Why I Ditched Karaoke for Zumba
by Sarah Belluhm
I realize that not every military wife can handle the demands of karaoke; some girls prefer bingo, learning pole dancing, participating in spin class or just enjoying regular coffee nights with the girls. But I had no idea what I was in for when a military wife friend invited me to join her at the rec plex for Zumba.
Staff Writer Sarah Belluhm
"It's just like going dancing. you don't even notice that it's a work-out!" she implored,"Just try it once with me, you'll love it. Trust me, just throw on a pair of yoga pants and meet me there!"
I just couldn't. Since Zumba classes were on the same night as two of my karaoke nights, I couldn't possibly go and miss performing. My friend mentioned it every time I saw her, and I promised I'd go some night if karaoke was cancelled.
Then fate struck, and a lingering head cold turned into tonsillitis. I couldn't do karaoke with a croaky throat, and was bored stiff sitting there just watching. I decided to drive myself to the rec plex, and check out why the girls were so crazy about Zumba. I wore my yoga pants so I wouldn't stick out like a sore thumb and told myself that since I was sick, I would mostly just watch from the back of the class where I could make fun of everyone.
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For the first few minutes, I was skeptical. All of these women had been there for a while, and of course they were having a good time - they knew all the moves. Being a newbie, I couldn't possibly enjoy myself as much as they were and I'll admit that I did feel a bit like a wallflower while they were all giggling and dancing.
Then, something happened as I observed. The catchy latin beats had my feet tapping, my shoulders moving and my hips gyrating like I was possessed. I stood up, took my place in the line up, and the music took me like some sort of voodoo. The moves were easy enough and even if I didn't get them perfect, I just kept moving to the music. I assumed I would be exhausted after the class, but I felt this strange rush and actually felt like I could go for another hour.
Of course, the next day I was a bit sore but I'd decided. I wouldn't give up my karaoke entirely, but once a week I'm not singing, I'm dancing. I have become yet another Zumba Zombie.... and soon, you will too.
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