Around 50 people ditched their post-Easter slump for a free outdoor Zumba session on the boardwalk at Bellerive on Tuesday, which served as a warm-up for this weekend’s major Cancer Council fundraiser.
The impromptu dance session was designed to get locals moving again after the typical chocolate and hot cross buns diet of Easter.
Instructors Sarah Williams and Bianca Paine led the waterfront workout, with several of the class members asking if the sessions could run every Tuesday.
“We had no idea how many people would show up, so it was really good,” Paine said.
The event promoted Saturday’s Be Brave & Boogie: A Zumbathon for Cancer Council being held at Hellenic House, where the duo will host a two-hour dance party raising funds for Cancer Council.
Williams, who has been teaching Zumba since 2010, has a personal connection to the cause.
“My mum was diagnosed with cancer in her early 40s when I was growing up, and a couple of years after meeting my now husband, my boyfriend was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 24,” Williams said.
“I also have a BRCA2 mutation, genetic mutation, which puts me at high risk of breast and ovarian cancer amongst other types of cancers.”
“So I’ve got a bit of a personal connection as well for this particular charity.”
The Saturday Zumbathon marks the fourth charity event the pair have organised.
They’ve raised almost $5,000 to date for previous charity partners including Pink Hope, Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and the Black Dog Institute.
Williams said anyone can join in on Saturday, despite their knowledge or experience of Zumba.
“You don’t need a lot of experience. It’s all designed just really to be a big party,” Williams said.
“Everyone can move at their own pace and still have a wonderful night.”
Over 80 tickets have already been sold for Saturday’s event, with organisers hoping to exceed 100 participants.
The Zumbathon will feature two hours of Zumba, fundraising activities and over $1,000 in prizes to giveaway.
Tickets are available at https://events.humanitix.com/zumbathon.
