Move like it's your dream
By: Muskan Agarwal
Tags: Dance, Zumba, Fitness, Covid 19

Shakti Ghambir is a well-known Zumba instructor in Kolkata who has worked his way up in this industry. As I curate the stories of people who have not only lived through COVID but have also helped others to make it a smooth one, Shakti’s contribution comes out big. Read his story here:

“Leaving the comfort of home behind, I headed towards Kathmandu to learn Zumba. With barely anything in hand, I had my head full of dreams and aspirations. As a professional dancer, I knew the language of dance and now wanted to master it. Coming from a family of businessmen, I was determined not to fall in line, but to make my own path. Taking all those risks and stepping out of my comfort zone for a career in fitness, I just kept moving forward.

Being the black sheep of the family is not easy. It was difficult to make dance a full-time career when very few believed in it. Thankfully, the fitness industry has been booming with gyms and fitness centres. I found my niche right there. I wanted to deliver high-quality fitness in these centres. The response to my vision of a happier, collaborative fitness schedule was growing stronger day by day and my classes started filling up.

Slowly, my routine became packed and my Zumba family grew. I started my day at 7 am in the morning with my functional fitness classes and was packed till noon. Classes started from 5–8 pm in the evening. After COVID, travel and contact have vanished. So, I continue with online classes; one at 8:15 am and other at 5 pm. I started with online classes so that my students feel less stressed and lonely in such difficult times. Doing Zumba in a diverse cohort meant much more to some than an hour of fitness. It was a time to escape from their daily routine and let go of that stress for some time. With that missing, I didn’t feel I was doing my best, sitting at home. So, once a Zumba instructor, always a Zumba instructor.

Through Zumba, I aim to communicate the larger message of love and respect for all. After every class, I sit back and connect to individuals about their motivation behind doing Zumba and their growth story. I listen to their story just like they listen to their bodies while working out with me. It is important to make dance an extension of people and not just a part of their ‘routine’.

I want to give back the love and confidence that Zumba has given me. It feels so good to hear overwhelming responses from my students! Nowadays, they wait for the online classes to start with some hope to escape their daily lives while being at home. Although an interaction is not exactly the same, we try our best to engage after class and share our experiences of COVID.

Let’s pause and take out 20 minutes to stretch out and be fit. Due to COVID, our bodies are becoming stiffer and muscles are becoming weaker. More than that, we are getting lost in polarised realities, taking advantage of our privilege and doing what we can. I identify the luxury we have, being at home, tuning in and just going on with our workout session. I understand that other humans outside are struggling with baggage of uncertainty. What I can do is help some people overcome their stress and feel happy. So, get up and get going. It is our time to be fit and make this nation fitter, sensitive and action-oriented.”