A PASSIONATE Zumba instructor claims the fun form of dance exercise saved her life and is hoping more people will take it up.
Maldon resident Anna Misan, 33, is a qualified dance instructor and runs Zumba Fitness with Anna, in Witham and Tiptree, with most classes being full each week.
Originally from Poland, she grew up adoring dance from an early age after falling in love with the art form thanks to after-school clubs.
At the age of 18, Anna moved to the UK, threw herself into a career and for several years "lost herself and stopped dancing”.
When she was 26, Anna took up Zumba and loved it so much she decided to study in London to become a Zumba teacher.
Anna said: “I can tell stories through dance, it makes me happy.
"It has saved me and my mental health a few years ago - dancing has been a cure for me.
“I ended up being 15st several years ago, and I wanted to change my life.
“I am now 9st thanks to dancing and overall fitness work.
“Zumba can really change your life. It can improve your mood and fitness can help our confidence - it did help me mentally.”
The Witham class takes place at the dance studio at Maltings Academy, in Spinks Lane, every Thursday from 7pm.
The Tiptree sessions are every Monday at 6.15pm in the dance studio at Thurstable School.
A class can take up to 25 people and both clubs have dozens of members, so booking in advance is always recommended but there is a pay on the door policy in place.
Extra spaces are also kept for last-minute members to attend, and the hour-long sessions cost £8.
Anna explained what people can expect from her classes.
She said: “They should expect a great fitness party. You sometimes forget you are working out, you dance while burning hundreds of calories.
“It’s just you, the dance floor and Latin-inspired music.
“You don’t need to be fit or have a dance background - Zumba is for everyone of all ages.
“The youngest member of my class is 18 and the oldest is 79, which proves that my classes are very easy to follow.
“The classes are designed to help you move and to improve your coordination and fitness.”
To find out more, go to facebook.com/zumbabyannaa.
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