Zumba classes teach te reo
A Wellington Zumba instructor is exercising her students’ bodies and brains by teaching classes in te reo Ma¯ ori.
This month, Ani Prasad celebrates 10 years of being a Zumba instructor.
Prasad incorporates te reo Ma¯ ori into her weekly classes, where students are encouraged to even order their after-class flat whites in te reo.
Many class members are now confident speakers, and are used to hearing phrases like ‘‘ha te roto’’ (breathe out), or ‘‘squeeze your poho’’ (chest) in their classes, so ordering coffee was a breeze, Prasad said.
‘‘It’s the repetition of simple phrases in a fun, connecting way. I always repeat instructions in English so everyone can understand. No-one is ever wrong in my class.’’
Classes were all about making people comfortable enough to give things a go.
‘‘Dance expression is a truly wonderful way to build confidence.’’
Prasad saw those benefits during her free hip hop classes at St Ninian’s Church’s school holiday programme.
Children aged 5-13 years could come to the church in Karori to learn dance and socialise.
‘‘I love it, these kids are amazing, they just soak it up. Every school holidays I see them grow in confidence and leadership skills as the older ones help the younger members.’’
She set up a te reo teaching experience alongside Powerhouse cafe owner Simon Mitchell in Karori, where class members could head to the coffee shop after class and order in te reo.
Mitchell taught his staff te reo Ma¯ ori Kawhe (coffee) language, and some basic small talk.
‘‘We all practised the words and pronunciation and when the ladies ordered, they corrected us if we got it wrong,’’ he said.
A te reo-focused class first ran for a week during Ma¯ ori language week in 2017.
A regular event as of last year, classes involved greeting and following class instructions in te reo Ma˜ ori, and learning a mihi. Ani said her European class attendees were just as keen as she was to embrace the culture. Class regular Sue McRae had been going to Zumba for a few years, and said Prasad’s classes had ‘‘a vibe where nobody would dream of being judgmental’’.
‘‘It helps keep your brain moving while your body is struggling to move,’’ she said.
Ruth Davidson said Prasad’s encouragement had prompted her to take up te reo classes in her spare time.
‘‘It’s so relaxed, and she’s so encouraging.’’ Prasad taught dance for 20 years before finding Zumba.
‘‘I loved how Zumba made dance accessible to everyone, no matter what kind of dance experience they had.’’