Two area Zumba instructors and 11 area Zumba fanatics were part of a record-breaking sessions of the exercise dance held recently at Lambeau Field in Green Bay.

Denise Chojnacki and Karen Frisque led their students to a parking lot of the historic football field to join the crowd of 5,117 people to set the United States record for the largest Zumba party. The old record was 3,352 people set by a group in Indiana.

“We found out about it through Facebook and some of the Zumba sites I visit,” Chojnacki said. “They were looking for Zumba participants through northeast and central Wisconsin to recruit.”

Chojnacki said it was an easy decision to be a part of the record-setting performance.

“Zumba is a big party, a fitness party,” Chojnacki said. “When I think about all those people smiling and having a good time, it wasn’t hard to decide to go.”
Chojnacki started in Zumba four years ago and then progressed to become an instructor.

“I had an introductory class at the Y,” she said. “I loved it. I love Latin Music and when you are in a Zumba class, the energy is through the roof.”

Being a part of the large crowd in Green Bay only enhanced the experience for Chojnacki.

“There were people everywhere and no one could sit still,” she said. “They had people around the corner waiting to register. There were random groups that were warming up with dancing. The whole scene was just indescribable.”

After the event, Chojnacki and Frisque stuck around for a training session with the Green Bay instructors that spearheaded the event.

“They had a clinic afterward to talk about new moves and new techniques that they are using,” Chojnacki said. “That was another great thing about this is seeing moves that other instructors use and then bringing them back and incorporating them into my class.”

Chojnacki said there is talk of trying to set the world record of 6,671 people set in India but organizers may wait a year or two before embarking on another attempt.

“The were a lot of people saying we should come back next year and try and set the world record,” she said. “But the organizers seemed like maybe they need a year off and then try again after that. It takes a lot to put something like this together.”

When they do attempt the world record, Chojnacki said she will be there to help support the exercise she has come to love.

And as an instructor, she is able to pass along that passion for Zumba to her students and encourages anyone thinking of Zumba to give it a try.

“Take a few classes and see if you like it,” she said. “Don’t just come to one class, but come to a few classes. There are different dance moves that you can learn so the more times you come the better it gets. But you can’t really do it wrong. It is all about moving and enjoying yourself while getting exercise.”

And Zumba is open to anyone of any fitness level Chojnacki said.

“Anyone can do Zumba regardless of fitness level,” she said. “Most people wind up hooked after the first time. It’s fitness that’s fun.”