Fitness becomes enjoyable when Beto Perez demonstrates Zumba

Yes, I always knew it would be, but I didn’t know it would change so many lives the way it has – 15 million per week and counting! People have turned their lives around, created a career out of Zumba fitness. We’ve won awards and helped raise money for charities all over the world. My dream was that I wanted everyone to be able to benefit from and be  inspired by the Zumba programme and that has come true. 

I’ve watched videos of you teaching… Where does your constant energy and enthusiasm come from? 

From seeing the thousands of instructors and millions of people all over the world experiencing the positive effects of Zumba. When a person takes a Zumba class they don’t just see a change in fitness level and body shape – their happiness, self-esteem and confidence are also affected in a really positive way. It becomes part of people’s lives and something that they look forward to every week. And that makes me work harder too.

With so much to do managing the Zumba brand, do you even have time anymore to keep fit and dance? Do you yourself keep fit through Zumba?
Well, one of the great things about Zumba® is the diversity of our Zumba specialty classes. With 10 varieties of classes now available, there’s always a workout that fits the mood you’re in.

I really get all the cardio and muscle toning I need from mixing in different Zumba classes: Zumba® Toning (body sculpting), Zumba Sentao™ (a chair as a dance partner!), Aqua Zumba (the ultimate pool party!), our original Zumba® class and more keep me fit and feeling good.  And when I’m not in a Zumba class, the beauty of living in Miami is all the fresh air in the park near my home and of course the beautiful beaches!I also have a personal trainer that I meet with during the week and I teach A LOT of Zumba classes!

Where’s the most random place in the world that you are surprised to find a huge Zumba following? 
I visited the Outback in Australia a few years back. I landed at the airport in Alice Springs and there were dozens of Zumba fans and instructors waiting outside to greet me!

Is there a particular type of person that is attracted to the Zumba method?
There is no way to categorize a Zumba fan—but they are full of colour, passion and energy. What I love most about the Zumba programme is seeing how people have become inspired, genuine smiles, happiness and glowing faces—these things are what life is all about. Zumba is really for everyone. It’s a judgment-free platform and we welcome all shapes and sizes. 

Aside from burning up to 1,000 calories in an hour, what about the mental benefits of such a class and/or dancing as fitness? In other words, why should people drop the weights and boring gym routines and try this out? 
When you go out to the nightclubs with your friends, you can dance all night long without realising the calories you’re burning, and Zumba classes are the same way. And keeping with that social aspect, Zumba just really allows you to let loose for an hour—forget about everything and get lost in the music—while promoting really important facets like wellness and fighting stress. 

And because there’s this huge community aspect to Zumba classes, they always have been a great way to meet new people; Zumba enthusiasts look forward to seeing familiar faces and friends at their Zumba classes each week.
Happiness and joy are a pretty effective foundation to attract new people, and I think that explains the success of Zumba. 

What is the most insane thing that has happened to you and your brand since Zumba blew up? 
Landing the cover of Inc. Magazine and winning “Company of the Year”—that was huge for us on many levels.

Not that there aren’t enough already – video games, DVDs, hit singles, music videos, a clothing line etc. – but what new concepts can we expect from Zumba in 2015? 
So much and more! We are just getting started. We’ll continue to make headway in the music industry working with award-winning producers and we’ll also continue to improve the quality of our programmes and support of our instructors. I have such a passion for music and that is a major responsibility for me here at Zumba—to constantly be producing new music and choreography with artists from around the world.

Do you have any message for your Abu Dhabi fans ahead of the master class?  
I created Zumba because dancing is fun—it puts a smile on your face, and the fitness world had become so technical and lacked fun and energy. Zumba is about moving, it’s feeling the music and enjoying your workout—it just so happens that burning calories is an added bonus. So expect to let loose, feel the music, and have the party of a lifetime.

What: Zumba Masterclass
When: Friday, October 24
Where: du Forum, Yas Island
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ae
Contact & infromation: [email protected]