This morning I rolled my happy self out of bed to try something I've yet to do, Zumba. It's the Jazzercise of today, Latin dance aerobics to a strong salsa beat. So to an extent, this is still considered in the dance realm. OR if nothing else, this is a great work out for dancers.
In my quest for new studios, I came across
Centre of Dance. They have several adult classes that I'll list at the end, one of which is Zumba. The class is taught by
Frankie Branham, a spit-fire of a woman with a strawberry blonde pixie cut. She is energetic, engaging, open, and friendly. I adored her from the word "go." I met her on the way in and she took time visiting with me, telling me a little about the studio, and introducing me to other participants. If that doesn't make you feel welcome, I don't know what will.
The class is non-stop constant cardio, moving around the room, keeping a solid beat, and shaking it like there's no tomorrow. "Wiggle it!" Frankie calls out and off our hips go, booties shaking, and shoulders shimmying. Not five minutes into the first combo and I was drenched with sweat. Each combination is much like a dance. For three to five minutes, you follow the instructor, consistently moving, and dancing to a strong Latin beat. Frankie took us a through a series of combinations, calling out cues and words of encouragement. There's a welcomed cool down for the last five minutes of class and that's the end of your hour workout.
It's really fun and though I may not be working on perfect turn out or extension, my heart rate is up, my abs and my gluteus maximus are on fire, and I'm having the time of my life. The music makes me feel like I'm in a salsa dancing club. I feel like I should be wearing a flirty dress, spinning across the floor with a rose pinned in my wild hair. By the time I was half-way through the class, that daydream turned into me devouring a whole bowl of chips and salsa with a good margarita on the rocks. Whatever keeps you going, right?
Alright! Information:
Class Cost: $15 (Although, first trial of class is on Frankie)
Class Time: Hour
Schedule: Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Thursday from 6:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m.
*Summer classes last from now until August 5th.
Address:
7517 Campbell Road, Suite 400
Dallas, TX 75248
Email: centrefordance@yahoo.com
Phone: 972-248-1112
Frankie did say her summer classes have dwindled down in size. Today's consisted total of three ladies, myself and two older woman. However, Frankie does teach at the University of Texas at Dallas on Tuesday and Thursday night from 8:00 to 9:00. She said these classes usually brought in some students around my age.
If you don't want to take Zumba, you can try these other Adult Classes:
Monday:
8:00 p.m. - Advanced Hip-Hop
8:00 p.m. - Pro Team Audition Prep
Tuesday:
7:00 p.m. - Ballet
8:00 p.m. - Beginner Hip-Hop
8:00 p.m. - Dallas Stars Ice Girls Prep
Wednesday:
7:00 p.m. - Beginner Hip-Hop
8:00 p.m. - Jazz Contemporary
8:00 p.m. - Intermediate Hip-hop
Thursday:
7:00 p.m. - Hip-Hop Hustle
8:00 p.m. - Hip-Hop Heels
I'm curious to try the Pro Team Prep class. There's also one at both locations of Power House. Anyone interested in trying one with me?
Next on my list of classes to try, baton twirling! Just kidding! Guess you'll have to stay posted for the next class and studio to try!