Zumba for kids takes off in Taranaki
Two New Plymouth mums have turned a eureka moment into a flourishing children’s fitness programme - with a twist.
Zumba Kids InMotion was the brainchild of good friends, Gerry Carino and Kelly McHaffie. The programme combines international music with dance sessions interspersed with stories and facts about different cultures from around the globe.
As certified zumba instructors their children often joined in on the adult fitness sessions. The farfrom-bored housewives could see the potential in creating zumba classes that were specifically designed for youngsters.
The duo’s decision to take it one step further by running classes at the New Plymouth Bible Chapel twice a week was motivated by their passion for children and love of the Latin focused dance.
‘‘Basically we put ourselves out there and didn’t know how many children we were going to get,’’ McHaffie said.
The response from people was overwhelming. On some occassions up to 25 children participated in the new dance programme during its first ever term.
Now, Carino and McHaffie have happily shaken off their start-up jitters and the duo can’t wait to swing into term two. Zumba Kids InMotion will start back the same week as school does, on May 3.
The pair’s experience seemed a perfect match for their newly created roles that encourages kids
‘‘All you need is a beat.’’
Kelly McHaffie
to dance, listen, and learn.
Mother of four, Carino has 14 years of Kung Fu training behind her, she also instructed women’s only kickboxing, self-defence and Kung Fu kids classes. McHaffie has a background in pediatrics.
Credentials aside, the vibrant pair’s enthusiasm for dance and self-expression definitely rubs off on the children.
‘‘All you need is a beat,’’ McHaffie said. ’’As soon as they hear that music they’re into it, even the shyest children let their inhibitions go.’’
While each session was focused on music and dance, the class formats were not strictly regimented - the key was having fun, Carino said.
New Plymouth’s Nicki De Jager is also a zumba buff; she happily sits on the sideline while her four-year-old daughter Ella De Jager takes part in her own version of the fitness .
Nicki said Ella will definitely be returning next term. ‘‘It’s an amazing programme, Ella just loves it,’’ she said.