A Little bit of insight into the origin of Zumba in my life

What originated as my own quest for health, personal expression, and a sense of self evolved into my passion for dance and ultimately lead me to Zumba. Being of a very interpersonal nature, I've always dreamt of traveling and helping people of all different backgrounds and lifestyles through my love for music and dance. I've been fortunate enough to find various ways to do so, most recently including Zumba.
Dance has always been my therapy...a way to non-verbally express what i'm feeling at any given moment and let the music carry me. A freedom of expression without reservation unlike any I'd been able to display before. I was brought into the world of teaching by instructors who saw something in me. A love, ability to teach others, and a devotion to my craft. I decided to give it a try and Zumba came my way. I can't speak for everyone, but the stories i have heard from people who have tried Zumba illustrate that same touching personal experience that i have with the program.
What an incredible way to cross boundaries of language and culture. Music transcends all of those barriers and through non-verbal cuing within dance, people don't even need to speak the same language to participate in the same experience. No knowledge or training of dance itself is necessary either. The instructor is the guide but the participants truly make it their own creation. People of all fitness levels, genders, ages, etc.can Zumba!
I still teach various dance exercise classes and group exercise formats in addition to Zumba, however, Zumba still has a uniquely special place in my heart. It is just as special to me as it is to many of those taking my classes. Furthermore, Zumba is one of the few programs I've discovered that seems to dismiss the personal "baggage" i enter the room with. Ilness,sadness,distraction all vanish when i enter the room, start the music, and see the enthusiastic faces in front of me. It's a power that i can not ignore.
To some it's just a fun way to exercise and let loose while learning a bit about Latin music and some other music and dance styles, but it can also unite individual perspectives into a collective musical experience. Like many others I, too watched the older Zumba videos with the neon colored spandex outfits and hip-shaking moves and thought it might be quite over-the-top and lacking in some substance, but i was ultimately entranced.
Coming from a background majoring in music therapy and working with people of various needs, i found a substantial amount of both fields in common. Not only with regards to the different ways i worked with people and used resources to help them be their best, but also with myself. I have struggled with various issues as we all have and it's vulnerable to put yourself out there at your best and worst, but i found that i felt my strongest, most confident, creative, and open when dancing and interpreting the music i hear and feel..I Intertwined my knowledge and experiences with music and therapy for others and myself. I integrated dance in with those concepts; i incorporated all of the elements into my classes for kids and adults with the hope that they can share and relate in some way. If not, then they can come out, try something new, and have some fun with an invigorating workout!