G is for Group Classes

What better way to get your groove on than by taking a group class? It doesn't matter whether you have a partner or are going it alone; whether you are a social butterfly or a wallflower; whether you can tango or you can barely manage to tie your dance shoes. Group classes give you the opportunity to test the waters or to jump in with both feet.

Honestly, I was a little bit nervous to try my first group class at the gym. I showed up for a Zumba class not knowing anything about what to expect. It was fast and I couldn't follow most of it. I stood in the back and didn't talk to anyone while I tried to focus on just copying the steps without the arms, or the arms without the steps, or both. I sort of fumbled around tripping over my own two feet and flailing my arms sporadically. But there were others who were taking this same unorthodox approach to learning the moves, so I actually felt encouraged. I returned week after week, looking forward to each class. I started to try classes with other instructors. Each class had something different to offer. Each class had its own flavor.

Then, one day, I just needed to get out of the house and let loose. As a married, 41 year old mom of a preschooler, where am I going to go to let my freak flag fly? I ended up at a Zumba class at the local gym. The instructor was wearing a florescent pink fedora and lime green florescent cargo pants. The class was packed. The music started. The beat was hypnotic. And then, the instructor started dancing and everyone moved simultaneously, mimicking her gestures. I joined right in and was swept up in the moment, partying like it was 1999. After the class was over, we all filed out and I bounced back to my car. My passion for dancing temporarily satiated. I had found the group class to match my style of dance.

G is for group classes.