Brooklyn women beat the Monday blues with Zumba

Mondays in Brooklyn are getting a twist in Zumba classes — but not just in the form of dance steps.

On Monday, June 30, a group of local women will don their quirkiest socks for a “Crazy Socks Party,” an initiative aimed at collecting new socks for underprivileged children.

The idea, introduced by Brooklyn resident Charlyne Crowe, requests that members of the newly founded community Zumba fitness class wear mismatched or funky socks to class and bring a new pair or two to donate to those in need.

Behind this creative outreach is Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN) member Chantal Jacobs of Goodwood, who has been using Zumba not just to get people moving, but also to uplift communities.

Ms Jacobs has been a licensed Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN) member for over a decade and started holding classes in Brooklyn just over two months ago after a successful social media campaign — and it has quickly grown, with over 20 women attending each week.

She said the class is open to all fitness levels and ages.

“We are a wild, crazy, and fun group that just enjoys every second of our hour together. This is for women stuck in the ‘I hate Mondays’ mindset. We want to change that,” she said.

What began as a fitness class has evolved into a weekly mood-lifter and a safe, inclusive space where women can focus on mental and emotional well-being as much as physical health, said Ms Jacobs.

“Zumba brings joy, lifts your mood, and helps fight anxiety and depression,” she said.

“Our class isn’t about being perfect or getting every step right. It’s about moving, laughing, and letting go in a judgment-free zone.”

Ms Jacobs is also exploring the idea of taking the sessions outdoors during the warmer months to attract more participants and spread the energy even further.

Brooklyn resident and member of the class, Debbie Abrahams, said joining the class is one of the best decisions she’s made, as it has not only changed her physical appearance but also positively impacted her mental and emotional state too.

“After long and busy hours at work, and taking care of my family, I do Zumba as part of ‘me’ time, so that I can meet with those who are also dancing away the stress and just having something as a reset button that was needed for the week ahead,” she said.

She encouraged all women in the community to join, and said, “It’s a powerful thing when women come together to do Zumba - your mind and body will thank you.”

Brooklyn resident and stay-at-home mom, Jackie Kemp, said her life was made up of cooking and chores — but nothing more, until the Zumba classes came to Brooklyn.

She said that she wasn’t immediately too keen on joining the class, thinking that it would just add to her already busy schedule, but now has no regrets since she joined.

“I have more energy and I just feel that I can focus a lot better. I am always excited about going to the class on Monday. It makes me happy, it has made my tolerance of everyday struggles better, and I have shown a significant amount of weight loss. This class is just uplifting on every level,” said Ms Kemp.

To join the fun - and maybe show off your craziest socks - call Ms Jacobs at 079 375 7101.