On Monday nights, the Beech Street Center comes alive with thumping beats, shouts, and laughter galore. A small — but mighty — cohort of Belmont residents gathers each week for 45 minutes of rigorous Zumba class.
“Dance is magical. It builds community, it builds confidence. It’s the best,” said Ann Callahan, who runs the weekly sessions.
Founded in the 1990s, Zumba is a popular aerobic fitness program that combines music and dance moves.
Callahan has been teaching Zumba classes for nearly 20 years and has been a fitness instructor for 30 years, she told The Voice. While working in Watertown public housing, Callahan had “dance parties” with the children there to help incorporate fitness into their lives. She’d taught Zumba before, but the Watertown kids motivated her to return to teaching.
She began teaching Zumba for kids at the Watertown Boys and Girls Club, and eventually she brought her classes to Belmont SPORT (Special Programs Organized for Recreation Time), which offers recreation activities for locals with special needs.
“I think what’s even more beautiful is that Belmont has such a great community. It’s a real treat to be there,” Callahan said.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Callahan taught at Town Hall while wearing a mask. Even with social distancing, her classes gave residents an outlet to move and connect with others when the world was largely shut down, class participants said. This summer, she began offering her free classes in hopes of reaching more people through dancing and fitness. The class is open to anyone regardless of ability.
“Everyone is such a joy,” Callahan said. “This isn’t like exemplary behavior, it’s just good behavior, it’s just inclusive. I want to know everyone. I want to be friends with all the good people, and I sure as hell want to dance with everybody. I just love it.”
Like many fitness instructors, Callahan sees her fair share of regulars in her classes in the Belmont area. Some come alone, others bring their spouse, or even their kids.
“It’s a rare thing to have this much energy in a class and it still be intimate and somehow low pressure,” said Christina Marsh.
Callahan’s music ranges from Afrobeat to pop jams by Beyoncé. The group follows Callahan’s steps — sometimes linking arms or running in a circle together. Throughout the songs, Callahan shouts and laughs, often inviting students up to help lead the dances they’re most familiar with.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re doing the step correctly. It matters that you’re moving. And honestly, I feel comfortable here. I don’t feel like I’m being judged,” said Colleen Hartley.
The last outdoor session takes place Aug. 12. Residents can register online through Belmont Recreation.
