This article was written by Andrew Kolondra, Jr., class of 2018.
A different type of fundraiser finally returned to Heritage last week at the Spanish Honor Society’s (SHS) annual Zumbathon. From 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 19, students in the society and guests danced their hearts out to music both old and new, raising money to send Dora, a young Guatemalan girl, to school through Children’s International Fundraising.
Zumba is a fitness dance program inspired by elements of Latin American dance and is typically performed to Latin American music. Instructor Ivanka Liliska Kochanova, who ran the class at Heritage last Thursday, keeps this in mind when designing her routines.
“I’m trying to do all kinds of styles, like salsa, merengue, cumbia, bachata, flamenco and even belly dancing. I try to mix old music with new because Zumba should use basic music but it works with new songs too,” Kochanova said. After dancing for fun for 10 years, “to get out [her] problems and get energy,” Kochanova made her way into the teaching scene and has run Zumba classes for the last year. “I just love to dance with the kids because they’re teaching me how to teach,” she said.
Senior Karen Lu was one of many students in SHS to participate in the Zumbathon. “I really like working out and fitness, so I think that Zumbathon is a good way for me to get in my daily fitness. But also, I’m here to support SHS and just have fun with my friends.” She participated last year as well and “loved the dance and the workout style,” so she jumped at the chance to do it again.
The Zumbathon was a great way for students to raise money for a cause, and have fun letting their stress out through dance at the same time.
“Zumba is probably the best for me because it’s free and you can dance any style. You can be your own and put your flavor, so you don’t have to follow any rules. You’re free to do whatever you wanna do,” Kochanova said.
To find out how you can get involved with Zumba or donate to SHS to support Dora’s school fund, contact an SHS member or society adviser Mrs. Evelyn Silva in room 7105.
