Zumba classes return in-person

After almost a year of virtual classes, in-person classes returned to the city when Zumba was held at the Shafter Aquatic Center, offering participants a chance to dance to the music under the instruction of Brandi Root.

Sponsored by Shafter Healthy Start, Kern Family Health Care, and the Shafter Recreation and Parks Department, three classes were held last week outdoors, adhering to the covid-19 safety guidelines, including social distancing and face coverings.

Over 30 participants worked out for more than an hour, dancing to a variety of music as Root gave them a high energy and fun workout.

"This is a lot of fun," said Anikan Cortez, who was at the class with Alexander and Vanessa Solis.

Also on hand was Root's mother, Richland School District Board member Deanna Rodriguez-Root.

"This is a really great workout. I have gone the last couple of nights and it's been a lot of fun," said Rodriguez-Root.

Classes were given for the past year via Zoom, letting participants keep fit from their own homes.

Root said that the virtual classes are a lot of fun, but it is great to get back to in-person classes. With the state getting ready to open back up, Root said that details were being worked out so the Zumba classes will be in-person on a regular basis very soon.

"We have had a great time teaching the classes virtually, but it is so much more personal having the classes in person," said Root.

Details on future classes can be found at the Shafter Recreation website. Currently, regular Zumba classes are on Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m., and they are offering Fam Bam Zumba Kids classes on Saturdays On-Demand from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information go to brandiroot.zumba.com.