Zumba has twirled its way into becoming one of the biggest fitness trends in recent years. Originating in Colombia, adults across the world have been busting out Latin-inspired moves while losing weight during these high-intensity dance classes. Proving it’s not just grown-ups who can have all the fun and get fit, Zumba classes are now just as popular with little ones and teenagers.
In Riyadh, the majority of Zumba classes for kids are a mixed affair, but check beforehand if you’re after dedicated classes for boys or girls.
So get ready for an overload of cuteness – while your kids might not be mastering all the moves, you can’t help but smile at just how adorable they will look in these classes. Here are the best Zumba classes for kids in Riyadh.
Al Manahil
We are big fans of Al Manahil, as it’s a life saver when it comes to activities for kids in Riyadh, and is somewhat of an institution in the Diplomatic Quarter. Not only does it have swimming classes and karate classes, but also Zumba classes with a difference. Welcome to aqua Zumba – get ready for the kids to make a splash as they master traditional dance moves in the unusual setting of an indoor pool. Aimed at tweens, it’s a more challenging take on the discipline and the water-based cardio means they’ll get fitter while they shimmy (or just splash) their way through this Zumba class.
9am-9pm Sat-Thu, 3pm-8pm Fri. Diplomatic Square, Ibn Zahr Street, almanahil.com.sa (0488 1069).
Mani’s Brothers Institute for Modern and Popular Arts
Mani’s Brothers is a one-stop shop for kids, offering everything from kathak dance classes to kung-fu lessons. When it comes to dancing, Zumba techniques can be learnt in the western dance classes. During these sessions, kids will learn a combination of western-inspired moves that cover break dancing, belly dancing and, of course, Zumba. The classes are aimed at absolute beginners, although new participants must sign up to three sessions per week, and you can choose the combination of dates to suit you. The classes last one hour and you must complete a minimum of 12 hours per month – that’s a whole lot of dancing. Kids must also be three and a half years old or above to join the class.
4pm-9pm Sun-Thu, 9am-9pm Fri-Sat. Near Riyadh Animal Zoo, Brothers Compound, Malaz, brothers.guru (055 053 8507).
Muna the Zumbaholic
After taking one look at Muna’s Instagram account, it’s clear that she loves teaching Zumba to kids – and that kids love her, too. While she offers salsa and bachata classes, your little ones have come for Zumba, and that is the speciality of this family-friendly dance teacher. While these classes are full of energy, there are different classes depending on your little one’s level of experience: beginners, intermediate, advanced and even experts. Muna rents studio spaces, for example Move Riyadh. So after you’ve filled out her online form with your dance preferences, you’ll be informed of the location.
instagram.com/zumbaholic84
My Gym KSA
While My Gym is a popular spot for gymnastic classes, don’t dismiss its Zumba classes – or, what it likes to call, Zumba parties. Taking place three times a week, the classes last one hour and the emphasis is on having fun. Kids as young as seven months can join in, while boys can be aged up to 10 years old and girls can be aged up to 13 years old. The best thing about My Gym KSA is that the first class is free, which means that if the kids are not alright, they’ll have only lost an hour and not your money.
Exit 5, King Abdulaziz Street, instagram.com/mygym_ksa (055 180 1919).
Tiny Dancer
What a name, what a dance studio. The family-owned space was created in 2015, and the trainers are all Saudi women, so there’s no need to be shy. The studio offers lots of dance classes for kids and specialises in classes for youngsters. The Zumba classes here are set to salsa, flamenco and merengue music and kids will learn a choreographed routine. The whole atmosphere feels more like a party than a workout, hence the class motto – which we can definitely get behind – “ditch the workout, join the party”. The Zumba classes are aimed at boys and girls, and participants must be aged between nine and 13 to join.
Makkah Al Mukarramah Road, Al Mathar Ash Shamali, tinydancerksa.com (058 294 7384).
Looking for more family-friendly activities? Click here for some inspiration.
