Fusion Fitness, a group of Fairfield County area Zumba instructors, wants you to get fit -- and they want you to feel good about it. On April 14 you can Zumba to your heart rate's content at the Greenwich Family YMCA, which is hosting a Zumba party and fundraiser, proceeds from which will help victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that blends international music and challenging, aerobically driven dance. It's fun, loud and addictive, says Fusion Fitness co-founder and instructor Toni Rubio. Since its introduction in 2001, Zumba has become the world's largest dance-fitness program. It boasts more than 10 million participants -- of all shapes, sizes and ages -- dancing in weekly classes in more than 90,000 locations across 110 countries.

"It works!" says Marlyn Cassone. "We have men and women of all ages in our class, and three quarters of them drop clothes sizes and pounds monthly, if not weekly." She adds that Zumba dancers can average three miles of walking in one class hour.

Toni and Marlyn were excited when the YMCA asked Fusion Fitness to bring their event to its facility, says Toni. "We saw a whole avenue of possibilities for community action and awareness of healthy fitness, cultural awareness and global action."

The local moves – and global action – begin at 7 p.m., Thursday, April 14. Spaces can be reserved online. Tickets are $20 in advance and space is limited to the first 100 participants. The Greenwich Family YMCA is located at 50 East Putnam Ave in Greenwich.
 The party is open to all Zumba enthusiasts and newcomers ages 14 and older.

Have you tried Zumba yet? I did it once and could barely walk up the steps for days. I guess I should venture back. Please share your thoughts with me here.