29CC Spotlight: Deborah Thompson Zumba

If a fusion of fitness, entertainment and culture mixed into exhilarating dance is what you’re looking for, then Zumba is for you. A new program at the 29th Street Community Center, Zumba has the center buzzing with the sounds and rhythms of merengue, techno, reggae, salsa, pop and more as participants work out and have fun. Instructor Debbie Thompson explains:

Tell us a little about yourself.

Hi, I am Debbie Thompson. I enjoy zumba, dancing, having fun, and teaching others about fitness and health.

Why did you decide to host Zumba classes at the 29th Street Community Center?

I received my Zumba certification last year, and I have lived in the Charles Village community for about 3 years now.  I also recently joined the Charles Village Civic Association as well, so I figured why not call the community center to see if they were seeking a Zumba instructor.  To my surprise Zumba was a program they were looking to have.

What’s your favorite thing about teaching Zumba at the community center?

My favorite thing about having my program at the community center is seeing a new face every week from the community.  They let me know that I am doing my job as an instructor, and people are enjoying the class.

Can you describe your class?

Most of the class consists of really fast paced movements to a variety of international music.  The first two songs are usually warm-up songs, followed by 7 fast paced songs, and ends with the cool down- which is usually involves stretches to help relax the muscles used during class.

My goal is for my participants to achieve any goal that they set for themselves prior to taking my Zumba class and for them to leave feeling energized, healthy, and fit.

Can you share a story about participant success?

An achievement that took place from my class is when a participant asked me if she could start doing the routines at home throughout the week and was it possible for her to find the routines online.  I told her that I choreograph everything, but if she wants to practice Zumba throughout the week, she can record me in class or look at videos online to practice.  Her interest in wanting to do Zumba throughout the week really made me happy, and let me know that my class is motivation for her to lose calories, be healthy, dance and have fun.

What are the biggest lessons that you hope your students learn?

That they learn how to have fun, gain confidence in their dancing abilities, and get the workout, cardio or energy they sought to gain from class.

Zumba meets every Saturday from noon to 1pm.  The cost is $7 per class.  Please contact Deborah Thompson at 443.202.5203 or a debalumni13@gmail.com for more information. Or visit her website at www.deborahthompson.zumba.com.