It’s Totally Doable: 4 Tips for Learning Zumba

We want you to have a good time with us whether it’s virtual or in-person. Having a good time might be hard at first because you’re trying hard to learn the moves. You might feel awkward and uncoordinated, and that’s no fun! And if you’re following us on Zoom, technology issues can sometimes make things a little tricky. 

Don’t let a good time escape you when taking an Island Beats class. Learning our style of Zumba is totally doable when you consider these four tips. 

1. Commit to joining us regularly for at least 4 classes. One class isn’t enough time to learn our style or routines, especially if you’re not familiar with Latin rhythms. It took me months to get comfortable moving my hips to Merengue and Bachata. You’ll begin to see those different rhythms have their own moves, which we repeat a lot. The more you come, the more your muscles will remember the moves because they have a memory

2. Keep moving as you watch. Learning by doing is one of the best ways to adapt to Island Beats. Don’t let your mind trick you into thinking you’re doing it wrong or you look stupid. This is key! If you miss a step, it’s okay. Go with the flow and don’t stop. (Or as our students say, “just wiggle.”) Sooner or later you’ll get it because most steps in our routines are repeated again and again. And for those of you joining us on Zoom, it’s best to watch on a bigger screen than a mobile device. If you have a laptop or tablet, try them instead.

3. Follow our non-verbal and verbal cues. As Zumba instructors, our job is to use non-verbal cues to help you learn the moves. These are hand gestures that tell you where to go, how many moves to make, or what body part to use. We sometimes mix it up with quick verbal cues, but they can be hard to hear because we aren’t mic’d. My favorite verbal cue in Me Cansé when we make that hip turn to the side is “wiggle, wiggle, wiggle.” So when you see us doing something with our hands or we yell out, “Wakanda forever” it’s a cue and not part of the routine.

4. Listen to the music we play in class. When you become familiar with the various rhythms we use in our choreo routines, your experience will improve. It also helps to learn the distinction between the different rhythms. Merengue, Salsa, and Bachata are different and so are the moves, including how you move your hips in all three. 

We are all about you experiencing joy, energy, and confidence. These tips should help you stop the “I can’t dance narrative.” It’s dulling your shine.❤️

Join us for class and our upcoming events to feel the Island Beats vibe for yourself. From the website, go to Classes. Pick your plan and pay. Currently, we have four options:

  1. Get Your Shine On Membership
  2. 4-Class Pack (recurring)
  3. 4-Class Pack (non-recurring)
  4. One class

After you pay, book your classes here.

You will get an email confirmation with the link and text message reminders if you choose the option. We can’t wait to see you in class!

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