Monday, October 9, 2017
Remember Zumba? The 2010 dance-exercise craze that took the nation by storm? Well its not done yet - if anything, it's more popular than ever. As Zlife.com mentioned earlier this year, "dance cardio is still a thing, and it will never not be a thing."
And for Milwaukee Recreation instructor Rose Tapia, Zumba is more than just "a thing;" it has become a way of life.
Tapia, who was born and raised in Milwaukee, and attended MPS' Grandview High School, finally got into Zumba after a wake-up call from her doctor.
"At the time, I weighed 253 pounds, and my doctor was screaming that I needed to take blood pressure medication. I refused, but when he yelled at me, I told myself I had to do something."
That is when Tapia went back to her roots. As a high schooler, she was a very active dancer, heading all over town for various dance battles.
"One of my friends took me to a Zumba class for the very first time because she knew that I was a dancer [in my teenage years]," Tapia said. "And after my first Zumba class, I realized that you could have fun and get fit at the same time. From there, I dropped 73 pounds and kept sharing and spreading the Zumba love."
After beginning as a Zumba student, Tapia shifted to an instructor role, gaining her certification in 2012, and joining the Milwaukee Recreation team three years ago. And since Milwaukee Recreation created Wellness Days through the MPS C.A.R.E.S. iniative, Tapia has taken on an even bigger role. She has led the Zumba classes at several Wellness Day events throughout the year, and will be back for another activity later this month at Pulaski High School.
"When it comes to teenagers these days, I think it's so important that they be introduced to [Zumba]," Tapia said.
"Not only the fitness part of it, but I think it is a stress relief in a way for students. Every Wellness Day that I've done, [the kids] have loved it, and I think they need to be educated on fun ways to stay fit. You can beat diabetes, heart disease, and other [illnesses] like that [through Zumba.]"
Wellness Days and Zumba are for community members of all ages, but Tapia's classes have a unique draw for young people.
"[Young people] are more interested because of the dance and the music. That's what opens them up; as soon as they hear my playlist, they're on the floor. They're ready to go, and I think I can reach out to them, and keep them on the right path as far as staying fit and healthy."
And there may be a reason for her influence on the younger generation - Tapia's music is straight out of the mid-2000's. When asked what song was her biggest hit, Tapia went with "Pump It" by the Black Eyed Peas.
"I choreograph all my stuff, and I incorporate martial arts movement, kickboxing movement, along with dance, and non-traditional aerobics."
Tapia will be featured at this month's free Wellness Day. Come on out to Pulaski High School on Oct. 25 for a Zumba class, as well as Tae Kwon Do, and a football challenge!
And if you do take part in Tapia's Zumba, make sure to remember the words of will.i.am: "Turn up the radio, blast the stereo, right." You can guarantee that Tapia will be doing just that.