Zumba is a dance workout that has gained vast popularity over the past decade, and as a result, more and more people opt out of the traditional treadmill workout in favor of fitness classes such as Zumba.

Moreover, dance marathons have been around for years (Grease, anyone?). But a newly minted concept has recently arose, and it made its way to Gustavus this past weekend for the Tri Sigma sorority’s philanthropy event for the March of Dimes.

Zumba, by definition, is “an aerobic fitness program featuring movements inspired by various styles of Latin American dance and performed primarily to Latin American dance music,” according to the dictionary.

Zumbathon traditionally consists of three one hour Zumba sessions lead by a certified Zumba instructor. Door prize drawings happen regularly throughout the three hour class.    

It’s a great way to have fun, win prizes, and donate to a good cause,” junior member, Perry McGhee said.            

The Zumbathon put on by the Eta Theta chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma. This particular event was chosen four years ago when a sister became a certified Zumba instructor.

The sorority stuck with the event due to its immense success, and have continued it every year since.

This year’s event was very impactful for the March of Dimes, the nonprofit organization the Zumbathon benefitted.

The March of Dimes is one of Tri Sigma’s philanthropic partnerships that they work with to raise money and awareness for their specific cause.

Other organizations they work with are the Tri Sigma Foundation and the Robbie Page Memorial Foundation which works to raise money for children’s play therapy.

With these are both causes benefitted by Sigma Sigma Sigma all across the country due to Tri Sigma being a national sorority and benefitting the same causes as all other Sigmas across the nation.

The Sigma’s goal is to serve children, and they are able to do so through their partnership of these organizations.

“This nonprofit organization focuses on research, education, and awareness for newborn prematurity, which is the number one killer of babies in the United States. 1 out of every 10 children is born premature, and that’s one too many! The March of Dimes actively supports millions of babies (and parents) each year in the fight for full-term pregnancies and healthier babies” Marissa White, Senior President of Tri Sigma, said.

This important cause was directly impacted by the success of Tri Sigma’s Zumbathon that occurred Saturday, November 4 in Alumni Hall.

The March of Dimes organization was impacted in a positive way by this event. The workers and participants at the event thought it was a valuable use of their time and money.

“It was a really fun opportunity to meet people I’ve never met before. It was also a lot of fun, something I never thought I’d say about a workout,” sophomore, Tri Sigma, Paige Wormer, said.

“My favorite part about Zumbathon is seeing everyone come together for a good cause. Zumba is a lot of fun within itself, but knowing that I am able to make a difference in someone’s life through this event makes Zumba that much more meaningful and enjoyable,” McGhee, said.

This year the Zumbathon raised 500 dollars for the March of Dimes and brought together people from all across the campus.

Every single cent of proceeds made was donated to the March of Dimes to help them continue their work with newborn prematurity.

All proceeds were donated to March of Dimes so this amount of money will certainly make an impact on their work.

As the year continues the Tri Sigmas will work with other sororities to bring awareness to important causes and issues.

Coming up are the open socials Sweet and Salty social with AST and Death by Chocolate with the Thetas.