A brand-new Zumba class for all abilities is coming to Carlisle.

Giovanni Lark is a newly qualified Zumba teacher in Cumbria and is bringing his unique style of dance and music to venues across the city.

Zumba is a fitness program that involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance, and Giovanni says that you can burn up to 600 calories in a session whilst having ‘great fun’.

“Zumba is basically exercise without feeling like you're exercising,” said Giovanni.

“You're moving and you're toning and doing it in a really good, friendly atmosphere.

“It's a party atmosphere and it's good upbeat class so that's why everyone enjoys it because after the 45 minutes goes you could burn up to like 600 calories, and you don't even realize that you've actually exercised that much.”

Giovanni decided to start his Zumba classes as he noticed a lack of adult dance in Carlisle.

“I've been taking Zumba for over a decade, so I'm quite knowledgeable of it,” said Giovanni.

“I've noticed that there was a big problem in trying to secure dance classes for adults in Carlisle and in Cumbria.

“I see there's a lot of dance classes for little babies and little tots, but there's no outlet for adults who just want to dance together with other adults.”

Giovanni’s classes are open to everyone regardless of Zumba experience or fitness level and he has encouraged anyone to get involved with his slightly different style.

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“My sessions are slightly different that other Zumba sessions across the UK,” said Giovanni.

“My class does use the Latin-inspired fusion songs, but as well as up-to-date pop songs and current songs that you would hear on the radio to make it more up to date and current.”

Giovanni’s first class is at the Botcherby Community Centre on Tuesday, June 25 at 7.30pm with another session at Denton Holme Community Centre on Friday, June 28 at 6.45pm.