Natural Gidney Mrs.

Davis English 1101-007 November 21, 2013 It was a cold, cloudy Sunday evening the day I attended my first real Zumba class. As I sat on the cold floor of the studio, all of the participants were already taking their positions throughout the studio. Chatting with their peers and stretching their bodies in preparation for the workout. Hows everybody doing?! the instructor exclaimed. As the music began to play, the warm up began. Although I spent my first time attending Zumba class being a spectator, the information that I gathered was tremendous. I first came up with the idea of doing research on a Zumba class because I wanted to find a fun way to stay healthy and fit. Running on a treadmill or simply walking around a track is uninteresting and doesnt make me enthused about working out so the thought of attending a Zumba class, was the most appealing to me. Throughout this ethnography report, I will give details on my experience of Zumba class, provide a personal interview with the instructor, and include extensive notes from my observations. Since I am both an insider and outsider of this particular group, I hope to create a visual aid of how a normal Zumba class is and the norms of the community itself. To gather exclusive information about the community, I asked several questions to one of the Zumba instructors himself, Matthew Richman. These questions included: How did you become interested in Zumba class? What motivates you to work out so diligently? How do you keep class interesting within the dance routines? What do you hope to gain from being a Zumba instructor? What are the pros and cons of being a Zumba instructor? Do you think it is your responsibility to invite others to your class or let them decide for themselves? Is it easy balancing school and work? What are the purposes/goals of the Zumba class? What do you do so that everyones needs are met within the workout? Do you use Zumba class as an escape mechanism? His responses clearly reflected that he has a true passion for Zumba. He explained the fact that he likes to see others improve within their physical abilities and he enjoys seeing people smiling, having fun, and enjoying themselves. The goal of Zumba class would be as long as you enjoy it and as long as you feel like youre getting a workout, thats really all that matters. he said. This quote alone all goes back to my reason for attending the class initially, to have fun during a workout. On that Sunday evening at my first Zumba session, there were approximately 42 people in the class. A variety of ethnicities and races made up the participants. Majority of the group were slender Caucasian girls, the instructor is an African American woman, there were 3 African American girls, 2 older Caucasian women, 1 African American woman who looked to be in her 30s, 6 Asians, and approximately18 minorities. They also were accompanied by 2 guys, one is Caucasian and the other one is a minority. Being aware of my surroundings, I discovered that my previous predictions were right because before the observations I predicted that the class was going to be comprised with many physically fit Caucasian girls, maybe 2 guys, and 2 African Americans females. What was even more surprising was the fact that the instructor was African American and that the instructor that I interviewed was a male. These findings are shocking to me because according to my data, majority of Zumba classes are made up of Caucasian females so you would think that a Caucasian woman would be the instructor. The demographics found within the Zumba class ultimately taught me to never be stereotypical. Although my assumptions were right about the Zumba class, based on the ethnicity and gender of the instructors, I was thoroughly surprised. I was not expecting to see a male or an African American being a Zumba

Natural Gidney Mrs. Davis English 1101-007 November 21, 2013 instructor but I am glad that I did because I like to find out new information and seeing people reach their goals even if that means being different. As I looked around the room trying to make note of every detail, I noticed that just about everyone within the class had on colorful Nike running shoes. Working through the warm up, I noticed that the more advanced participants were towards the front of the room while the people who really werent that comfortable stayed in the back. The students who were neither beginner nor advanced trickled throughout the middle of course. I like to call the people ranging from the middle to the front, the regulars. As the warm up concluded, they moved into a much faster Latin song. Get ready guys 1, 2, 3! Everyone began to dance trying to remain with the rhythm of the music and with the dance moves of the instructor. Once everyone got the repetition of the motions to the dance, they enjoyed themselves a lot more. Breathe! During the dance routines, I took notice that approximately of the class were not physically fit and also approximately 4 people were overweight/heavier than the majority. They continued to try to keep up with everyone else though. After the next dance was over, I observed that the participants began to work up a sweat. One minority girl decided to give up. Guys, take a water break if you need it the instructor said. As the break ended, everyone came back to their positions and was ready to see what was next. The instructor taught a new dance step by step. The music began to play and everyone started to dance with the instructor. The song choice for this dance was really fast with many motions. The people in the front and in the middle kept up well and seemed to be enjoying their workout while the people in the back were struggling. The instructor was so energetic and spunky. She came throughout the rows during the dance to make sure everyone had the equal opportunity to fully learn the dance and also provide encouraging words. She noticed that the back row was struggling some so she moved towards the back and started dancing in front of them. I believe that this was a positive decision because now, they wouldnt feel so lost within the workout and they could also better enjoy Zumba. The instructor allotted for another water break and when they came back this time she announced that they would be doing a Soul Train line! I think that this was a smart way of personalizing and incorporating individuals own dance moves. They could dance how theyd like and would still be getting a workout. All of the participants were smiling, laughing, and having a good time dancing. The people standing on the sides were stepping side to side and clapping their hands so everyone was in constant motion, still burning calories. I like how she gave the class a chance to be free and in a way, take class in their own hands and making it into something that they would like to do. Nice! I love it! she would say. After the Soul Train line, the instructor wanted everyone to find a new place in the room to prepare for the cool down. As they began to stretch and move slowly, everyone seemed much calmer than before. Get that heart rate down. And as the class prepared for dismissal I realized that this was in the norm for them. This is one of the factors that make me an outsider. I had no idea that they had a cool down song but obviously, they were fully aware. After the cool down/stretch song was over, class was dismissed. My second observations were taken place on a gloomy, rainy Sunday evening. There were a lot less people there than it was during the first session. In my second observations the demographics were about the same as they were during the first session. They started off with the warm-up, but this time, Matthew was the instructor. Hey guys, how are yall today? Did

Natural Gidney Mrs. Davis English 1101-007 November 21, 2013 any of yall go watch the soccer game? They all began to chatter about the soccer team in that they had just won the championship game. I noticed that he tries to get to know the participants within the class. Approximately 18 out of the 29 people who were initially there were at the first session I attended. This is proof that they obviously enjoy Zumba and are dedicated to their workout. As the workout began, I noted that Matthews style of dancing was slightly different from that of the other instructors. He uses more techno music and pop more than he does Latin. The participants still seemed to be enjoying themselves and the music as they continued to dance along to the beat. After that song was over, he proceeded to teach a new dance step-by-step. As he finished with the instructions, the music began to play. Are you ready guys? 1, 2, 3! This song was much faster than that of the previous song. It was a Latin song and the only words I could understand were Zumba, Zumba! I dont think that the students anticipated it being so fast because very few were able to keep up, but as long as they were still moving and enjoying themselves, I knew Matt was happy. Good job guys! Go get some water. he said. During this water break I decided to take full advantage of one of the insiders within the community. The few questions I asked her goes as follows: Why do you come to Zumba? Do you enjoy it? Whats your favorite part about Zumba? She answered them by saying that she comes to Zumba to get her daily source of exercise, she attends every session, and that she really enjoys herself when she comes to classes. She then went on to tell me that her favorite part about Zumba is the fact that she can make new friends and have fun while staying fit. That just gave me confirmation that the claims I made about my discourse community are accurate. Individuals come to Zumba for pure enjoyment. Once the water break was over he asked for any special requests and they all wanted Gangnam Style! So of course Matthew gave them what they wanted. That was the last song before it was time to cool down and then dismiss. In a personal aspect, the fact that I actually found a workout method that allows me to have fun, make friends, and feel comfortable was a big positive. My original desire to even observe a Zumba class was all based upon the fact that I wanted to be physically fit and toned and Im glad that I found something that would satisfy me mentally and physically. The fact that I can also meet new people and create friendships with others is also a positive. Its all about networking and creating bonds with others. I am really excited to finally become a part of the discourse community of Zumba class. Although I am not really an athletic person, I am depending on Zumba to assist me with getting in shape and enhancing my stamina. In conclusion, the evidence from my observations shows that the participants of Zumba are undoubtedly enjoying their time working out. My main claim from this evidence is that majority of the participants attend Zumba sessions for pure enjoyment because of the warm atmosphere and the fact that the instructors actually take the time to get to know the people within their class. The participants really seemed like they enjoyed Zumba. Thats why so many of them know all of the dances and has knowledge of whats going on in the class or whats coming up next because they are faithful members of the community. After my observations, I am now aware of how Zumba class works and how it feels to be an insider. I like the fact that we get a chance to personalize a dance, can have fun while burning calories, and that theres constant motion. Dancing targets all areas of the body so even though individuals are working out, the fact that theyre having fun makes it seem less painful to endure.

Natural Gidney Mrs. Davis English 1101-007 November 21, 2013 Zumba is a way to not only have fun while exercising, but also remain physically fit. Theres no better way to become fit, make friends, and enjoy your workout than Zumba!