Women's Life Wisdom Culminates in Zumba Classes

Castane explained the poverty Dominicans continue to face.
"Everybody wants a better house, a better job and a better life," she said.

Twenty years ago, in New York, Castane stepped toward a better life. She told her first employer, "how could I learn English if you don't give me a chance."

She got a chance to stock merchandise, listening to the English exchanges of customers and workers and mimicking them quietly. Years later, she became the worker serving customers. Her appetite for career opportunity grew and so did her family.

Years later, working as a nanny in Virginia Beach, Castane's childhood dancing proved handy in a local gym. She "wowed" the Calypso instructor. Soon after, she became the instructor. This woman thrived and pursued certifications in health and physical fitness. Certifications that include nutrition requirements for her current job as cafeteria cook.

"I started cooking when I was a little girl with mom," Castane said. "She worked for a famous hotel. I learned to decorate from that hotel too. I wanted my house to look like that beautiful hotel someday."

It took 20 years, but she has the house, the family and the jobs she loves.

Vazquez survived challenges like her friend Castane. Born in Puerto Rico, she traveled from the island to South Carolina for school. Limited English hindered studies and work, but a job at a shoe store gave her her husband of 19 years. Her husband's military orders sent the couple to Scotland -a difficult move for this tropical lady.

"I gave up the business career because I couldn't understand the British accent at all," Vazquez said. "After becoming a mom, I dedicated the time to learning English. I read a lot of English novels and literature."

Twelve years ago, military orders directed her family to Virginia Beach. Many books and three children later, Vazquez reached for a career again.

"I walked into a Virginia Beach gym and realized that I could get healthy and fit. Something came alive and I began to work out regularly."

Certifications in health and physical fitness and from the American Red Cross followed.

"I want women, especially Latinas, to know that staying healthy doesn't have to cost a lot of money or time," Vazquez said. "Think about how much money and time it cost to be in a hospital. You can't take care of your family or yourself then."

Vazquez explained that Latino families suffer excessively from diabetes, high blood pressure and heart problems. As a personal trainer, she promotes healthy habits and exercises to fight against these diseases.

Health and exercise pursuits brought Castane and Vazquez together at the 2007 Zumba training. Both women discovered they had attended the same Virginia Beach gym, but never met. Proud 40-something women, with five children between them and many challenges behind them, they continue to strive for more. Their voices spread the message of Zumba cardio and good health for women.

"Women should believe they can do something more. I did," Castane said. "Zumba is like a family affair. My husband tapes my classes and my daughter helps with the choreography."

Vazquez echoed the sentiment. "My daughter and niece participate in my Zumba classes," she said. "Our Latin culture teaches our children to dance from a young age."

As instructors they feel the cardio benefits and Latin rhythms of salsa, merengue, bachata, etc., bring them back to their roots like no other workout experience.

"Zumba is a one-hour party that makes you forget about your problems like when I was a child," Castane declared.

"It's like dancing with the family in Puerto Rico," Vazquez said.

Life has taught these two ladies to celebrate the moment and prepare for the future. Castane dreams of opening a free community center for children to learn dances and provide healthy food.

"I don't forget my childhood," she said. "I want to help other children to believe in themselves too."

Vazquez, between raising children, works at a Fitness Therapy degree.

"I want to work with women to prevent the sicknesses we see too often in our family heritage."

These two women learned to turn their wisdom of surviving life's challenges into wisdom of keeping a healthy life.

Visit them at a Zumba class near you.