"In Occupational Therapy, occupations refer to the everyday activities that people do as individuals, in families and with communities to occupy time and bring meaning and purpose to life. Occupations include things people need to, want to and are expected to do."
I am an Occupational Therapist (OT) who has enjoyed the joy of learning, educating and providing therapeutic and consultative services to different populations in various settings for forty years. This summer, I had the grand experience of adding the occupations of Zumba dancing and instruction to my portfolio of play and purpose. In the Spanish language, the word Zumba means, "buzz like a bee and move fast."
A student of Zumba seems so much easier for me than an instructor of Zumba...Follower vs. Leader! [Same dichotomy occurs for me in swing dancing and Balboa]. The whimsical and free-spirited approach to Zumba dancing is throttled by the responsibility and multi-tasking of Zumba instruction! Creating choreography, remembering choreography and demonstrating choreography for sixty minutes have my brain on overdrive! With that surge in dendritic activity and quickened movements is a flurry of endorphin release and resultant excitation that makes me incredibly happy!
The elements of musicality, beats per minute (at least 150 beats per minute) and rhythm changes add to the conglomeration of the musical and movement experience. A room filled with women and an occasional man collectively enjoin energetically and create a palate of undulations, gesticulations and rotations. The shared experience of circular motions, amplified music and array of dance steps create an arena of camaraderie and compassion for each other!
Choosing this new path has brought me great joy, excitement, insight and cardio challenges!!! Oh, and did I mention a 10lb. weight loss!?! I look forward to the unfolding story of Zumba in my life. Seasonal Affective Disorder, you have met your match!
you are amazing
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