Promoting body confidence with Zumba in the dark
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RIGBY — Many people who attend Zumba for the first time can feel overwhelmed by the moves and students in the class noting their dance missteps. At Rigby Zumba, instructor Jodi Bozung is trying combat those fears by teaching in more comfortable environment.
“Once I found out it was in the dark I was sold. I’m not one to workout anywhere in front of anybody and my first class here, I felt at home,” student Jennifer Mumby says.
Bozung is teaching a high intensity workout in the dark. Her goal is to actively promote body confidence by helping students focus more on their workout and stress less on their appearance.
“Having that dark, it plays a trick on my mind pretty much. Really, it’s dark in here so people can’t see. For me, who’s scared to do a lot of things, (this class) calms my fears,” Mumby says.
Bozung says the idea for teaching in a a low-light setting came about when she purchased her first studio, formerly Klub Karaoke on Clark street.
“I started teaching in this dance club, and my husband said (to) totally take advantage of the dance floor lighting and lighting features that they had, and I said no way that’s weird, that’s different, that’s not what Zumba’s about,” Bozung says.
But, once Bozung turned the lights down and got the music going, people started coming. Now, six years later, they still come. Bozung’s classes have even held close to 100 students at one time.
“People came for that comfort factor that the lights were off and no one was watching them. It was fun atmosphere. It felt like a dance party and less like exercising, but everybody still left breaking a sweat,” Bozung says.
On top of the fun environment Bozung’s created, she tries to make students feel welcome in their own special way. Bozung teaches both men and women of any age and body type.
“She really makes a point to memorize every students name that comes, because every single one of them is important,” student Melina Peterson says.
Students say Bozung takes time to keep up with Zumba workout trends, and annually hosts internationally known Zumba professionals in her studio.
To learn more about Rigby Zumba go to its website, or look for the class on Facebook.