Each Thursday from 6:15 - 7:30pm Dance Initiative hosts a community dance class, taught by a rotating roster of local and guest dance artists and teachers. All levels welcome. We touch on contemporary modern, ballet technique, improvisation, afro-cuban, and typically learn a choreographed phrase. The focus is on fun, accessible dance that inspires creativity and works towards a choreographed sequence.
MAY 1, 8, 15, 22 2025 - HAPPY HOUR DANCE CLASS: ZUMBA WITH ANDREA ORREGO
Zumba is a global dance phenomenon that invites the body and spirit into a state of pure, rhythmic connection. Originally inspired by the vibrant dance traditions of Latin America — Salsa, Cumbia, Merengue, and Reggaeton — Zumba has since grown into a dynamic fusion of world rhythms, blending Afrobeat, Bollywood, Bhangra, Belly Dance, Hip Hop, and more into an electrifying celebration of movement.
At its core, Zumba is about intuitive dance expression. Rather than focusing on strict choreography or technical breakdowns, the structure of a Zumba class mirrors the architecture of music itself — simple, repeatable patterns tied to the chorus, verses, and bridges of each song. This approach allows dancers to anticipate transitions naturally, freeing them from the constraints of counting steps and encouraging a deeper, more instinctive relationship with rhythm.
Physiologically, Zumba follows a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) model, guiding dancers through bursts of energy and recovery that maintain a steady Zone 2 heart rate — ideal for building cardiovascular endurance, enhancing muscular stamina, and promoting fat metabolism. But beyond its physical benefits, Zumba invites a profound reconnection to the joy of embodied movement: a space where strength meets sensuality, sweat becomes celebration, and music becomes a global language that transcends borders.
For seasoned dancers, Zumba offers a refreshing invitation to return to the essence of why we dance — not for perfection, but for expression, connection, and exhilaration. It is a journey through cultures, rhythms, and emotions, all channeled through the most ancient instrument we possess: our own bodies.
About Andrea
Andrea Orrego is a designer, dancer, and entrepreneur based in Carbondale, Colorado. Originally from Lima, Peru, Andrea grew up immersed in a wide range of dance traditions, beginning with ballet and expanding into the folkloric dances of her country, such as the powerful Andean "Diablada" and "Huaino," as well as coastal Afro-Peruvian rhythms like "Festejo" and then developing into hip hop and pop dance. After moving to the Roaring Fork Valley 11 years ago, Andrea continued her artistic journey, discovering Zumba — a format that captured her love for music, movement, and cultural diversity. She became a certified instructor in 2015 and has been sharing her passion ever since, bringing energy, authenticity, and global rhythms to every class. Having taught in studios around the valley (from the Red Brick in Aspen, to the Carbondale Rec Center), Andrea’s style blends her multicultural dance background with her favorite Zumba beats like Bollywood, and Reggaeton, creating a vibrant and welcoming space for everyone to express themselves, move freely, and have fun.
All classes are Thursday evenings, 6:15 - 7:30pm
Main Studio, The Launchpad, Carbondale, 76 S 4th St
$15/drop in, $130/10-class card