Zumba Zooms Into Wichita Falls At Notre Dame

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Dan Garcia

Story Created: Jan 26, 2009 at 7:14 PM CST

Story Updated: Jan 26, 2009 at 7:22 PM CST

Zumba is the hottest fitness craze across the U.S, and it's making it's way into gyms and classrooms in Wichita Falls. We caught up with the fourth grade class at Notre Dame Elementary, where they spent two hours this week dancing to a different beat.

"It's fun and exercising." It's fun to be with all my friends dancing." "It's funner with a group." "I like to dance."

 There's a consensus at Notre Dame Elementary in Wichita Falls. The fourth grade class thinks Zumba is fun! What is Zumba? Zumba is from a columbian slang word meaning "to buzz like a bee or move fast". It's easy-to-follow dance steps set to a fusion of Latin and International music, an aerobic workout. And it looks something like this.

"Iike it because it's really hard and challenging and it's fun to dance."

Mary Culey, Notre Dame's Physical Education and Health Teacher says she brought Zumba to the 10 year olds after taking a class herself with the Principal and Spanish teacher. "It was so much fun, and we were hot and sweaty afterwards, we got a wonderful workout."

 Studies show the number of overweight children has increased dramatically in recent years and exercise is key to warding off those extra pounds later in life. Cluley says she hopes as these kids grow into adults Zumba will inspire them to become more active. "When you think of exercise you think of running and heavy breathing and sweating. This you did all that, but in a fun way because dance is fun."

"Everytime I"ve done Zumba i've had to sit out and get a drink." And Zumba isn't just cardio, Cluley says it forces the kids to think on their feet and count. And, she says it's helping them to learn Spanish. "Brain plus body, it's a win win situation."

Zumba was created in the mid-90's by a Columbian fitness trainer. It hit the states about ten years ago and has zoomed to the top of the exercise world since.

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