Zumba with Gina Grant

Leaving the Hotel Governor in the Early Morning–Portland, Oregon

A Handy Stop at the Lobby Starbucks for Breakfast to Go (Banana Bread and Hot Tea)

Max Rail Ride

Transferred to the Train

A Twenty Minute Chilly Walk and I Found the Studio!

A Cold Portland Morning–My Nose is Red!

Gina Grant Demonstrates a Move Gina and I after an 8 hour dance class

I had the most exhausting day of my life yesterday! Eight hours of hard-core dance with only a wee 1/2 hour break in between. I learned steps to the Samba, Tango, Belly Dance and Flamenco. Tango was my favorite–I love the drama.
I burned at least 5000 calories just from dancing, not to mention the long walk to get there. All I had to eat all day was my Starbucks banana bread, a banana and a fruit and nut bar. By the time I made it back downtown  (about 7 pm) I was very weak. I ordered a giant burrito to go (from the most amazing and delicious Mexican restaurant near the hotel). I also picked up a bag of chips and a chocolate bar for after the supper–I had NEVER been so starving. But alas, I barely could finish the giant burrito and had no room for the treats.

Training was challenging–we had to cover 4 different dances in one day. Gina was just how I expected her to be–amazing dancer, direct, a little guarded, petite and beautiful.

The only thing I don’t like about the super star image of the Zumba trainers is that they promote perfect unnatural bodies.  I can tell plastic surgery is rampant. In the women it is evident in the fake boobs, tummy tucks and in the men, liposuctioned abs and ab implants.

I don’t like the look of fake body parts. The boobs defy gravity–real boobs are heavy and need support when dancing–fake boobies don’t even move when one dances!
I love real boobies: they move, they are heavy and they need support!

Off to explore a historical mansion and an art gallery…sore already this morning–all of that Belly dancing is hard on the wrists/hands and upper abs.