For Immediate Release

CITY OF NEWARK OFFERS FREE ZUMBA CLASSES FOR ADULTS

Classes going on now at Boylan Street on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

And at Ironbound Recreation Center on Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Newark, NJ R11; October 7, 2011 R11; Mayor Cory A. Booker and Acting Director of Neighborhood and Recreational Services Tharien Karim Arnold announced today that the City of NewarkR17;s Division of Recreation and Cultural Affairs is offering free Zumba classes for adults. The classes are going on now at the Boylan Street Center every Tuesday through November 8, at from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and at the Ironbound Recreation Center every Thursday through November 10, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The Boylan Street Center is located at 916 South Orange Avenue and the Ironbound Recreation Center is located at 226 Rome Street.

Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance fitness program created by dancer and choreographer Alberto R20;BetoR21; Perez in Colombia during the 1990s. Zumba involves dance and aerobic elements. ZumbaR17;s choreography incorporates hip-hop, samba, salsa, merengue, mambo, martial arts, and some Bollywood and belly dance moves. Squats and lunges are also included. Classes will be taught by Zumba instructor R20;Serenity.R21;

R20;Zumba is a new, dynamic, and enjoyable way to stay fit,R21; Mayor Booker said. R20;I urge all Newark residents to get out and get involved with this exciting program. LetR17;s move toward a stronger and healthier Newark!R21;

R20;I commend our Recreation staff on getting with the beat and developing this important Zumba program. I know residents of all ages will benefit from it,R21; said Acting Director Arnold.

The health and well-being of Newark residents is a priority for the Booker Administration. At his Fourth Annual State of the City Address on February 9, 2010, the Mayor announced that he will serve as National Co-Chair of First Lady Michelle ObamaR17;s campaign to fight childhood obesity. The City has implemented programs such programs as R20;Super Healthy Summer,R21; the annual Newark Bicycle Tour, and public festivals like the Festival de la Familia Latina, which focused on good health practices and nutritious eating. The City has also provided economic grants and loans to stores that sell fresh food, through the Brick City Development CorporationR17;s Fresh Foods Program and Small Grocer Initiative. The R20;LetR17;s Move! NewarkR21; campaign will promote healthy lifestyles, nutritious eating, and efforts to help obese people regain control of their health.

Recreation has been a major priority for the Booker administration. Since 2006, each of the CityR17;s recreation centers has had a comprehensive rehabilitation. After millions of dollars of capital investment, every city Recreation facility and pool has been upgraded and is now open for expanded programs and community use. In addition, City programming at recreation centers has been expanded. Residents can now access a full catalogue of recreation and cultural programs and services.

The CityR17;s recreation programs are sponsored by the Department of Neighborhood and Recreational ServicesR17; Division of Recreation and Cultural Affairs. For more information, contact the Division at (973) 733-6454. For information about any City of Newark program or policy, contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.

-NEWARK-

Contact: Press Information Office: (973) 733-8004

E-mail: Pressoffice@ci.newark.nj.us

About the City of Newark, New Jersey

Newark, commonly referred to as Brick City, is the third oldest city in the United States and the largest in New Jersey, with a population of more than 280,000 people. Newark sits on one of the nationR17;s largest transportation super-structures including an international airport, major commuter and freight rail lines, major highway intersections and the busiest seaport on the east coast.

With a new Administration as of July 2006, Newark continues to see signs of a strong revival. Its population showed growth in the most recent census. Its six major colleges and universities are further expanding their presence. The rate of production of affordable housing has doubled, and new businesses are moving in. There is still much work to be done but Newark is on its way to achieving its mission: to set a national standard for urban transformation.

For more information on the City of Newark, please visit our website at www.ci.newark.nj.us

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