Campus Rec hosts an artistically diverse fiesta

Tonight at the Student Recreation Center, students will have a chance to participate in a variety of Zumba classes, eat dinner and enjoy performances from UNC dance and a capella groups — all for just $3.

This event, called “Zumba Fiesta,” was loosely based on similarly themed Zumba events Campus Recreation has held in the past. What makes this year different is that marketing and special events coordinator for Campus Rec Colleen Daly invited UNC Bhangra Elite, Misconception Hip Hop Dance Company, the UNC Achordants and Cadence to perform as well.

Daly described the fun, party atmosphere she hoped would encompass this event as “part Zumba, but all fiesta.”

“Zumba Fiesta” is from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and in those two hours four different “mini” Zumba classes will be taught for 20 minutes a piece, intermittent with entertainment from each performance group. The event, which also has a $5 deal for two, will be held in the SRC studios.

The UNC Achordants and Cadence will even have a sing-off in between Zumba, Daly said.

Moe’s Southwest Grill will cater the event, and there will even be a raffle for prizes donated by local business Johnny T-shirt.

Zumba is a 21st century dance fitness program with Latin influences from salsa, reggaeton, merengue and cumbia that are taught in UNC Campus Recreation classes.

Daly said she thinks Zumba is great exercise because you don’t realize you’re working out since you are having so much fun.

“Zumba is what the definition of physical fitness should be: enjoying movement,” she said.

Reynolds, who has been a Zumba instructor since her freshman year, said her class will include more reggaeton and hip-hop routines.

“I think (this event) is a great way to get a different workout and for some students who have never done Zumba before to test the water,” Reynolds said.

Senior journalism major Nidhi Singh, a captain of Bhangra Elite, said that just like Zumba, Bhangra is a very lively form of dance.

Singh also said she is excited for the group to share their passion for dance to other people outside of her Bhangra bubble.

“People who do Zumba appreciate different types of dance, which makes the perfect audience for us,” Singh said.

Singh said she appreciates the passionate instructors and that this event is different than what you normally see at other places.

“Zumba is a good way for people to have fun while staying physically active,” she said.

arts@dailytarheel.com