Jai Ho x 2

It's Workout Wednesday ...time for another Choreography Clash!

Did you see the movie Slumdog Millionaire? At the end, as the credits are running, the cast is dancing to a number poppified by the Pussycat Dolls. Jai Ho. I liked it then, and I liked it when we danced to it in one of my Zumba classes (not the same choreography as the movie) ... and even again, when another class did a completely different version! Usually I struggle a bit with the same song, different steps ... but I guess these two are different enough that my brain can handle it. 

This is first one I did (Marian's Class). Our class choreography is pretty much the same. It might not look it, but this is quite the arm workout. Even more so that some of the "arm workout" only songs! This does have a bit of that Indian flair to some of the moves.

Here ... they chat a bit at the start so you can just skip straight to the song starting at 1:14. My MZL class does this version. Instead of the flowing moves, this has core work, squats and punches and a little balancing section.

I really like both of these versions and have them both pretty solidly in my head (meaning I could probably do them even without an instructor showing me the moves). In a couple other classes (Debbie and Melanie) I've seen other versions too ... they are out there. I think I'll stick with these two though.

Zumba Dance Off - Soy Para Ti

It's Workout Wednesday ... Time for a peek at my Zumba classes!

I hit several different Zumba classes. While the instructors vary, often the same songs pop up on the play list. Often I think I'm ready to go when ... the choreography is different! Sometimes I can adapt, other times I'm stuck on one, usually the one I was introduced to first. I'm not an instructor, but I've heard that the Zumba DVD will often include two different versions. In other instances, individuals add their own steps and style. I thought it would be fun to feature some of the dancing double takes I come across in my classes. You tell me which you do or like best ...

The song Soy Para Ti was a new addition in the last few months. I saw it first in Marian's class (which I go to Tuesdays and Thursdays) and it's been a regular in the playlist of late. I like it. It's slow, makes me feel "dancy" ... I'm usually not comfortable with the flowing arms, but I do this one okay.  I was able to find a video online replicating the steps.

I was in class on Monday at Southziders, and Nina had taken the stage. The intro came on, and I glanced at another gal who hits Marian's classes with me. We smiled ... then exchanged panicked glances as Nina started in with some different steps. What? I'd actually glimpsed them before. I'd Shazammed the song after hearing it at Marian's class and looked it up online (to find the video above) and had seen several with these alternate steps. As I looked again, found an official video.

I have adapted to this one a bit ... I actually enjoy the little side step at the start, but I'll admit to slipping back into the steps I learned originally in the middle. Maybe I'll get these down more if it becomes a regular on Mondays. I guess we'll see.

Have you done this song in your Zumba class? 

Which choreography do you prefer?