By Karina Mosqueda/reporter

Bailamos! Free Zumba classes sponsored by NE health services are available on NE Campus for students and employees.

Zumba, a dance fitness program, incorporates a mix of merengue, salsa, bachata, mambo and hip-hop.

Instructor Jessica Woods of the John Peter Smith Health Network has taught Zumba classes for three years.

She started attending classes at the YMCA. When the instructor saw how well Woods danced and how quickly she picked up the choreography, the instructor asked Woods to help teach.

“One day a sub instructor was out, so I taught the class,” she said. “And before you know it, I was a certified instructor.”

During the Sept. 29 class, Woods encouraged three employees and nine students to get closer to the front and get more engaged. She started with an upbeat song to get everyone eager to move and follow her steps.

Twenty minutes in, some participants were feeling “the heat,” but most were keeping up with her pace and dance moves. To finish the session, Woods played a song with fewer beats to cool down and stretch.

“I hope you enjoyed the session,” she said.

Student Jordan Row was not new to Zumba.

“I have been coming for three years,” she said. “I enjoy it.”

Student Daniella Delgado wanted a new experience.

“I love to dance and learning new moves, and I get to burn calories while doing it,” she said.
Woods wants the class to have a full experience.

“I want students to know it’s not just an exercise that, yes, makes you sweat, but you can have fun,” she said.

The Zumba classes continue through Nov. 3 in the Larry Darlage Center Corner (NSTU 1615A) on NE Campus. Registration is not required. Students can just sign in at the beginning of each class. The remaining classes will meet 2-3 p.m. Oct. 13, Oct. 20, Oct. 27 and Nov. 3.