Ay Caramba, we can Zumba

Written by Lola McLaughlin, Senior School Teacher

As part of its agenda to continually challenge students in an effort to promote greater experimentation, discovery and learning, the PHE Department has just completed its Creativity in Zumba unit with the entire Year 10 cohort. The results were electrifying!

Described as an aerobic dance form of Colombian origin, usually set to Latin American or World music, Zumba mixes low-intensity and high-intensity moves, combining all levels of fitness – cardio, muscle conditioning, balance and flexibility - for a serious amount of fun.

Whilst most were excited, some of the group were initially reluctant to start the unit, with one student describing the task of creating, choreographing and performing a two-minute Zumba routine in front of his class as "...a nightmare". However, the Physical and Health Education unit introduced professional Zumba teacher Cindy Xu, who led several sessions with the students, enabling them to see the variety of moves that they could use in their sets.

The students were allocated groups, given their guidelines and away they went on their creative journey. The first task was to choose their music. With the uplifting beats booming out of the speakers each lesson there was such a vibe and building excitement amongst the Year 10s that even the most reluctant students were tapping their toes. PE teacher Mr Attoe’s wise words of advice, "Fake it ‘til you make it" struck a chord and after six gruelling weeks, the Year 10s were ready to perform their group Zumba performances.

And what performances they were! The students effortlessly led their peers through their routines, with great support shown for each of the performances. There was an amazing energy to the lessons and some groups were so inspired they introduced costumes, wigs and bright colours to enhance their final performances.

The students surprised themselves with their overall success, exclaiming, "We really didn’t think we would be able to pull that off". But as Mr Healy added, "The best learning discoveries come when we step outside our comfort zones and try new and foreign experiences."

It is our passion as Physical Education teachers to challenge students, encourage them to dig deep, experiment and take giant steps forward in their development and education and this Creativity in Zumba unit has definitively achieved this whilst also being a load of fun, laughs and energy as well.

We can’t wait to do this unit again in 2018 with this year’s Year 9 students.

Click below to see the team's performances:

Bria Phillips and Vanessa Twuiver Suarez

Charlie, Isla, Brendan, Maia, Sprague

Kristen, Bella, Britt, Lilly

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