when she and her husband arrived to Korea last June.

“I love coming out here because you can just let go,” said military spouse, Meghan Schaut, a Boise, Idaho, native. “Dance is my passion, so it’s right down my lane. Plus it’s a great way to meet friends and the instructors give off great energy.”

But Zumba isn’t only a class for women; more and more men show up for a good workout.

“Time flies when you’re having fun,” said Pfc. Emmanuel Albaladejo, with Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 72nd Armor Regiment. “You don’t even realize you’re getting a workout until you stop and realize you’re out of breath.”

After a couple months of attending Walsh’s classes, one frequenter decided to take a leap and become a Zumba instructor, herself.

“I feel happy and very much alive when I’m out here instructing,” said retired military spouse, Mabel Simonetti, a Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, native. “It’s like I’m teaching others about my culture through dance and music.”

Walsh, who has been teaching Zumba for more than two years, said that soldiers can request classes and she, as well as the other certified instructors, will be more than happy to show soldiers that this, too, can be a workout.

“Some units have already asked us to give them a session during PT,” added Albaladejo, a Vega Alta, Puerto Rico, native.

“If you have never tried Zumba before, now is the time,” said Walsh. “If you have no one to watch your kids, bring them with you.”

• Date Taken: 03.10.2011
• Date Posted: 03.10.2011 23:48
• Story ID: 66818
• Location: CAMP CASEY, 26, KR