About Zumba®

Zumba® is the hottest new dance fitness craze that is taking the world by storm.  This dynamic and effective fitness system is based on unique Latin inspired international music and dance steps combined with fitness moves.  Zumba® was created by choreographer and fitness trainer, Alberto “Beto” Perez and has a basis of interval and aerobic training for what Zumba® has termed “intermediate training.”  This has been proven to burn more calories than traditional workout programs.  Zumba ®workouts are cardio based but combine sculpting exercises designed to tone the entire body.

It’s a fun workout designed for everyone, every shape and age and is not limited to dancers, fitness fanatics or seniors.  All exercisers, women, men, teenagers, from beginner to advance will enjoy the benefits of Zumba®.  Everyone is welcome in Zumba® classes!   

Ditch the workout, Join the Party!

 

In Our Classes we follow the Zumba® philosophy and use visual cueing in class verses the verbal cueing used in most traditional fitness classes.  In Zumba® this is done for many reasons, the main being, we want students to “feel the music” and that’s what helps create the party like atmosphere.  Also, Zumba® is International so technically you can attend a Zumba® class any where in the world and be able to participate. 

Cues in the music are used a lot to indicate changes in movements.  Many times the steps are not broken down in advance, but demonstrated during the class.  We tell our participants not to get caught up in doing the steps the “right way” or “like us.”  And we remind them that Zumba® is a dance fitness program and so the goal is to “get moving and keep moving.” 

About BZ Dance Fitness

BZ Dance Fitness Classes

BZ Dance Fitness brings inspiring, safe and effective fitness programs to our community.  We bring you fitness with flava making working out a unique and fun experience so you’ll want to come back.

We believe the key to getting and staying physically fit is consistency, variety and commitment.  We want to inspire participants to become regular exercisers.

We cater to the mind, body and soul to inspire participants to make health and fitness a priority in their lives.  We have decades of dance training and strong fitness backgrounds and we choose to focus and specialize in Zumba so that we bring you the best programs possible.

During my studies in college, I choreographed and performed with several campus dance troupes and also performed in several musical productions.  I began dancing salsa by accident after stopping for dinner at a local Latin Restaurant.  I missed dinner but was just in time for the Latin band.  I was asked to dance a salsa and was hooked.  I immediately took to Latin dancing and my progression in social dancing moved to East Coast Swing and then West Coast Swing.  In 2006, I entered a few Jack n’ Jill competitions and took 2^nd place in Newcomers and Novice categories at Niagara Swing Dance Championships and Swing City Chicago.

I moved to the Buffalo area in 2006 and after settling in started looking for some sort of fitness program.  I saw Zumba in the community education program and signed up for class.  After the first class I went home and Googled Zumba and noticed there was an instructor certification in my area and immediately signed up.  I started teaching Zumba in June 2007 and it’s been my passion ever since. 

If you’re looking to improve your overall health, to release some stress, to add some variety to your workout routine, to experience what the hype is all about, to just hang out and groove to some fabulous music, or whatever your reason may be come on out and join us for a fun, rockin’ workout. 

I’m a personal testament to one of the major benefits of Zumba—it keeps you young—I’m the mother of a 20 year old!!!!

BZ Dance Fitness Director & Lead Instructor: Joyce Burgess (sbj@buffalozumba.com)

Zumba in the Park (Summer 2009)

 

Hello, I’m Joyce (aka SBJ).   My formal education includes a bachelor degree in engineering and a MBA (masters in business), but my passion for dance, fitness, health and wellness has drawn me to Zumba.  It is so much more than a dance fitness program it has become a lifestyle for me and so many, many more of my Zumba family. I consider myself so blessed to be able to touch so many lives, meet so many extraordinary individuals, and bring a small piece of happiness, health, and inspiration to the world.  I thank Beto Perez and the Zumba Team from the bottom of my heart for creating such an fabulous program, being such a GREAT inspiration, and allowing me to bring Zumba to you. 

My road to Zumba started many years ago.  I’ve been dancing all my life and my background includes many years of dance and martial arts.  My dance training includes jazz, tap, ballet as well as salsa, bachata, merengue, cha cha and east and west coast swing.  I’ve been an AFAA certified personal trainer and believe the key to staying physically fit is to keep it fun, current and hyped. 

In my early years I danced and competed in tap, jazz and ballet with top placements in many solo and group categories.