Learning How to Zumba at the Senior Center

Take a look at what a Zumba Gold class at the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Senior Center looks like and you'll be ready to put your dancing shoes on and join this enthusiastic group.

Taught by Laura Solow, whose classes were featured in Westchester Magazine's Best of Westchester 2008, the routines incorporate Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves that change pace and resistance to tone muscle and burn fat. Solow teaches Zumba Gold, which is geared for seniors but open to all, and regular Zumba at the Senior Center. The Zumba Gold classes began this February.

Zumba has its origins in Cali, Colombia, where founder "Beto" Perez came up with the concept while teaching an aerobic class. Having suddenly realized that he hadn't brought his aerobics tapes to class, Perez didn't have an option but to improvise a routine combining his favorite Latin music and dance steps.

Perez brought Zumba to the United States in 1999, and it has since spread everywhere, including, as you'll see in the video to the right, Mamaroneck.

Maria Gallagher, assistant superintendent at the Senior Center, says the seniors love Zumba (some have even bought their own belly dance wrap belts) because it allows them to do something their daughters are doing, but at their own pace. "Zumba is the newest thing and they are truly excited that they are doing something that new out there," she said.

To attend a class at either the VFW Building (next to Trader Joe's) or the Elks Lodge (behind the Mamaroneck Diner), check out Solow's Web site.