WSU Zumba shuffles out the violence

Just over one year ago, one of Zumba instructor Jenny Eskander’s close friends lost her life as a result of physical violence. Her husband beat her until she died.

“This is not right,” she said. “Together, we can make a difference to prevent these tragedies.”

For reasons like this, One Billion Rising, an anti-violence movement, and V-Day WSU have partnered with UREC’s Zumba program to join students and faculty passionate about both dance and combating violence against women.  

UREC will host a one hour session Friday at noon in the CUB Senior Ballroom dedicated to supporting abused women and girls globally through the free expression of dance.

“One Billion Rising is a global movement,” said Eskander. “People all over the world will dance to the same song to foster an environment for social change; it’s so powerful knowing that we are part of a much larger movement.”

Group Fitness and Instruction Coordinator Jessica Norman said this is UREC’s second year partnering with the movement. One Billion Rising uses art, dance, songs, poems, testimonies and other platforms to voice the violent struggle of abuse women encounter.

“One Billion Rising takes on many forms,” said Norman. “We have decided to show our efforts through dance via Zumba.”

While untraditional, the intentions of UREC parallel the movement in their presentation and mission statement.

“We hope that members of the University community will not only participate in the event, but gain an understanding and awareness of the violence,” Norman said.  “We are involved because we first and foremost want to sow support and compassion for victims and survivors of violence against women and girls.”

Eskander shares the passion UREC in combating violence against women and is proud to be one of the instructors of the event.

“I’m involved primarily because I stand for justice,” she said. “I believe everyone should love and be loved.”

Eskander said dance is the best way to make a statement because it’s a universal action, so everyone can temporarily speak the same language.

The Zumba playlist will feature several popular songs and close with the movement’s signature song, “Break the Chain.”

Norman is excited to be hosting this event for a second year and anticipates a large turnout.

“This event is so powerful,” Norman said. “I’m looking forward to more participation and ultimately more awareness and understanding about this global issue.”

Men and women, students and faculty are invited to participate in this event. Participants are free to walk in and attend at no cost.

“It’s going to be extravagant,” said Eskander. “Your friends in other schools, other states and other countries might already be part of the movement! Why not you?”