Zumba with Rachel Mills

Important Reminder❗ RibFest is happening on the Fredericton Exhibition Grounds starting tomorrow, Thursday June 11th and will significantly impact parking at The Cultural Centre. Please arrive early and plan to park on nearby streets and walk over to class. Be mindful not to park in the Stepping Stone Senior Centre parking lot to avoid the risk of being towed, and respect all city parking signage.

Today is National Health & Fitness Day and I had a fantastic time celebrating with the women of Canbe Life Global 🎉 I was asked to include Afrobeat so I learned 8 Afrobeat songs + 1 gospel song for our stretch. I like some of the songs so much that I'll be adding a couple to our September playlist - stay tuned!

Have you been enjoying our Spring playlist? Then be sure to come dance with us at The Cultural Centre tomorrow night! Enjoy all your favourites one more time before we switch to our summer playlist next week.

Image description: A sunhat, sunglasses and cocktail are laid next to a pool with clear blue water. The text on the graphic says "Summer Playlist 2026 Starts Next Week". There are musical notes next to the text.

Every week I stand up in front of a room full of people and dance. When I look at you and smile, there's actually more going on than you might realize. Here are a few of the things I'm paying attention to as I look around the room:

- I'm checking to see if everyone is safe. Does anyone look dizzy or unwell? Keeping you safe is an important part of my job. Noticing signs early can help prevent an accident or injury.

- I'm checking whether everyone can see me. Being able to see the instructor clearly can make a big difference in how people experience class. Not being able to see can leave people feeling frustrated or discouraged. Clear sight lines makes it easier to follow along.

- I'm looking to see if people are having fun. Do they seem to be enjoying the song? Are they smiling? Singing along? Getting real time feedback helps me design classes that people enjoy! Are you someone who doesn't smile while you dance? Don't worry, I know some people are just concentrating on the steps - I won't assume you're having a bad time 😄

- I'm watching to see if people are able to follow the steps. I pay extra attention to this when I introduce new songs, and when I know people are dancing with me for the first time. I never expect people to do exactly what I do. Instead I'm looking for signs that I need to adjust my approach as an instructor. Do I need to offer more verbal cues? Do I need to simplify the step? Break it down? Offer more movement options? If my class is struggling to follow it's my responsibility to adapt, not yours!

Can you believe that April has already come and gone? Here's where you can dance with us during May & June. We'll keep the Spring playlist until the end of May. Our summer playlist begins the first week of June 🎉

Image description: A hot pink tile with the Zumba logo and title "May and June 2026 Class Schedule". Two columns show the details of Rachel's weekly classes. Column one says "REDS Recreation. Currie Center - UNB. Mondays at 7pm. No class May 18 (holiday). Free for members, $12 day pass for non-members." Column two says "Cultural Center. 28 Saunders Street. Thursdays at 7pm. Plan ahead for parking during Ribest (June 11). $6 drop-in. 5 class card is $30, 10 class card is $55. Cash or eTransfer."

Good news - Zumba runs from 7pm-8pm, meaning you can be home, showered, and in your pj's before 9! 😄🎉

See you tonight at The Cultural Centre!