Does anyone teach dance-style fitness classes that are not Zumba? What types? Where do you get certified?
Hey there, Just answering as a club manager because I’ve taken many and we’ve had quite a few at our facilities which were welcomed and NOT Zumba. Here are some formats:
1. Dance class where each song was of a different genre: country, jazz, classical, etc. and choreographed. Participants were taught by a dance pro and the choreography was simple enough that they could freestyle each song.
2. 8 week format with in depth choreography building on the week before with the subject matter being pop, 80’s, or whatever the group wanted.
3. Hip hop: taught freestyle and super fun. 50-60 crowd welcomed this but not sure older than that would enjoy.
4. Good old Jazzercise: people love it.
Generally speaking the instructor was a qualified Dance pro and not “certified” in Fitness but AfAA group qualified. Jazzercise is a specific certification. Have fun and Good Luck!
For the over-60 population, you might consider Mixxed Fit. It’s got simple choreography kind of the way Zumba and Jazzercise put their moves to music, but the music is designed to be inspiring with no offensive themes. Two of my friends who teach at churches theca Mixxed Fit because they know they can trust the music and themes.
How about Zumba Gold?
And why not Zumba, by the way? I have people in their 60’s and 70’s in my regular Zumba class. The way I progress moves starts with the simple, low intensity low impact movement first and then progresses.
The other non-Zumba dance formats that I’m certified in aren’t really for the age group you’re targeting. U-Jam is more youthful than Zumba. Bokwa isn’t really dance and the moves are simple and you can put it to just about any music with a steady beat, but I find that it didn’t fly well with the baby boomer population.
Another place that you might do some research is the GX United site. It lists dozens and dozens (and dozens) of types of fitness formats. That might give you some ideas of formats other than the most known brands.
I remember there was a dance fitness class called Bokwa fitness. You might want to look into it.