DANCING SHOES

When it was first introduced to me, Zumba® was described as a Brazilian dance party. Not much for exercise (or fitness of any kind), my ears perked up. Brazil? Love it! Dance? Dig it. Maybe I can do that, I thought. That was a few years ago and since then I have been hooked.

The music is the best part but I have always said that Zumba® does a great job incorporating fashion in its culture. Long hair is left loose to whip about to the beat; cool deconstructed shirts and tank tops in brilliant hues hit the "dance floor” at Zumba studios and conventions worldwide. There are lightweight pants with straps that catch air from all the movement, and there are shoes and accessories too. Even lace shows up in the mix. And the light weight “sticks” (available in 1 and 2.5lbs) make maraca-like sounds.

Truth be told, all this time I’ve been doing Zumba in my Puma's but I jumped at the chance to try the “Energy Push” sneakers from the Spring/Summer 14 collection (zumba.com/shop). They are sassy! I love how light they are and the double laces add a little spice to their look. The mixed materials in black and aqua and lime add energy and attitude.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I gotta fly! Beto Perez, Zumba’s founder and choreographer, is waiting for me (in my DVD player). #sexy