“I love teaching adults, but I really missed working with little kids and this class is giving me the opportunity,” said Burns. She is teaching adult fitness classes with Semper Fit but missed her time working with young children. “But, I also want to teach them the culture.”īurns is a former school teacher who worked in child development centers and with the military community for years. “I want to teach them the moves,” said Burns. Burns discusses Cumbia, music from Columbia’s Caribbean coast, and will discuss all manner of different cultures with the children as she introduces them to the dances from India and Hawaii to other faraway lands. “It gives us a chance to reach a population of children who we otherwise wouldn’t be able to reach.”Ĭhildren also learn about the cultures that produced the music and the dances. “It’s a fantastic, well-rounded program keeping children engaged,” said Lynn Ramirez, the supervisory recreation specialist of Group Exercise with Semper Fit. She was originally concerned the children would clam up during the class, but even the shyest students danced along and laughed throughout the class.īurns teaches the class at the skill level of the students, going over each step and making simple combinations to keep the children involved. “The kids don’t feel self-conscious, they get to get loose and let go of everything for a while,” said Braggiotti. It helps children have more confidence, and it will teach them about respecting one another.”īurns creates a positive environment for the children, where all body types and athletic levels can have fun and work out.Īlthough there are scheduled parent performances, parents are not present during the typical class, which Victoria Braggiotti, the recreation specialist at the Midway Park Community Center said draws many children out of their shells. “It’s a Latin dance exercise, but it’s not just about dancing. She pours her energy into teaching students about many aspects of Zumbatomic, including social skills, self-esteem and cultural awareness. and are taught by Ryoko Burns, along with other Semper Fit physical trainers.īurns, who is affectionately known as Ms Riyo by her students, is a force of positivity. The Zumbatomic classes are held Wednesdays at 5 p.m. Zumbatomic is a children’s version of Zumba, a workout combining soul with exercise through a fusion of dance and athletics, breaking the monotony of jumping jacks and running laps. Midway Park community center is offering an alternate way for kids to work out with a high energy Zumbatomic class for children between the ages of 6 and 12.