Zumba Comes to South Frontenac

Kelli McRobert | Jul 13, 2022

The sweat pours down my temples as the temperature rises in a small parking lot at Glenburnie Church. It’s Wednesday at 5:30 and class has just begun. The music takes you away to a Caribbean Island where you are dancing under the hot sun, you can imagine the sand between your toes as your summer dress flows in the tropical breezes. The exercise comes easily as you sway and step your way to cardio fitness guided by the expertise of Isabelle-Anne and Michelle-Marie, two certified local instructors. The idea, of free classes, took shape a few years ago, as the ladies wanted to give back to their new community and develop a free program that would offer residents a fun and social way to get fit and experience everything that Zumba has to offer.

This dance trend, founded in the 1990s, by a Columbian dancer and choreographer Alberto ‘Beto’ Perez, has seen a growth in numbers with over 14 million people enjoying the self proclaimed, ‘most successful, and world’s largest dance-fitness program’. The word itself ‘Zumba’ is Spanish for “buzz like a bee and move fast” according to one online blog, however the dictionary clarifies it to mean Buzz….and you are buzzing around on the dance floor, so, the name seems apt.

When Isabelle-Anne and Michelle-Marie decided to share their passion with others in 2020, one of the struggles they had was finding a suitable location. Glenburnie Church was kind enough to provide them with the outdoor space that can hold the large group easily and offers them with visibility for those passing by and curious to find out more.

The pandemic had slowed it down, somewhat, as they had to accommodate all the changing rules for gatherings, but this did not deter their regulars who were coming out in droves, with masks in hand, and ready to sweat in a fun and rhythmic way. Since then, their numbers continue to increase, and they are still on the lookout for a few locations to host these free gatherings for all ages.

As the class continued, participants could be seen flowing their way through a variety of dance moves including the Salsa, Merengue, and Mambo to name but a few. Both instructors took turns through each dance and seamlessly handed over leadership and led by example with well paced steps, moves, and hip rotations. The music was the motivator in the background as it set the beat - sped up and -slowed down through Cumbia and Reggaeton, as it transported you to another place and time as you eagerly anticipated what the next song and step would be.

An hour flew by as the cool down commenced to slow our heart rates and ease us back to reality and the crunch of the gravel parking lot. Endorphins pumping, you feel strong, invigorated, and ready to tackle the evening after a mini vacation away from the hustle and bustle of today’s modern lifestyle.

A good sweat, a good workout, in a fun and safe space is what Zumba is all about…..

For those looking for more information you can contact Isabelle-Marie at 416-704-3339 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request to be added to the group Facebook page.