Do you know that the fitness craze encircling the entire globe is as close to you as Maplewood’s DeHart Community Center? It is called Zumba: the largest dance-based, aerobic workout in the world.

Located at 120 Burnett Avenue, DeHart offers a dynamic Saturday morning session at 11 a.m. with instructor Tanya Hall, who revs up her class with fiery Latin, Caribbean, belly dance and hip-hop rhythms along with her own explosive blend of energy and charm.

She takes students of different ages and physical abilities through a one-hour class that feels more like dancing than exercising. Steps such as salsa, reggaeton, meringue, samba, and calypso are incorporated in fun, easy-to-follow routines that boost metabolism, burn calories and tone muscles.

Hall, who trained as a runner for over 20 years, says she enjoyed the results of it but never really enjoyed working out. Through Zumba however, not only has she lost 30 pounds, reshaped her body and ramped up her energy –but has lots of fun. “Every class feels like a party” is her motto.

“My goal is to help you feel stronger, more comfortable and more confident with your body,” she said. “No need to know how to dance, just follow my lead. It’s easy!”

Zumba — Colombian slang for ‘moving fast’ — was created by Alberto “Beto” Perez, who brought it to the U.S. in 1999. Classes, offered in health clubs, gyms and dance studios, typically cost $10-$15 per class. At DeHart Community Center, classes are $7.00, making them a perfect ‘economic stimulus’ option. Try it: Zumba for good health!

For further information contact Michelle at DeHart Community Center (973) 763-0750 or Tanya Hall at Junebug08074@gmail.com.

What's your favorite Zumba class in Maplewood? Tell us in the comments!