Annelies De Vriendt leads a Zumba class in her dance studio on the second floor of 1315 Adams Ave. De Vriendt teaches Zumba classes at her studio as well as the Grande Ronde Fitness Center in La Grande. (TRISH YERGES photo)

Zumba dance-fitness parties are gaining popularity in Union County, as their exotic Latino drum beats irresistibly draw participants to the La Grande dance studio of Belgium born instructor Annelies De Vriendt.

Zumba is a Latin-based dance workout led by an instructor, who guides students through dance steps that strengthen and tone muscles. It’s so fun that most students don’t consider it exercise because of its appealing and soul-stirring music. Whether it’s cumbia, salsa, merengue, mambo, flamenco, chachacha, riggaeton, soca, samba, hip-hop, axe music or tango, Zumba helps dance away the calories.

“Zumba is for everyone, children and adults,” De Vriendt said. “So many are afraid to go to a gym. Don’t be afraid. Come to Zumba dressed as you are. All that matters is that you’re here with us.”

De Vriendt teaches Zumba classes at her studio as well as the Grande Ronde Fitness Center in La Grande. To help eliminate the self-consciousness so many feel when working out, De Vriendt turns off the lights in her dance studio on the second floor of 1315 Adams Ave., and illuminates it only with a tiny string of lights along the floor. Participants feel more free to enjoy the class without all eyes upon them.

“There is only one rule in this class, and that is to have fun,” De Vriendt said. “Perfection is an illusion and imperfection is beautiful. So you might as well step outside of the box and throw it away. Be you. Be happy. Come and party those calories away.”

Her students in the Zumba Gold class are doing just that. Heather Torres of La Grande started Zumba classes about four weeks ago for the first time.

“It’s awesome,” she said. “Annelies makes it easy and breaks down the (dance) steps for you. It’s fun, not like exercise.”

Zumba Gold involves low impact dance steps for beginners and is ideal for those with disabilities, arthritic joint pain or mobility and posture problems. Participants are encouraged to work within their limits and do what they can. Improvement comes with repetition.

“It’s definitely more fun than a treadmill,”