Zumba classes bring dance-based fitness to Yellowknife
Published 3:25 am Saturday, February 14, 2026
The new Zumba program at the Yellowknife Aquatic Centre is offering teens and adults another way to stay active and social indoors.
The program, running from Feb. 5 to March 26, combines simple dance movements with high-energy music to create a cardio-focused workout that feels more like a dance party than a traditional gym class.
Zumba is designed for people of all fitness levels and does not require prior dance or exercise experience. Participants follow easy-to-learn steps set to a mix of Latin, African and international rhythms, encouraging continuous movement and physical activity.
Zumba instructor Jennifer Escandon said the goal is to make fitness more approachable, especially for people who feel intimidated by gyms or struggle to stay motivated with conventional workouts.
“Zumba is a way to keep active while having fun — it feels more like dancing than working out,” she said.
The class focuses primarily on cardiovascular fitness and body movement, rather than weights or strength training. Participants move at their own pace, with Escandon adjusting the level of difficulty depending on the group.
The program is open to anyone aged 12 and older, making it suitable for both teens and adults. Escandon said she wants to make the class accessible to younger participants, noting there are limited fitness options available for preteens and families.
Interest in the program has been strong, she said. Registration was capped at 10 participants, and the class sold out within a day of being announced.
Escandon recently earned her Zumba certification and is offering the program in Yellowknife for the first time. Originally from Colombia, she has a background in dance and has previously participated in multicultural dance groups in the city.
While the current sessions are being held indoors, Escandon said she may explore additional options in the future, including summer programming or water-based Zumba classes, depending on interest.
For now, she hopes the program encourages residents to stay active during the winter months and to enjoy movement in a social and supportive environment.
