THE FOLLOWING WAS WRITTEN BY JAYE NOLAN and is displayed on http://www.rochesterpeople.co.uk/

"There’s a new dance and it’s going around, called the b... no, it’s called Zumba! I joined in a class today at Dance Junction and had to let you know how fab-u-lous it was!

Run by Gemma Quinnell, Zumba is a mix of rhythms and styles, all wrapped up in an effective fitness package. I’ve attended many a similar class in my time; this is definitely the one for me. Where other classes I've attended elsewhere will have you learning a couple of different routines throughout the hour, with you struggling to remember what comes next (and ending up most of the session half heartedly trying to watch and move at the same time) Zumba teaches you a handy sized segment, small enough to remember and dance the majority of the song once you’ve got it, but big enough that you don’t get repetitive bore syndrome.

The music, and therefore the routines themselves, vary from street to Latin, with some Bollywood thrown in - it was all I could do not to shout out “Jai Ho!” Never done Bollyood before, can’t wait for another go!  With some recognisable moves (Cuban Breaks, basic Cha Cha and African Walks) I was able to pick up the first routine pretty quickly and slotted in among a very respectable class full for a Thursday morning – a friendly, happy bunch all having a great time, I might add. Sometimes, going along to a new place can be a little intimidating – this wasn’t one of them.

Zumba is one of the fastest growing fitness workouts, proven to be effective in weight loss; Gemma’s Tuesday night class actually takes place in the main hall, such is its popularity.

There’s also the added bonus that, if you’re in the kitchen doing the dinner and Jennifer Hudson’s 'Spotlight' comes on the radio, it’s all the space you need for a mini three minute workout!

If you love dancing, then do visit Dance Junction soon as – I don’t think there’s any style they don’t offer a class in, just check out their website for a timetable that includes Irish Dancing, Bollywood, Streetdance and coming soon, a Michael Jackson Dance Workshop! If only I were twenty years, younger, fitter and didn’t have to work for a living – I could happily stay there all day, every day!"