WESTFIELD-As the cooler temperatures start to settle in, one class this fall at Stanley Park will get everyone’s temperature rising – Zumba® in the Park.
“In my mind, this session of Zumba® is like a celebration,” said certified instructor Rebecca Perron. “This year has been incredibly difficult and the fact that we can all even get together to dance is a gift.”
Perron will offer the 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. classes on Tuesdays through Oct. 13 at the Beveridge Pavilion.
Rebecca Perron will lead Zumba® in the Park classes through Oct. 13 at Stanley Park in Westfield. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)
Perron noted the Latin-inspired dance workouts are low-impact and high-energy, ideal for beginners and seasoned Zumba® participants.
“The weather is cooling down, Stanley Park is a gem, and that makes it a perfect time to do Zumba® outside,” said Perron.
Perron noted she grew up dancing since her grandmother owned a dance studio and after a few years of taking classes, she became certified to teach.
“After about a year, I also got certified to teach Zumba® Gold and teach at both the Westfield and Southwick senior centers,” said Perron.
Perron recommends the classes for all ages.
“Zumba® doesn’t feel like you’re working out and before you know it, class is over,” she said. “I think we’ve all been in classes where every minute is hard to get through and you do it because you want to be healthier.”
Perron added that Zumba® “isn’t like that.”
“For me, it’s like the hour I get to not think about anything else,” she said.
Participants are reminded to wear comfortable workout clothes and sneakers and bring “a lot of water.” Perron added that persons may also want to bring a small towel.
Children age 10 and older are also welcome to participate in the class, however, they must be accompanied by an adult.
Donations to Stanley Park are welcome, with a donation of $5 per person per class. Participants are also reminded to wear a face mask and practice social distancing at the registration table when one checks in for the class.
Stanley Park officials also remind everyone that for the safety of the instructor and all participants, adhering to social distancing protocols is also necessary during class.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing is limiting classes to 30 people per class and all participants must sign up prior to class by emailing a registration form found on the Stanley Park website to [email protected]. Classes will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
The registration form only needs to be completed once but pre-registration, by emailing or calling the office, is required each week.
For complete details, visit www.stanleypark.org or call (413) 568-9312 ext. 108 or ext. 112 to reserve a space in the class of your choice.
“As I tell the new participants in class, don’t worry if you don’t know all the steps right away,” said Perron, adding, “Just keeping moving; we’re not auditioning for anything.”
