Villa Park Rec plans Zumbathon March 19

The Villa Park Recreation's Iowa Community Center, 338 N. Iowa, will host a Zumbathon from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 19.

Participants can Zumba the morning away with this active charity event. A $10 donation is suggested. All proceeds will benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure which supports life-saving research, education and screening in the fight to end breast cancer. Zumba is a popular program that lets you dance your way to fitness.

The class incorporates Latin and international rhythms along with dance steps like salsa, meringue, cha cha and samba in a class that's fun and easy. Zumba utilizes the principles of fitness interval training to maximize caloric output, fat burning and total body toning.

Zumbathon is being organized by Esther Collo-Peruzzo, a fitness instructor for the Recreation Department, along with other area instructors.

"Zumbathon is just a wonderful event. We get a great turnout. Last year we had well over 100 participants and I expect the same or more this year. Zumbathon is for people of all levels, beginners are welcome as well as those who regularly paraticipate in a Zumba class," said Collo-Peruzzo.

She added that the Zumbathon is a great way for beginners to learn about the class because they will be exposed to several instructors who will take turns leading the event. Participants can Zumba the entire time or drop in and dance for just as long as they want.

This fun-filled morning of dance moves will also feature door prizes, a silent auction and a bake sale, which according to Collo-Peruzzo sells out every year.

"Everyone is ready for a snack after dancing for three hours," she added.

Pre-registration is encouraged. Participants can go to www.info-komen.org/gotoZumbathonVP to register.