Between two doors from the entrance to the studio, the Old Fire Station went from bright and breezy to nightclub-esque, complete with dimmed lights interspersed with florescent flashes of red, purple, and blue. I had done Zumba classes in gyms, but not previously at the Old Fire Station studio. Initially hesitant about the set-up, I was converted. The darkness enabled all the many participants to let go, and enjoy moving to the music, a key ingredient to any successful Zumba class.

The instructor, Rhiannon, has been teaching Zumba for four years. She creates her classes so that they are accessible to everyone, regardless of their previous experience with dance or aerobics. I am not fantastic at either, and I had never been taught a class by her before, but I was surprised at how I was able to follow much of what she did. She relied heavily on the music, rhythm and her hypnotic gestures to guide everyone, and it worked to elicit a sense of freedom and fun. I could have been alone in my childhood bedroom, imaging I was taking centre stage at the West End or O2!

Rhiannon is keen for each Zumba class she does to incorporate fun and learning, as well as a work-out. From a dance perspective, she hopes participants might learn a new move, or something about the way the body responds to rhythm. “But, of course, it’s also important that everyone feels as though they have worked hard, and have sweat a lot”, she says.

Rhiannon marries fitness with dance perfectly. I have never been a fan of the traditional aerobics or step class. The repetitive moves can be monotonous, and a harsh reminder of the fact that you are in the gym, rather than in the park, pub, or literally anywhere else. Zumba, however, is uplifting. If you have had a difficult day, if it is a challenge to force yourself to make the journey to the class, the merengue, salsa, afro beats, and pop will undoubtedly wash away the stress.

“It’s a spirit changer” said Rhiannon. It certainly was for me, and it was uplifting to see diversity in the participants – all shaking, swinging, kicking without inhibitions, and with wide smiles. The sense of community she fosters in her classes is evident. One participant, who is returning to India in September, gave an emotional thanks to Rhiannon, as she tried desperately to find out when she might return for one last class before her impending departure.

Rhiannon’s professional training in dance was evidence throughout her class. She told me that in the past, she toured with salsa teams, and trained in diverse dance forms, from the classical Indian dance “Kathak” to the Caribbean merengue. She teaches Jive, Salsa, and Zumba in various locations throughout Oxford, and you can find out more about her classes on her website. I will certainly be returning!