Zumba Group

After years of living back home in Wellington, New Zealand, I learnt that our next destination was Taiwan. I was a bit surprised but I felt happy too, because I had some fond memories of Taipei - my family lived there for several years at one stage when I was young. I thought that during the Covid 19 pandemic many expats preferred coming back home, but we were going away … anyway, we prepared ourselves for the mission. At least the residence in Taipei we were to live in had its own gym, and I would have the chance to restart my gym habit.

I found I could use the gym privately and do exercise, but apart from that nothing much. Then Mrs Jeannie Tien invited me to join the WTIC club which offered Zumba classes among others. Anyway, my first Zumba dance class was in late September, and it’s great fun!! The teacher, Katie is wonderful. She is musical and a beautiful dancer. She always designs a dance in progression, from easy to advanced. Most importantly she is very patient with us, especially when I am there. By repeating the steps and teaching step-bystep with a big smile - what more can you ask for?

I’m absolutely happy with the Zumba class. It relieves stress, especially from the Covid 19 environment, it keeps me fit, it enables me to exercise my motor skills, boosts my heart health and what’s more it makes me feel I can dance. Yes, I can dance! Of course, you know what I mean - not elegant, Chinese classical movements but energetic ‘rock and roll’ music which allows you to practice your motor skills along with Latin rhythm and international music. Now, my challenge is to keep my steps looking right and move along beautifully with the teacher as most of my classmates do. Big challenge, but I am sure I can crack it in the next few years. Ha, ha!

By Theresa Lo Pearson Spouse of Director New Zealand Commerce and Industry office