This week I give you a great article to read about Zumba and the Zumba Convention (ZINCON). While it was originally written about the 2017 convention (that was a GREAT year and an amazing convention!!!) it still holds true today. A little bit of Zumba background, how it helps everyone and the convention in general. Grab a cup (or a glass) and read on.... it's quite the representation! Click here to read.

KEEP WITH TRADITION?  (UPDATE) Well, Anna and I have decided to change it up this year and have cancelled our reservation at the airport hotel and will stay the last evening at the convention hotel. We've only done this once before, our first time at convention, so while it's a change from the norm, it will be a nice change. Will allow us to wind down from the week easier and more comfortably. Now that we are getting uber close to "lift off", we are starting to panic.... what to bring? What to pack? We go through this every year! I'm bringing some items for Anna, and Anna is bringing things for me (we often swap Zumba and "regular" clothes)... plus gifts for fellow instructors we're going to meet up with while there (I still have to buy those! Anyone have ideas?) I'm very much looking forward to meeting up with a few instructors specifically.... Susan from San Diego who is Jarrett's professional mentor (it's her full time gig), and "...

SESSIONS .... SUNDAY 9:00-12:00 p.m. Rhythm Jam Session - this one will focus on the Bachata. I'm really looking forward to bringing some new songs and choreo back to our classes! 1:00-2:00 p.m. Closing Session - The saddest of all sessions. Here we say goodbye as we close out the convention. Beto gives us last inspiring words... a video of highlights of this year's convention plays... there's always surprises so who knows what that will be this year! A couple years back Anna was called onto stage for a Zumba trivia contest and she won registration for the following year's convention! Attendees from around the world bring their countries' flags and wave them proudly. It's quite emotional and amazing all at the same time. Until next year...

SESSIONS.... SATURDAY 9:00-11:00 a.m. Cha-Cha Fever - This is another new session... I love me a good cha-cha! In this session we will learn about the history, evolution and revival of the Cha Cha. We'll learn the core steps and variations, plus how to apply Cha Cha movement into a variety of contemporary pop and latin urban songs. We'll get 2 to 3 routines, with various fitness variations. 3:00-4:15 p.m. Fitness Concert - This is the time to just let loose, have fun and dance! Beto leads the party at this concert, a ginormous Zumba class. Remind me to bring my ear plugs.... Ha! 5:00-6:30 p.m. Master Class - Yes, another one! This one will be led by another instructor that I've come to admire for her choreography and style so I'm so glad I was able to sign up for this session. 9:30-12:00 a.m. Theme Party - This is the party of all parties. Each year the "theme" will be announced and instructors may choose to dress up in costume or not and just enjoy the music,...

SESSIONS.... FRIDAY 11:00-1:00 p.m. Zumba Gold Toning - For instructors who have a license in both Zumba Gold and Zumba Toning (me!) this is a "new" session at the convention, led by one of the creators of the Zumba Gold program. This is a great session to help me brush up my skills in the Gold Toning program, as we have noticed in our O2 classes, it's becoming quite popular! 2:30-5:30 p.m. Rhythm Jam Session - This is a 3 hour session where we are taught four rhythm-specific choreo routines to use in class. This particular session is geared towards the Flamenco rhythm! We practice core steps and variations that we've already been taught and will be trained to perfect our form! 7:00-9:00 p.m. 2022 Next Rising Presenter Finalist Master Class - This is along the lines of "American Idol"... LOL.... instructors apply to become the "Next Rising Presenter" who can travel the world with Beto and perform at his concerts and events. This is the latest editi...