Zumba Fountain Valley (Free Class)
The pulsating beats of salsa, merengue, and reggaeton music reverberate through the air-conditioned studio. A kaleidoscope of bright, form-fitting workout clothes moves in unison as dancers' shimmy and shake to the rhythms. “¡Muévete!” the instructor shouts, urging her students to move their bodies. This is Zumba class near Fountain Valley, California, where for over a decade people have come together to sweat, smile, and celebrate movement and music.
Back in the 1990s, the city of Fountain Valley was known more for its suburban sprawl, strip malls, and proximity to Disneyland than for trendsetting fitness cultures. How did this unassuming Orange County town become a hotspot for one of the most popular group exercise classes in the world? It all started with a Colombian dancer named Alberto “Beto” Perez.
In the late 1980s, Beto moved from his hometown of Cali, Colombia to teach choreographed aerobics classes in the United States. He quickly realized many students struggled to keep up with the rigid, technical style of traditional aerobics. Beto began improvising moves and incorporating hip-swiveling rhythms inspired by his own background in salsa and merengue dancing. His classes became more celebratory than regimented, more joyful than mechanical—and his students loved it.
This freestyle approach was the origin of Zumba. Beto continued developing and popularizing his formulas in Miami, creating workouts that felt more like exhilarating dance parties than tiring exercises. By the early 2000s, he had trademarked Zumba and was training instructors around the world. This was perfect timing, as the rising popularity of Latin music like Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ La Vida Loca” primed American audiences for Zumba’s Latin-inspired dance moves.
Beto’s revolutionary fitness concept soon spread across the country, reaching the West Coast by the mid-2000s. Fitness pioneers in Fountain Valley immediately recognized the immense potential for Zumba to take off in their community. The city already had a thriving fitness scene, with popular gyms and studios offering everything from bodybuilding to ballet. But nothing quite compared to the vibrant carnival of movement that was Zumba.
One of the first Zumba instructors certified in Orange County was Teo Reyes. Teo earned her Zumba teaching license in 2009 and immediately began offering Zumba near Fountain Valley. “I realized right away that Zumba was more than just a workout—it was a chance to cut loose, play with music, and build community,” says Teo. “I couldn’t wait to share it with our town.”
The initial classes were small, attracting just a handful of participants. But word spread quickly about the new dance-fitness phenomenon sweeping near Fountain Valley. Class sizes grew rapidly as locals came to take part and have fun. “Everyone brought so much positive energy,” Teo recalls. “It was less like exercise class and more like a joyful gathering of friends.”
As Zumba’s popularity exploded nationwide over the next few years, Marissa’s fledgling classes evolved into a full-fledged studio. In 2013 Teo, offering a daily Zumba schedule in a dedicated studio space. “We’ve been packed ever since,” Teo says. “Zumba really resonated here and changed the face of fitness near Fountain Valley.”
So, what accounts for Zumba’s massive and sustained success here? Marissa points to a few key factors:
Accessibility: “Anyone can do Zumba—no dance experience required! With simple, repetitive moves it's easy for beginners to join right in.”
Variety: “Classes are different every time thanks to new music and moves. You never get bored!”
Stress relief: “People leave feeling energized and uplifted. Zumba is like a shot of joy.”
Community: “Lifelong friends are made sweating on the dancefloor. Our students become family.”
Culture: “Zumba fits perfectly with the Southern California lifestyle. We love our Latin culture here.”
A decade later, Zumba remains a fitness fixture in Fountain Valley. Teo Reyes now attracts students weekly to its classes, from middle school kids to seniors. “Demand keeps growing as people discover how fun Zumba is,” says Teo. “Our community keeps me motivated to provide an amazing experience."
Certainly, Zumba looks different today than in those first recreational center classes 15 years ago. Updated choreo and music keeps classes feeling fresh. New research shows Zumba’s scientifically proven physical and mental health benefits. Virtual classes expanded during the pandemic, allowing at-home sweating.
But the heart of Zumba near Fountain Valley remains the same—a joyful, cathartic release of energy and endorphins through music and movement. For people seeking both fitness and fun, MD Fitness continues to offer the ultimate Zumba experience.
Teo Reyes looks forward to introducing new students to her lifelong passion. “I can’t imagine my life without Zumba and our community here in Fountain Valley,” she says. “I'm so glad I took a chance teaching those first classes and never looked back."
So, if you're seeking a fun way to move your body, forge lasting friendships, and immerse yourself in Latin culture—come join our zumba orange county familia! New students can try any Zumba class for free and experience firsthand the infectious, exhilarating energy that has shaped fitness in Fountain Valley for over a decade. Let the music move you!
Join Us for One Free Zumba Class Today!
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