CORNING, N.Y. (WETM-TV) - Welcome to ZUMBA!Created "by accident" when a fitness instructor forgot his aerobics tape during a class in the 1990's, he improvised!
That mistake led to a melting pot of hip hop, salsa, and meringue, all combined into an interval workout that can burn nearly 500 calories in one hour.
"It's kind of like an aerobics of the 80's, back in the day. It has a new twist to it. A lot of Latino dancing,” ZUMBA instructor Jennifer Spencer said.
The best part, it's available all over the Twin Tiers for women, men, even children…Yes, someone like me who's still new to craze.
"This is not a dance class where you have to do exactly as the instructor. It's a non-judgmental situation,” Spencer said.
As fun and at times, "risqué" as it may seem, ZUMBA fitness is dancing for a more important cause here at home- C.A.S.A. of the Southern Tier.
It's a group of volunteers appointed by judges to help abused and neglected children in Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben counties.
"We recruit volunteers to go out, gather as much information about a child's life, so judges have all information, every time they make a decision. Judges have an average of 3 minutes to make a decision,” C.A.S.A. Executive Director, Amy Plumley said.
But that vital role in our community is at risk.
Recently, C.A.S.A. found out that the New York State Office of Court Administration is cutting $800,000 in funding this year because of budget constraints.
C.A.S.A. officials say it costs nearly $1,000 to support just one child.
"They’re struggling to have themselves be known out there. What a great event like “ZUMBA”-thon to get the word out,” Spencer said.
A “ZUMBA”-thon is being held at the Corning American Legion, Saturday, February 23rd, to get some of those funds back.
From 9 A.M. to 12:30 P.M., 10 different instructors from all over our area will gather to teach a class.
The cost is just $20.00.
You can stay as long as you want!
"We use the money to train volunteers and provide supervision for those volunteers,” Plumley said.
It’s a benefit not only for your health, but also the 79 at risk children C.A.S.A. says they already support.
"C.A.S.A. really likes to promote anything that encourages children to raise their self esteem and confidence levels,” Plumley said.
For more information on C.A.S.A. and the “ZUMBA”-thon, head to http://www.casasoutherntier.org/zumbathon2013.html
The “ZUMBA”-thon is open to everyone.
It will take place on Saturday, Feb. 23rd at the Corning American Legion located at 8 River Rd.
