Zumba Nightclub Series Sizzles and Shakes Into Pittsburgh

Fitness just got a new facelift when the Zumba Nightclub Series featuring Lil Jon and legendary Zumba instructor, Gina Grant, rolled into town last Wednesday at Stage AE to make people work like you wouldn’t believe.

“I think we worked their assess out,” said Lil Jon. “I think people were thinking it’d be a leisurely stroll. It was really intense and high energy. Basically, when we put it together we wanted to combine what Gina does, what Zumba is and what I am.”

Zumba has been taking the nation by storm for the past few years and now the iconic fitness activity has taken to a new level incorporating celebrity DJ Lil Jon and live fitness instruction in nightclubs around the nation. Thankfully, Pittsburgh was one of the lucky four cities and six show stops on the tour and boy was I glad to attend!

“Not in a million years did I think I would go to as many places as I have teaching Zumba,” said Grant. “It’s incredible and it’s awesome to see that no matter where you go in the world, it doesn’t matter because everyone’s doing the same thing in a Zumba class. Music is a universal language.”

“Hey, you if you ain’t coming to sweat you can get out, but if you came to work – let’s work,” added Lil Jon. “I’m pushing them and motivating them. That’s the whole point to motivate.”

To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect walking into the nightclub. With a celebrity DJ like Lil Jon, I truly expected to see people crowding the stage and grinding just like every other concert. I questioned whether there would be enough room to dance or if I’d squished into a corner in the packed club but all those questions were put to rest the minute the show started.

Only 250 tickets were sold for the indoor concert venue that can easily accommodate 2,400 people which left plenty of space to Zumba your heart out. One look around the room told me what kind of people were here—hardcore Zumba fans dressed to sweat and work! There were no stiletto heels or silly nightclub gear, instead every donned workout clothes and sneakers.

When the gates open, people took their places on the floor around the room giving their neighbors plenty of space. While there was a rush to the front, it wasn’t a typical sardine-can scenario frequent at any other show.

When the music started, there was no stopping the freight train of fun. Sizzling on stage, legendary Grant was the envy of every woman in the room.  We all wish for even one tenth of her gorgeous rhythm and moves.

Spinning the night away and getting people moving was legendary rapper and current “Celebrity Apprentice” contestant, Lil Jon who is a major supporter of the Zumba empire. While he declined to Zumba himself, he loves what Zumba stands for and loves being a part of something new and inspiring. The collaboration was a natural fit since his music has become a part of practically every Zumba class in the nation.

“A lot of people would tweet me they had a good work out or one of my songs helped them get through their workout,” said Lil Jon. “Then I started getting people tweeting me YouTube videos of Zumba classes with my songs. When you hear my songs in the club, it gives you certain energy and when you’re working out it gives you a certain energy too. It brings the level up. Me and Zumba, we got together to talk about how we could come up with something together. “

The collaboration between Zumba and Lil Jon truly is a natural fit. The first collaboration started with a song specifically written for Zumba called “Work” and specifically tells people what to do through the music. Inspired by songs like the “Cha Cha Slide” and “Tootsie Roll,” Lil Jon’s number was the focal point of the tour and unleashed a new avenue for Zumba with high hopes to create more music together.

“When I write songs about women dancing,” said Lil Jon. “I watch videos of women dancing. I stumbled on a video of African girls dancing and I wrote the lyrics from some of the moves the African girls did.”

While “Work” was certainly incorporated into the set list for the Zumba Nightclub series, it wasn’t the only popular tune of the night. Together, Grant and Lil Jon came up with an amazing collection of songs which included popular nightclub jams and traditional Zumba numbers such as – Daddy Yankee’s “Limbo,” Maria DJ Dale’s “Play,” Lil Jon’s “Get Low,” House of Pain’s “Jump” and Lil Jon’s personal favorite Tono Rosario‘s “Kulikitaca Ti.”

“We’ve got a lot of different styles of music represented in the set,” said Lil Jon. “There’s something for everyone no matter where you’re from they’ll be a song you can sing along with. I think when the hip hop comes on it’s a surprise to some people and from that point the show turns high energy. If you didn’t really come to work, you’re gonna be tired as hell. There were at least 40 people on the rail [during the first show] who were not expecting it to be that intense.”

While Lil Jon loves spinning the records on the table, Grant has been desperately trying with each show to get him to dance. She even succeeded slightly during the first evening performance to get a little hip action during “Kulikitaca Ti.”

“Gina’s trying to get me to dance every day,” said Lil Jon. “But, I’m like ‘That’s too much hip movement for me.’”

High energy is what Zumba is well known for and this show is no different. For 90 minutes we were bumping, jumping and sweating the pounds away. While Grant was the fearless leader, a team of Zumba instructors ran into the crowd throughout the show pulling various fans on stage for their three minutes of fame. It was a very nice touch to the evening. While Zumba is truly for everyone, Lil Jon has witnessed that it doesn’t matter if you have rhythm – you can still Zumba!

“Yesterday there was a guy that couldn’t dance worth a damn and I called him out in front of everyone,” said Lil Jon. “I’m like – ‘you’re the first brother I’ve seen with no rhythm’ and that’s pretty funny. He was off beat like hell. “

“Give it a shot,” added Grant. “Don’t be afraid and go to class. It’s not about how you look or how you move, if you have fitness or dance background. It’s about enjoying yourself.” 

In Pittsburgh, the two shows were a huge success – selling out both shows in less than a week. Grant and Lil Jon are both thrilled with the experience and both were very passionate about their hopes for a continuation of the tour.

“If you missed out on the tour because it sold out quickly, visit the website and find a class near you,” said Grant.  “If you go to one class and you’re not sure, go to another class and try a different instructor. We each have our own styles so keep trying until you find one you fall in love with.”

If you missed the Zumba Nightclub Series, you certainly missed one amazing night of fun. If we all keep our fingers crossed, Zumba Fitness won’t let this amazing idea die and we’ll see another tour real soon. Until then, be sure to check out www.zumba.com  to find a class near you and Zumba your way to a happier and healthier body!