Discover the Best Zumba Classes in NYC
Zumba melds together Latin-inspired dance with exciting salsa music to deliver high-energy workouts to more than 15 million people each week. Famous for its animated instructors and positive vibes, the fitness style includes pre-choreographed dance moves that even beginners can follow along with. Because Latin and international music play a key role in the fun of Zumba, the dance form takes its name from the Cuban music genre, rumba.
Relying on interval training, Zumba is an effective cardio workout that also helps learners gain agility and balance. In addition to dance, some Zumba classes also include additional skills such as strength training and water aerobics.
The Zumba brand was trademarked by Beto Pérez, a Colombian dancer, in 2001 as part of Zumba Fitness L.L.C. Today, Zumba is loved by millions across the world, with classes happening weekly in over 180 countries.
Why You Should Learn Zumba in NYC
Often hailed as a dance party camouflaged as a fitness routine, Zumba is just plain fun. In fact, Zumba is sustainable as a long-term fitness regimen for the average person largely because it remains constantly exciting. When it comes to getting past that motivation hump that prevents you from exercising, Zumba is the perfect sport. Even those who live sedentary lives due to metabolic disorders can keep up the habit of exercising when they try Zumba.
For those who love Zumba, dancing can have incredibly positive effects on their health. Zumba is a remarkably effective workout, with studies showing benefits for both heart and lung capacity.
Likewise, Zumba can do wonders for your mental health. In the process of developing greater agility with an inspirational teacher, many Zumba enthusiasts also start to perceive themselves and their bodies in a more positive light.
With classes spread across the globe as well as online, Zumba has become more accessible than ever. In addition, with most Zumba courses falling between $5 and $25, it’s not hard to find classes that fit your budget constraints.
In-Person Zumba Classes & Schools in NYC
Many Zumba enthusiasts will attest that learning Zumba in-person is more supportive and fun than ever. Encouraging instructors can walk you through moves that you’re struggling with and give you feedback to help you grow faster. In addition, you’ll likely make friends that share your interest in dance fitness.
In-person Zumba classes offer many conveniences that other class formats don’t. For instance, aside from clothing and dance shoes, you likely won’t need to supply any extra equipment for the class. Simply take advantage of top-notch dance floors and aerobics pools, along with additional gear such as chain tassels and toning sticks.
Along with Zumba, you can also explore other forms of dance fitness in-person, including popular cultural dance forms like belly dance, Bollywood, and salsa. For their workouts, many people also enjoy ballet, hip-hop, and pole dancing.
Like Zumba, belly dance is known for its ability to give you a thrilling workout while helping you build inner confidence. SHEBA Belly Dance School in Midtown, Manhattan offers a Beginner Belly Dance class where you’ll learn basic belly dance moves and posture. In addition to dance skills, the class also explores body awareness and promises plenty of fun.
In South Midtown, Manhattan, you can also participate in a SharQui – The Bellydance Workout that focuses even more on burning calories and sculpting the body. Whether you’re a beginner or you want to build on previous belly dancing experience, this class offers an easy-to-follow, yet challenging dance workout. As a bonus, the course is taught by two instructors, meaning double the opportunity for feedback and learning.
If you’re interested in learning a Latin dance style similar to Zumba, think about attending the Salsa Beginner 101 class at Nieves Latin Dance Studio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Like Zumba, salsa has its origins in Cuba and is loved throughout South America. After a thirty-minute workshop on Salsa footwork, you’ll launch into an exhilarating hour of partnered dancing.
Alternatively, if you’d like to learn how to move more gracefully, Bridge For Dance has a Ballet (Basic) course. Dancing to classical music, you’ll not only grow stronger and more flexible; you’ll learn to move your body with precision. You’ll probably even find yourself walking with more poise outside of class.
Virtual Zumba Classes & Schools
Some people find that getting out the door is half the battle when it comes to getting their workout done. If you’re one of those people, then learning Zumba in a live online class may be for you. Without leaving home, you can still dance your heart out with the help of a highly motivating instructor who cheers you on in real-time.
With just a web-connected device, you can pick from classes hosted all over the world and immediately start bringing more positive energy into your home. If you need to gather any equipment needed for your class, your instructor will usually provide a list with recommendations on where to purchase items.
In addition to your equipment, you’ll need to make sure your space is right for Zumba. Plan on needing at least 40 to 50 square feet of free space to move around in and maintain a temperature between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Browse online Zumba classes by visiting CourseHorse.
Join Fit4Dance’s Virtual Lit Fit class for a thrilling workout full of smiles, sweat, and saucy dance moves. You’ll learn choreography inspired by several different Latin dance styles and develop greater self-confidence as you learn from Laci Chisholm, a dancer with 25 years of experience under her belt. In this upbeat environment, beginners and Zumba veterans alike join together for forty-five minutes of calorie burning fun.
If you’re interested in learning additional styles of dance fitness outside of Zumba, CourseHorse can also connect you with online classes exploring ballet, belly dance, hip hop, modern dance, and more. For a unique cultural dance experience, check out the Online Beginner Belly Dance course offered by Dance of Venus. Similar to Zumba, belly dancing will have you sweating and smiling as you develop strength and range of motion. As you learn to dance with grace, your inner confidence will grow until you’re able to belly dance without any extra help.
For the classical music enthusiasts out there, 92nd Street Y’s online Beginner Ballet class. As you learn how to move with grace and precision, you’ll gain flexibility and lean muscle. Under the tutelage of Susan Rosenbaum, a celebrated dancer native to New York, your posture will improve and before you know it, you’ll be feeling fabulous in your body.
If you’d like to focus specifically on gaining greater flexibility and range of motion, Anna Griffin Dance offers a Ballet Barre Online class just for that. You’ll learn dance techniques for stretching and practice graceful routines designed to help you develop rhythm and coordination. Each routine is created with both beginners and experienced dancers in mind, and will help you improve no matter where you’re at when you start. Anna Griffin shapes each class towards students’ individual needs, whether you’re new to dance, recovering from injury, or are an old hand who wants personalized feedback.
If you’re someone who feels a little out of touch with your body, 92nd Street Y’s online Modern Dance (Open Level) class could be a safe way to strengthen the connection. Dancing to modern music, you’ll mindfully explore how your body interacts with breath, space, and weight. Through several class sessions, Gloria McLean will guide you through movements designed to make you stronger, more flexible, and more aware of your body.
Private Group Zumba Classes in NYC
Does your event need a dance party to liven things up? With Zumba classes, anyone can participate—no prior dance experience needed. Brought to you by CourseHorse, Zumba courses for private groups in NYC are a great way to increase overall confidence among team members at businesses and organizations of all types.
Along with Zumba classes, CourseHorse offers group stretching classes for the perfect calming activity. The Virtual Group Stretching and Alignment class is a great option for parties that include diverse mobility needs, as exercises can be easily adapted for varying levels of flexibility. As your group learns dance stretches for increasing range of motion and flexibility, you’ll also have the chance to re-center yourself.
If your group needs an even more beginner-friendly stretching course, CourseHorse also has a Virtual Chair Stretching class that’s great for office workers. In addition to dance techniques, the course also includes stretching techniques from Gyrotonics and Yoga. As a low-impact form of exercise, chair stretching is appropriate for people with almost all mobility levels.
Booking through CourseHorse comes with many perks that are well worth it. For instance, there are no additional booking fees when you schedule classes with them, and you’ll get confirmation in under 24 hours. For added flexibility, you can also change the size of your group after booking. No need to cancel or reschedule.
Additionally, if the type of Zumba class you're looking for isn’t available for groups, CourseHorse has a solution for that too. When you message them online, they can connect you with additional Zumba classes to give your group the time of their lives.
