Dance is a language that some are born fluent in, but the only requirement to salsa with the Zumba crew at Cross County is a willingness to try.
From June 5th to August 7th, visitors can freely bust a move without busting out their credit cards with classes on the green lawn at the shopping center. Sessions are open to anyone from elementary school kids to seniors, if they enjoy the vibrant beats of Salsa, merengue, and reggaeton and the summer heat.
With the average price ranging from $10-$15 per class, the 10 free classes of the Summer Fest Zumba series save attendees around $150 on gym fees.
With a low barrier to entry, Cross County provides an inclusive environment for anyone to attend. Zumba classes were designed to be welcoming, free-flowing workouts to be adjusted for individuals at different ages and fitness levels. The free workout classes offer not only an outlet for physical activity, singing, and relieving stress. It's also a stage for friendship to develop.
“This is something that’s good for the community,” said Chrissy Lorenzo, from The Bronx. “There’s not many free classes like this.”
Guillermo Ruiz, the instructor, has been teaching Zumba for 14 years. “[IT] works, and it’s family. It helps your brain and your body,” said Ruiz.
Consistent attendance will yield measurable benefits like a smaller waist or a bigger savings account, but some benefits are intangible.
Researchers at Making Caring Common, a project of the Harvard Graduate School of Education, have found that since the Covid-19 lockdown ruptured social life, 1-in-5 Americans have reported experiencing loneliness. "High percentages of lonely respondents reported social-emotional loneliness, for example, not feeling part of meaningful groups (67%) and not having enough close friends or family (61%)," the reports says.
Americans are clamoring for a sense of belonging and community. Lockdown created a craze for outdoor activity and human connection that's here to stay and the research supports it.
The study recommends a focus on creating "social infrastructure that enables people to find and sustain meaningful connections." Making Caring Common also found that "seventy-five percent of adults in our survey reported wanting “more activities or fun community events” as well as “public spaces that are more accessible and connection-focused, like green spaces and playgrounds.” Under this criteria a simple Zumba class transforms into a impactful social infrastructure.
During lull moments and water breaks all members of the class smiled and laughed with one another. Once class ended members embraced and took photos together.
The golden summer sun shone on the dancers while excited children jumped in to strike a pose. The group, adorned in yellow to fit the color theme, resembled a team having won. For Frances Reyes Maldonado, a Zumba instructor from Manhattan, attending class is a victory.
He says “you get to have friendship and you get to dance and learn new choreography. It brings a lot of happiness.”
Summer Fest Zumba is located on The Green lawn in the center of Cross County Shopping Center, Thursdays from 6:15pm - 7:00pm from June 5 - August 7. Be sure to wear the color of the day July 24 Green | July 31 Blue | August 7 Purple