First Outdoor Zumba Class A Success

Powell Lane got a little extra rhythm Tuesday evening.

At 7 p.m., the borough's first-ever Fresh Air Fitness event—which will become a monthly, free workout incentive—was opened, and a crowd of 23 people attended. 

The hour-long Zumba-thon, hosted by two Zumba teachers, Emily Proudfoot and Stacey Tobe, featured choreographed dance routines to a total of 15 Latin-mix inspired songs.

The borough its new monthly fitness schedule at the end of July.

Before Tuesday's event, Zumba teachers expected a fair turnout.

"I've never taught a Zumba-thon, and I expect it'll be a little bit different in atmosphere," said Zumba Instructor Stacey Tobe, who lives in the Lumber Yard Condominiums, outside of which the class took place.

Tobe teaches Zumba at Fortuna Universal Dance Center in Collingswood.

Tuesday's other instructor, Emily Proudfoot, said both teachers planned to host the night's event together, and will rotate teaching individually in coming months.

"I've taught outdoor Zumba before, in Haddon Heights," said Proudfoot. "And I teach regularly here in Collingswood, at the fire house. I'm looking forward to seeing some different people come out tonight."

Krissy Roszell, 27, of Collingswood, was among Tuesday's attendees.

"I've never taken a Zumba class at all, much less an outdoor class," said Roszell before the event. "But the people I work with are always doing it, and I wanted to try it out. And especially because this class was free. And I live close by—I could've walked here."

Collingswood Borough Communications Director Cass Duffey said the Zumba-thon was created after residents expressed interest.

"This all came about after a Lumber Yard Condominium meeting," said Duffey. "A resident asked whether other residents would like to have a Zumba-thon. It was really a 2-way communication between people in town wanting something, and the borough providing it. It cost next-to-nothing to put together."

The borough's next Fresh Air Fitness class, also an outdoor Zumba-thon, will take place on Tuesday, September 6, at 8 p.m. on Powell Lane. For a schedule of upcoming month's Fresh Air Fitness events, visit the borough webpage here.