Zumba at the Legion for fun & exercise

By Care Lucas

Hayley Stobbe has been dancing since she was young but in 2015 she decided to take her passion to new heights when she became a certified Zumba instructor.

At the time, Stobbe had joined a Zumba class in Port Rowan but when her instructor stepped away for maternity leave, she decided to step in to help out. “We kind of both taught here and there, and then she got out of it and I’ve taken over full-time,” Stobbe said.

The classes take place on Monday evenings at the Port Rowan Legion. Stobbe said anyone with any skill level is welcome to join. They can show up around 7:00 p.m., fill out a waiver and choose a payment option—$9 per class or $40 for five classes, which can be used at any time.

“It’s been a great experience,” Stobbe said. “I have people who come regularly who have been with me since I started my Zumba journey all the way up until now. So you can definitely see how our relationships have grown, and how everybody’s become more involved in Zumba.”

Stobbe may have a dance background herself, but she says that’s not necessary for those looking to take up the activity. “Zumba is definitely dancey,” she admitted. “[But] you don’t have to have a background in dance by any means. A lot of the steps are repeated, so you eventually catch on.”

She said her classes are a great way to get moderate exercise and work all of the muscle groups, while still having fun.

Stobbe said newcomers are welcome to join the classes. But it’s a supportive community and the long-time participants go out of their way to make newcomers feel included and welcome. She said she often adds modifications for each step for the more experienced participants or those looking for a bit of a challenge.

“People come for the exercise, but they also come for the social [aspect] which is amazing,” she said.

Stobbe said her classes are a great way to warm up and stay active, especially during the winter months. “It’s the January blues,” she said, adding that people are less likely to get out and get the fresh air and sunlight they need at this time of the year.

“It’s hard to come to class at 7:15 at night, but you always feel good leaving,” she said. “You feel refreshed. You’re ready for your week to start.”

Originally printed in The Good News, February 2025.