Vien, Osterreich; Donnerstag Abend, 1976
I descend the concrete stairs and find myself in a large, dark basement room filled with women, smoke and conversation. It’s the weekly Frauenbewegung gathering where women congregated after dusk in Vienna in that era to offer each other support and camaraderie. Every week, I sense the odd juxtaposition of the high energy exchange whenever women get together versus the secretive nature of the setting. How radical it was to participate after dark in this clandestine, lively assembly in which women nurtured each other simply by being authentically together in one another’s company.
Fast forward 50 years.
Granby, Connecticut; Saturday a.m., 2026
In broad daylight I scan my YMCA bar code and enter the activity room where a diverse group of 50 women (and occasionally a brave man) arrive for our weekly fix of Zumba with our instructor extraordinaire. Thinking minds checked at the door, all we need for the next joy-filled hour are rapid Latin rhythms, bodies that resonate, and mirroring of our dynamic, charismatic teacher. She cranks up the music, and off we go into a cardio dance workout based on moves from Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia and Reggaeton, and several tunes with international rhythms mixed in for added flavor.
Our leader’s boundless enthusiasm and dynamic energy are contagious; quickly the room comes alive with the intensity of non-stop zippy movement, spontaneous cheers, lively choreographed dances, excited smiles and focused vigor. We all peel off layers of clothing as our sweat reveals the powerful cardio fitness effects. The animated teacher radiates bliss and freedom of expression as she demonstrates and encourages sassy, uninhibited moves. Upbeat music and movement continue without pause; throughout the hour the corresponding pleasure builds to abundant, palpable joy. In addition to being beyond fun, it makes scientific sense. When a body moves quickly for a period of time, endorphins are released; when multiple bodies move in rhythm together, oxytocin is released. Fifty women dancing rapidly in synch results in “feel good hormones” and “love hormones” flowing freely along with our dripping sweat.
I want to time-travel to that Vienna basement, clear the smoke, and fill the room with Granby’s Saturday morning Zumba, offering this alternative to all the substances we used back then seeking happiness and freedom. Loud Latin music, festive choreography and robust rhythms along with this unbeatable instructor provide all the chemicals we need.
Synchronistically, after Zumba class, I’m choosing salsa in the Mexican food aisle when the Stop & Shop sound system plays one of our Zumba cool down tunes. Without hesitation muscle memory responds—my body swirls and step-touches to the beat along side the tortillas and taco shells. Why not join in dancing at the Y or in supermarket aisles? With Zumba the more the merrier. We’ve come a long way baby!