I was looking forward to getting this one after seeing the sneak peek featuring Gina Grant. She brings the energy, style, and sex appeal that Zumba Fitness represents – she can do no wrong! :)
Once again, props to the production team on how they staged the live version. It brought the party atmosphere – the crowd, warm colored lights, spacious ‘warehouse’ floor, Zumba banners covering every inch of wall space. Good job, team. :)
The Track List
1. Chillin’ – Merengue*
2. Cumbia Árabe – Cumbia*
3. Feelin’ Good – by Locos Por Juana – Cumbia/Hip Hop
4. Pégate – by Grupo Treo – Merengue
5. Don’t Let Me Down – Swing +
6. Quebra As Cadeira – Axé +
7. Oye – by Mara – Reggaeton
8. Zumba He Zumba Ha – by Dj Mam’s ft. Soldat Jahman & Luis Guisao – French Reggaeton
9. Salsa Dura – by La Excelencia – Salsa*
*Covers | + Zumba Fitness originals
Review
My favorite tracks for ZIN 31 came early in the DVD– the first two songs, in fact. Chillin’, a spicy merengue, didn’t come across as a typical merengue in the choreography, which was a nice change. The hip pops enhanced the ‘galloping feel’ of the track. I loved this choreography in its entirety and would use it straight from the ZIN DVD, no mods. I could see this one being a nice way to transition from the warm-up into the main cardio section of a class. Score: ♥♥♥♥♥
Cumbia Árabe conjured up images of Spain with its trilling trumpet sounds. The steady drum beat and synthesizer runs added a unique Arabian flair. The sugar cane move even echoed the motion a bull fighter would use in the ring…it’s almost regal. Again, I loved the choreography as is…very fun and lively. Score: ♥♥♥♥♥
I could see Feelin’ Good playing in a club, people moving and grooving on the dance floor. This choreo looked more loose and freestyle, giving you permission to let your body move how it does. Throw your arms up and let your hips fly! I have to give a shout-out to the Zumba mama in the crowd rocking the purple bra and baby belly – you show pregnant women everywhere that you can look and feel sexy anytime you want! Score: ♥♥♥♥
We got a little preview of two songs on the ZIN 30 DVD menus – Pégate and Oye. While I thought the songs themselves deserved ♥♥♥♥, the choreo was more ♥♥♥. In both cases, there were moves that didn’t quite fit the tempo of the song and looked out of place.
For Pégate, the chorus moves felt off; in Oye, it was the verses. I did enjoy the fist-pumping, high-jumping energy at the beginning of Pégate – like you just stepped into a concert. And Oye brought sex appeal during the chorus with coy steps and some smooth hip rolls. Overall, though, they weren’t what I expected.
Every now and then, Zumba Fitness likes to throw a curve ball and give ZINs something different. Salsa Dura introduces a battle, where the class is split in half and one side competes against the other in a friendly “battle of moves.” I’ve participated in battles in the past, and it was refreshing to see one done with salsa instead of pop or hip-hop. Plus, it showed salsa steps I had never considered before. I’m yoinking some new moves! Score: ♥♥♥♥1/2
Other scores:
Don’t Let Me Down ♥♥♥1/2
Quebra As Cadeira ♥♥♥
Zumba He Zumba Ha ♥♥♥♥
Also, “Don’t Let Me Down” is on the Zumba “Best of Exhilarate Vol. 1″ album (http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Let-Me-Down-Swing/dp/B004ZDEG1M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1347853925&s=dmusic&sr=1-2)
Thanks for the updates, Pauline. “Don’t Let Me Down” was released on Amazon in May, which was a few months after my original post. :) ~ Sarah
Just wanted to update that “Chllin’” (I call it the “What’s up?” song lol) is now buyable: http://www.amazon.com/Chillin/dp/B003A9URGU/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1347853656&s=dmusic&sr=1-6
buenas tardes !!!!!
disculpe la molestia… queria saber si ahi con usted puedo consegir la coleccion de los discos ZIN,,, los quiero para regalarselos a mi mama este 10 de mayo,,, por que esta enamoradisima de ese tipo de ejercicio y del sr. Beto ya tiene 1 año 1/2 asiendo ese ejercicio y a bajado mas de 18 kilos,,, aparte que le gusta ver al sr Beto…. ojala me pueda auxiliar o informarme en donde los puedo consegir,,, de ante mano muxas graxias….
Hola Nancy! Los discos ZIN están para los instructores de Zumba solamente. El público no puede comprarlos. Lo siento! Usted puede comprar estos discos para su mama: http://www.zumba.com/shop/product/zumba-exhilarate-dvd-experience/
I gotten into Zumba recently and got better in shape. I like learning new dance steps especially the appreciation to the types of music.
I want to know how can I get the song “Quebra As Cadeira” by Axe which my kids enjoy listening too.
Hi Fred, I’m glad you enjoy attending Zumba classes! Unfortunately, “Quebra As Cadeira” is only available to ZIN (instructors) as a part of their membership.
Quebra As Cadeira is actually available on iTunes under the Zumba Exhilarate soundtrack. I believe it costs 99 cents.
Thanks for the info update, Lupe. The day this was posted, the Exhilarate soundtrack had not been released. :)
Thanks for that thorough review. I’ve had a few master classes with Gina in Oakland lately & 1st, she’s a great dancer & I felt overall, that in Zin 31 her choreography was much fresher than in the past. Her hip hop moves will make my classes a lot spicier.
I unfortunately did not get to join my fellow San Franciscans at this event because I just decided not to check my email that morning. Ay Carumba!
Hi Janice! Thanks for reading it… her hip hop (and even non-hip hop) are spicier than what we do in class, so like you, we’ll be up-ing the spicy quotient soon. ;) I wish I could channel her spirit when I’m teaching! It’s sad that you missed out on going to the taping session. I feel your pain – that “oy vey!” frustration when you know something fun is going down and you missed out. I’m sure more fun events will be coming to San Francisco soon. :)
Love your review of Zin 31. I haven’t had much of a chance to look at it yet. Now with your recommendations, I’ll look at particulars songs first to save time! Thanks! Gaileee
Thanks for dropping in, Gaileee! Of course, this review is just my opinion, so feel free to think otherwise. LOL :) Let me know which ones you like too!