Wimbledon Zumba Rhythms and Zumba Services

Explore the different types of Zumba rhythms used in our energetic and fun Zumba classes.

MERENGUE. From the Dominican Republic, Merengue is a core rhythms in Wimbledon Zumba classes at Wimbledon Fitness. With a musical range of between 120 to 160 beats per minute, it is a fast paced rhythm where every beat is equal with a heavy musical accent. Merengue songs and music incorporate musical instruments such as bass guitar, drums, mambo trumpets, accordion, guiro, Congo drums and tambora. The dembow beat is like one used for marching with each accented beat have the same value ie. 1 same 2 same 3 same 4 same. The dance moves originated as a circle dance with men and women dancers facing each other and holding hand at extended length. The time signature is either 2/4 ort 4/4.

In Wimbledon Zumba classes at Wimbledon Fitness typical steps include the March, Beto Shuffle, 6 Count Side to Side and 2 Step. The Merengue March is simply stepping on the spot in a marching fashion. Two step is forward and back. The Six Count is performed side to side slightly similar to a Cucaracha.

REGGAETON. This is an evolution of Jamaican dancehall music made popular in Panama and Puerto Rico. Shabba Ranks is considered a key influence in its emerging into mainstream music. The time signature is either 2/4 or 4/4 with beats on 1 and 5, soft beats on 2 and 6, and medium beats on 4, 7 and 8. Characteristic of Reggaeton is a heavy bass drum beat originating from Reggae-style drums. Other musical instruments that may be used include flamenco guitar, harpsichord, piano, bongos, strings and timpani. Typical Reggaeton steps at Wimbledon Zumba and Fitness include Stomps either single, double or alternating single and double; knee lifts, Destroza, and Step Bounces.

SALSA. A blend of cultural influences but heavily in debt to Cuba, Puerto Rico, Columbia. Salsa has many dance forms from its original Caribbean Cuban style to Cali style from Columbia with its fast footwork, New York Cross Body Salsa style, LA style and even London style a fusion of them all. Salsa dance can begin on the 1st Beat, 2nd Beat or 3rd Beat. Zumba styled fitness Salsa begins on Beat 1 for simplicity, A typical interpretation of Salsa beat is Beat 1, Beat 2, Beat 3, Pause on Beat 4 or in alternative speak Quick, Quick, Slow. The primary instrument families for salsa are strings, percussion and bass. Salsa music is a rich blend of musical instruments including trumpet, trombone, tres, clave, saxophone, conga, timbales, piano, bongos, congas, timbales, cowbell. The clave is the most significant instrument used and there is even a special musical/dance step clave beat. Salsa is played in 4/4 time traditionally in groups of 8 beats so salsa is dance in 8 beats per phrase in normal Salsa dance classes. Wimbledon Zumba and Fitness Zumba class moves include side steps or Cucarachas, Basic Salsa step forward and back, Rock backs and two steps pumping to sides.

CUMBIA. The dance form from mainly indigenous peoples, African slaves and Europeans in Columbia, South America with its prominent Creole character. Musical instruments include, Accordion, guache, maracas, whistles cana demillo and gaitas, cane flute, accordions, Tambora and Guiro. Time signature 2/4, 2/2 or 4/4 and Cumbia rhythm has the sensation when dancing of 1 hard & soft 2 hard & soft etc. In Wimbledon Zumba and Fitness we teach the two step forward and back on one foot then repeated using other foot, Cumbia regular or syncopated stomps, Sleepy Leg with Candle Arms, Machete/Sugar Cane movement with arms raised in air then brought down like working in a field with a scythe.

Latin Dance Styles

Learn the vibrant and lively Latin dance styles like Salsa, Merengue, and Reggaeton in our Wimbledon Zumba classes.

International Beats

Experience the diverse and dynamic international beats including Bollywood, Afrobeat, and Flamenco in our Wimbledon Zumba classes.