What are Dancing Mama classes?
Dancing Mama offers pre and post-natal dance fitness classes for moms and their children. Our classes are based on Latin music and other international rhythms and are designed for new and expectant moms, moms with babies or toddlers, or just moms. We offer classes from the already popular Salsa Babies® classes and the brand-new Zumbini® program. You can read more about us here.
What are the benefits of Dancing Mama classes?
- Fun and gentle way to get back into shape
- Learn and practice new dance steps to lively Latin rhythms
- Bond with your baby
- Introduce your children to music, movement and Spanish vocabulary
- Meet other moms and moms-to-be
- Love yourself and your amazing body
- Learn about family-related topics from the experts
What do I need to bring to class?
All you need is comfortable clothes and dance or running shoes. We also recommend that you bring water bottle and small snack for yourself, and any other items you baby or toddler may require.
For the Salsa Babies class, you need to bring a front baby carrier. There is a wide range of carriers out there, from slings to wraps to backpacks. Whatever is safe and comfortable for you and your baby is fine.
What is the appropriate age for children to participate?
Salsa Babies classes are ideal for babies between 2 and 12 months old. By 2 months old most babies start having better neck control and will be save to gently move in a front carrier. Babies closer to 12 months old start getting mobile and heavier and may not want to stay in the carrier for the duration of a 45-minute class. It is an individual decision and the basic guideline is that both mom and baby should be comfortable.
Zumbini classes are designed for parents or caregivers with children 0 to 4 years old.
What about the fitness level of moms?
Our classes are designed to accommodate all levels, with special pre and post-natal considerations in mind. We offer low and medium intensity classes for new and expectant moms and higher intensity classes for moms that want a stronger workout without children. New moms need to have their doctor’s approval to start exercising.
We offer a free trial class in case you are uncertain whether the class is suitable for you and your baby.
I have twins, can I still take the classes?
For the price of one, parents of twins are welcome to bring a spouse, relative or friend to dance with the second baby. If this is not an option, some mothers of twins take turns dancing with one baby while the other either sleeps or looks on in their stroller or baby seat beside the mother.
What if my baby starts crying in the middle of the class?
Dancing Mama offers a completely baby and child friendly environment. We are moms… we’ve been there, we understand that babies get hungry or need a diaper change, so feel free to take a break to attend to your babies’ needs.
You will also realize that excessive fussiness is rarely a problem. The rhythm and movement of the class, combined with being held close to their moms, keeps most babies content and often times asleep throughout the class.
What if I have to miss a class?
We understands that it is not always possible to get out the door on time with a new baby, and we’ve all had those rough nights and last-minute trips to the doctor. Therefore, we offer one (1) make-up class per session to accommodate for missed classes. This class can be used during the subsequent session or at another location. We aim to be flexible, so please speak with your instructor if you have any questions.