I’m going to put a few spreads from my book, Life on Orcas Island, on this blog periodically so you get a feel for who and what is inside.
This photo on the left is of Alyson Stephens, our beloved local physical therapist and Zumba instructor. Here she’s in the middle of Camp Orkila’s ROAR – a Rogue Obstacle Adventure Race.
While in the middle of a Zumba class the other day, I was thinking about how I need to tell people about it. Whenever I’m doing Zumba, I’m wishing more people knew about it and had the chance to try it. It’s already fairly full right now, but attendance can change by the day, and you just have to try Zumba sometime if you love music, exercising, and dancing.
It’s Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8-9 o’clock, and it’s as gentle or as challenging as you want to make your movements.
Alyson has been leading it since 2011 and she is gifted at it! I think every single person there would agree. She is a bright, positive light who is always encouraging and never ever judgmental.
I love Zumba because on quiet, sleepy mornings, you walk in the Odd Fellows Hall and begin dancing right off the bat to fun, blasting music from all different influences – Caribbean, African, Brazilian, Indian, etc. Your view out the side windows is the stunning panorama of Indian Island and the Sound, and everyone who comes is supportive and kind toward each other.
I also love Zumba because it isn’t a verbal, teaching class. Alyson teaches by her movements and her subtle hand and voice cues. There is no stopping and left-braining it until you get it. It just starts and never stops. In fact, you realize early on that overthinking any of it is futile. Instead, you just let go of your concentration and let the music and fluidity sweep you into the movements. The key is pretending you are Alyson’s mirror, and your body and muscles take over.
I also really love that Zumba is not a class that leads up to performances in front of an audience. While I enjoy performing or competing in certain realms, this one isn’t one of them. I just love the present moment and the enjoyment of it without any link to having to “shine” or having to be watched by others.
I love to challenge myself, so Zumba is a sweaty affair! If you go, make sure you bring water and a washcloth to wipe your face (and whole self) now and then.
You can also do Zumba via Zoom, so that’s another option if you like staying home. Alyson will send you what you need to do that.
Here is more information about Alyson and the class. It is free your first time, $7 per class, or $30 for the month.
I tend to do Zumba over the summer months because during the school year my kids have to be at school by 8:30, which is right in the middle of the class. I might have to start getting them to school early so that I can arrive to Zumba around 8:15.
Thank you, Alyson, for providing this wonderful outlet for us. When you enjoy something so much you want to tell everyone about it, and that’s how I feel about your Zumba class!
