By MOLLY CUTLER Contributing Writer

Zumba, the popular dance workout system that combines elements of Latin and Caribbean music, as well as dances such as salsa, merengue and calypso, has come to the University Sports Complex.

The class is offered on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5 p.m. and a six-week session costs $50 for students. It is open to all students, faculty and staff.

The class consists of easy-to-follow dance moves set to different styles of Latin and popular music. Some songs include “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson and “Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)” by Shakira.

The dance moves correspond to the style of music and the class itself is dependent on the music that is played. Different songs dictate different dance moves, so Latin songs call for salsa and merengue-type dancing. Hip-hop dancing is also incorporated into Zumba.

Zumba is a “head-to-toe” workout, according to the instructor Ivy Kushner. “It’s an hour of constant sweating,” she said at the beginning of the first class on Monday.

According to Kushner, anyone can enjoy Zumba and reap the benefits that come from the all-over workout. The constant movement and dancing helps cardiovascular fitness and the different dance moves build muscle. The moves tone dancers’ bodies while burning fat. “The pounds will melt away,” Kushner said.

Zumba is a way to stay healthy and lose weight without dreading going to the gym. As a fast paced class, Zumba is a serious workout, but it’s also exhilarating and fun, unlike traditional cardio and weight lifting.