JAY JOSHI
While the spirit of Christmas brings cheer to all of us, it is also a time to celebrate the joy of giving and include the less fortunate sections of the society too in the celebrations. That is the goal behind ‘Jingle Jam’ a zumba fitness event organised by Dance to Fitness with Wilma Britto, supported by Snaden Shawn Dance Academy. Jingle Jam 2018 is a ticketed event where zumba instructors across Goa come together to offer zumba lessons to the public. The proceeds will go to an orphanage operated by Open Hearts and Hands Ministry, Siolim. The event will be held on December 9 from 7 pm to 8:30 pm at Don Bosco, Panaji. The event is now in its second edition.
“It’s a zumba fitness-instructional programme where we dance to jingles”, informs Wilma “We have zumba trainers who come together and do this exercise as a community.” The Christmas-themed event is all about wearing the colours of Christmas and dancing to jungles, albeit under the watchful eye of the zumba fitness instructors. “What is important is that people participate. You could just stand and watch, but your participation is valued, because it is for a good cause.” she avers.
“I always believe that it’s a season of giving. We support the cause of the orphanage in Siolim run by Open Hearts and Hands Ministry.” adds the zumba enthusiast. “We chose to work with this particular NGO because we came across them about three-four years ago when we did our first charity event under Snaden Shawn Dance Academy. The institution was in dire need of funds, and its cause rang a bell with us. We have been closely working with them ever since.” Wilma further adds that whereas there is considerable awareness about causes such as cancer and AIDS patients, things like orphanages and old age homes also need more attention and funding.
The programme also serves to give experience and exposure to students of zumba. “Generally, my students are exposed only to me. But with this event I as well as my students get a chance to interact with other zumba instructors, because each one has a unique style.” states the accomplished dancer, who is also a partner at the Snaden Shawn Dance Academy. It was her urge to interact with diverse groups of people, and her passion for fitness that drew her to zumba, says WIlma. “When we started the Snaden Shawn Dance Academy for kids, the parents said they too wanted dance lessons, but they wanted to learn dance as a way to de-stress and maintain fitness. A good way to achieve both these goals is zumba.” wilma concludes.
