Hot Latin superstar Pitbull and Zumba’s creator Beto Perez can both be found in the above video that we are doing our best to emulate in class. Pitbull has a new album coming out and Zumba’s tenth anniversary is approaching (see it really isn’t a new fitness craze) so this collaboration is mutually beneficial. Two Zumba education specialists are featured as the backup dancers – well backup is not really the right word here. I am not familiar with Melissa, but Lindsay, the dark haired one, has done a couple of training videos for instructors and I’ve done a workshop with her as well. She’s fabulous and not nearly as intimidating as she appears here! Really quite sweet!
I also hope you can appreciate some of Beto’s quirky charm in this video although the relatively simple steps do not showcase what an amazing dancer he is. As I write this, I realize that’s part of Zumba’s appeal – it is not about showing off. It doesn’t reveal the people in the room with the most impressive dance skills and embarrass the rest. It is inclusive. The “choreo” is intentionally simple because Zumba is a fitness class and fitness is for everyone.
Just a few of my notes regarding this song: I tend to take a much larger lunge than they do in the video. I feel like my knees appreciate it. If you don’t want to do the drop then just do the lunge and bop along to the music however you like. Same with the “Matrix” lean – modify as needed. Use your own style during the verse parts – the simple two-step should give you a chance to have fun with your arms and upper body.
And for goodness' sake, wear practical shoes!