Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure first ever ‘Dance Fitness Fest’ took place on Sunday 29 January. In partnership with the Redbridge Institute of Adult Education, the event was launched as part of a joint project: ‘Active Body, Healthy Mind’.

With the crowd gathered in Sir James Hawkey Hall, the Zumba style dance fitness event mixed low-intensity and high-intensity moves for an interval-style dance fitness party. Our DJ kept the music flowing with a mixture of Latin and World rhythms and the crowd moved their feet following the expert lead of Zumba and Dance Fitness instructors on stage. Many in the crowd danced and shimmied for the full duration of the 2-hour non-stop Zumba marathon, while others took a well-deserved break in our ‘Chill Out Zone’ with some refreshment before re-joining the party.

The event ended with a Zumba masterclass from Shak Hussain, an International Fitness Instructor who led the crowd in a mega 45-minute final act before a much needed cool down.

All ‘Active Body, Healthy Mind’ events and workshops are FREE to attend and will take place until July 2023. Those joining can come along to try something new, re-connect with an old interest or something they’ve never thought to try before. Attendees do not need to be experienced in fitness or exercise; no matter the age or fitness level, anyone can join and reap the positive benefits of being active.

Upcoming events include Yoga, Power Yoga, Zumba, and Zumba Toning – featuring some of the instructors who led our ‘Dance Fitness Fest’! These sessions are based in various locations within Redbridge, both within Leisure Centres and in local community venues.

So, if you’re looking to get more active or want to try something new, come along to one of the upcoming events.

Chair of Vision Trustees, Martin Solider said:

“Vision is proud to be part of this fantastic partnership, with the cost-of-living crisis it is a great programme to engage with adults, offering a wide variety of free physical opportunities. We are attracting many people across the borough looking to try something new and fun. Over 130 participants took part in the Dance Fitness Fest, this is great achievement alone.”

Principal of Redbridge Institute of Adult Education, William Pickford said:

“Our partnership with Vision helps us engage with our residents. The programme funded by Redbridge Institute of Adult Education, supported by the Mayor of London, encourages physical and mental wellbeing, by participating in a wide range of opportunities that are available on their doorstep. The successful high-energy dance fest is a perfect example of bringing people together in the community.”

For more information on the programme please visit the Active Body, Healthy Mind page.