More Training

Signed on for Joy's Zumba Basics Level 2 in February. I figure I'll just keep kickin' it with this until I fall over. Can't wait to improve my Samba and Bhangra. As for the Toning training coming up in January, My 56-year-old upper arm flaps may be beyond hope, but that doesn't mean I can't work it in.

ZumbaLove

One of the coolest things about Zumba is its core value of non-judgement. You cannot be a true Zumbian if you are catty. I made the effort to introduce myself and talk with a woman who'd been an irritation to me class after class. I was complaining to others, and being a self-righteous poopy pants. People who irritate you are simply a reflection of a weakness in yourself...they are what my spiritual teacher, Angeles Arrien, calls a "smoky mirror." (sorry Chris, you've heard this schpeel 1000 times).

So I think my new years resolution is forming in the way of walking up to my smoky mirrors with windex and a soft cloth...which is why I am going to the NVC/MFCC mat with my sister in January. And hopefully a Zumba class together.

xxoo

Dirty Dancing

I was talking with my friend the other day about the cultural differences between "acceptable" or at least "understood" latin dance stylings in pubic settings. What may be a lively and passionate expression of life in one context may look to spectators who've never been to the dance's country of origin like, well, a graceful, erotic, extended humping session. I just watched, for the first time, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights. The defense rests. I'm out on the next plane...

Training Continues

Recently signed up for the Zumba Toning Instructor Training in January with Abraham Hernandez. Driven to get Zumba notches in my belt. All those little qualification logos look so impressive on the resume. What's gotten into me, oh ye multitude of Zumbista blog followers? (Hi Diablito, how's it going?)

Food and Zumba

I've been eating a super low carb/high fat/high protein diet (Ok, it's the evil Atkins) for a couple of months now and I feel ready to go hunt down a mastadon. My endurance for Zumba and general high spirits are off the charts. Weight is down. But Christmas is coming and I am, when all is said and done, a total hedonist. We shall see.

Little Lesson Learned Today

Because I'm not a trained dancer (other than Balkan)  I struggle with looking clean and precise, especially with hands, arms, and landings. Part of that is strength, but also learning how to practice. Desiree suggested trying to finesse just a couple of moves in one particular dance, rather than trying to work on it constantly with every dance. Great advice.

I Heart My Zumba Peeps

WOO HOO - Just led my first Zumba Class at Toadal Fitness on the Westside. What a toadal BLAST! Aside from not having a functioning sound system at the beginning, and everyone asking me: Wait... where's Lee??? (Zumba Goddess whose shoes I was filling) it went great. I was flanked by Christo Diablito and John Perez, so we had quite the cool posse up front, and I hereby thank them so very much for being there for me. What a dream to dance with those two ...AT THE SAME TIME!

Welcome to La Zumbista

Greetings Zumba Friendlies. When I get a chance, I will be sharing thots and whatnot here. But right now, I have to practice my chops for my first ever class lead at Toadal Fitness on the Westside, Sunday the 5th of Dec. Woo Hoo!