Happy Zumba 

Editor:

It was great to read that your staff writer Stephanie Silvia has found a Zumba class she is excited about. ("Joyous Zumba," July 21) As a teacher of two out of the 60 Zumba classes that are being taught within a 25 mile radius of Arcata, I always love to see that Zumba Fitness has touched the life of another happy participant.  As a clarification to your article, Zumba Fitness began in 2001. It just celebrated its 10 year anniversary.

Also, part of the Zumba philosophy is to support peer teachers. We really are like a family. Although I have not taken a Zumba class at Healthsport, I'm sure the young teachers you mentioned were doing a great job, and were just perfect for other types of students. I imagine Marla must have also put up a red flag to that comment when she read your article. We try not to critique other teachers' abilities, especially in a public forum.

A couple other tidbits off the Zumba.com website: "...the Zumba program has grown to become the world's largest - and most successful - dance-fitness program with more than 12 million people of all shapes, sizes and ages taking weekly Zumba classes in over 110,000 locations across more than 125 countries." Wow!

For more information about the program or to find classes including Zumba Toning (Zumba w/weights), Aqua Zumba, Zumba in the Circuit (Zumba + Curves), and Zumba Gold (slower paced), readers should go to zumba.com.

Here's to a healthy lifestyle!

Ann Youmans, Bayside