Tips to survive your first Zumba class

New dance steps and different teaching styles can make a first Zumba class intimidating. Here's how to skip the intimidation and tap right into the fun part. Remember, Zumba really does take its party theme seriously; nobody cares if you get every step exactly right as long as you're having fun.

• Zumba classes are set to upbeat Latin, international and hip-hop music featured in the playlist.
• The majority of Zumba moves are modeled after Latin dance steps, with a healthy helping of hip-hop in the mix.
• Don't worry about getting each step exactly right -- the real point of the class is to keep moving and have fun, not to develop ballroom technique.

• Unlike most other aerobics classes, the only sounds you'll hear in Zumba are the occasional countdown -- "four, three, two, one" before a move -- or shouts of joy as people boogie down.
• Instead of verbal commands, the instructor uses sign language to steer the class, usually teaching from an elevated stage so that you can see what he or she is doing.
• Keep that in mind when you choose a spot in class; aim for the middle so that you'll still be able to see the instructor and the most confident students in front.
• That also gives you somebody to either side or behind you to follow if the instructor has you repeat moves facing in another direction, common in Zumba classes.

• Wander into a class with lots of die-hard participants and you'll see many clad in brightly coloured Zumba wear, usually slim-fitting tanks or tees and pants that slouch.
• Middle Eastern-style hip scarves are also very common.
• You can wear anything that keeps your torso covered and leaves you free to move, but leave the leotard and ruffled skirts at home; think along the lines of regular athletic wear instead.

• Each Zumba instructor comes up with most of his or her own moves, and even without shouted commands, teaching styles can vary widely.
• So if you don't quite mesh at first, give the class another try or maybe switch to another instructor.
• Although Zumba advertises every class as a party, they also hold "official" Zumba parties as fundraisers or promotional events.
• These events can run for multiple hours, and teachers usually switch off throughout the night, so they're a great way to try out multiple instructors within a short time.