Waka Waka...what??

What is all this recent video footage of people around the globe dancing to Shakira's "Waka Waka" you ask? Here's the scoop behind the organization 1Goal that Shakira is supporting...

72 million children are still without the chance of going to school. These children could be the next generation's leaders, sport stars, doctors and teachers. But without an education they are confined to a life of poverty.

Children out of school are more likely to be looking after their sick family members, working in manual labour, living on the street, living in war zones or in extreme poverty. They are often extremely vulnerable. Going to school helps a child change the course of their life and of their children's lives in the future.

Education is the best tool we have for tackling poverty. When a child gets educated, they will eventually earn more and be better able to support their family.

A child that goes to school will:
- Have children that will be 50% more likely to survive past the age of 5
- Be 50% less likely to be infected with HIV/AIDS
- Earn an extra 10% for every year of schooling they receive

Education For All is urgently needed if we are to tackle poverty, ill health and hunger. An education can offer hope and a future to children in the developing world who desperately deserve a chance in life.

Please sign up to show your support of 1 GOAL.

In addition Shakira has placed the challenge out there to tape yourself doing her dance and put it out there as a statement on youtube, FaceBook, and any other site you can think of.For more information go to....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk8k-Fv1ZiQ

What's coming up??

Here is THE event to be at!! You WON'T want to miss out! Come for a party that's sure to be OFF THE HOOK!!

It’s a Zumbathon®!

Join us February 6, 2010 for a Zumba® workout from 6:30pm-8:30pm

Doors will open at 5pm.

There will be many guest Zumba® instructors, complimentary snacks, water available for purchase as well as Zumbawear® and other vendors.

Buy your tickets ahead of time for $10.00 tickets at the door for $15.00

Tickets go on sale Jan 11...from the Badger High School office. Proceeds from this event go to BHS Senior Leadership

HOPE YOU CAN COME!!! :) Last year was a sell out, and we predict this one will be too! The students decided to move it to the Badger High School many gym, where we can get better sound, more space, a bigger stage, and more parking!!! :) There will be Vendors with things to sample and purchase...as well as ZUMBAWEAR WILL BE FOR SALE TOO! (cash or check only please!)

Some special surprises for you as well...

We have a couple of SPECIAL GUESTS coming from out of state too! :) Over 30 + FABULOUS ZUMBA INSTRUCTORS ALREADY PLANNING ON COMING... A few of our Chicago & IL based friends will be venturing up to join us... as well as many of our talented WISCONSIN Instructors...and then you have to add in.....DIANE FELKENES (Ohio), ALLISON DINCECCO (VERMONT), Zumba Education Specialists Kelly Bullard, Debbie Wood, and JANI ROBERTS!!!!!!! OMG! ALL UNDER ONE ROOF... ZUMBA STYLE!!! :) WOW, what a PARTY this will be!!! :)

So come network, see the different styles, choreographies, and join this party on Saturday night!

ALSO... this weekend... Zumba Education Specialist Debbie Wood will be teaching weekend workshops in Lake Geneva! Go to www.zumba.com to find out more information about the Zumba Gold workshop and Zumba Basics 2 workshops she is teaching! In addition, Zumba Education Specialist JANI ROBERTS is teaching a Basics 1 in Rockford, IL!!! :) Pass this info on to anyone interested in becoming a Zumba Instructor. For those of you who already are Instructors...(ZIN members)... you can take her workshop for a discounted rate! (it is always better the second time..you catch some little things ...and Jani ROCKS!! :) Go to www.zumba.com for more info.

Zumbatomic®....say WHAT??

Many are asking....what IS Zumbatomic ®??

Zumbatomic® is a combination of dance and fitness moves to Latin and international rhythms and music. Geared towards kids between the ages of 4 and 12 years old, the Zumbatomic® program has been designed to be safe and effective while getting kids of all body types and backgrounds up and exercising, and not just exercising, but having FUN!

Zumbatomic® classes not only get kids up and moving, but teach them many valuable life lessons as well. Kids learn the importance of staying active to stay healthy. They also learn social skills while joining in with their peers in a positively reinforced classroom setting. These energy propelled classes will keep kids AND parents dancing back for more!

Check back soon for Zumbatomic® classes in the Chicago-land or go to www.zumba.com!!