Zumba instructor Carla Weldon also promotes pole dancing [Watch]
Weldon hopes to one day own a studio that combines Zumba and pole dancing, and to see more men participating.
Ballito’s Carla Weldon is a fitness instructor who is passionate about both Zumba dancing and the more unusual sport of pole dancing.
She was introduced to the Zumba exercise programme in 2018 after giving up dancing to have her children.
She had a natural flair for it and her instructor encouraged her to qualify as an instructor herself.
Zumba combines cardio and Latin-inspired dance to create a fun workout.
The exercise is offered at 200 000 locations worldwide with 15 million people taking classes weekly in 180 countries.
“It’s really fun, and anyone of any age can do it. I love it because it’s entertaining and another way of bringing people together. If you join the Zumba family you can go anyplace in the world and join a Zumba class and pick up the moves,” said Weldon, who offers classes at both Virgin Active and Fit24.
Looking to challenge herself, Weldon also took up pole dancing in 2021, a combination of dance and acrobatics using a vertical metal pole.
While not ready to compete yet herself, Weldon said few people realised pole dancing was a sport and she received many a strange look when she mentioned it.
“Pole dancing is recognised as a competitive sport and even included in the Olympics.”
The sport originated from traditional Asian acrobatics, which was practiced only by men, and despite its sexualised stereotyping, stands for strength, endurance, fitness and creativity.
“It’s very hard, we get bruised and fall. I sometimes cannot even wear shorts because I am so covered in bruises.”
Weldon hopes to one day own a studio that combines Zumba and pole dancing, and to see more men participating.
“Guys do well on the pole because they have the physical structure that allows them to. Women must work twice as hard. I have a pole at home, and my son can easily do a move that I have been struggling with!”
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