Zumbathon 2013

Well I officially survived the 5th Annual WHBW Zumbathon. And boy what an experience it was.  Never attending a Zumbathon before, or any type of 'thon' for that matter, I really wasn't sure what to expect.  There were 9 of us from the Brattleboro area who carpooled/roomed together and made the 2.5 hour trek to Burlington VT, where we were greeted by about 250 other participants.

The instructors (approx. 50) were broken up into groups of 5.  Each of these groups lead about 5 songs a piece and took turns hopping up on stage and strutting their stuff.  It was up to us; the dancing sardines down below, to mimic their moves and try to keep up.  And surprisingly, it wasn’t as difficult as I’d anticipated.  Of course from time to time I would get tired and stiff, but nothing a little pause and stretch couldn’t cure.  And not knowing any of the routines, I definitely had many “unexpected solos”, but the energy in the room was so contagious that you didn’t think twice about stopping.  And if that wasn’t enough to keep you going, the bummin-n-thumpin of Latin/Hip-Hop music did.

After a few hours of high intense booty shaking, and a very touching speech by a survivor of domestic violence, it was hurry back to the hotel for a quick cleanup, a quick eat, and a quick change of costume.  Then it was back to the auditorium for the 80’s after party… which was then followed by an after-after party at an 80’s bar downtown, followed by a late night/early morn after-after-after party in our rooms back at the hotel.

And even though we all had a blast, and a much needed girlie weekend getaway, this wasn’t about us and having a good time (well maybe a little).  But it was mostly about raising money to support Women Helping Battered Women. This phenomenal organization gives women and children a second chance at life when faced w/the unthinkable.

As an individual contribution, my peeps and I raised $550 for the event.  And more amazingly, the Zumbathon as a whole raised over $55,000 (10k more than last year).  ASTOUNDING!!  So thanks again for all your support and donations.  Not only did you help me to reach my goal, but you also helped to feed, house and support those who have been victims of domestic abuse.

Oh and if you’d like to see a little snippet of the event, check out this short video.  And as far as I can tell I didn’t make the cut.  But if you do happen to spot me (middle/left) then please keep it to yourselves… pretty sure I’d rather not see me! Thanks again :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vyrzB6GSYX4