Don’t let the pretty lights fool you, the front two rows WILL get sweat.
I came upon the Zumba class at Studio 64 via my cousin Pamela who happened to have tried it once and finds herself privy to their barre classes. When you first walk into this inconspicuous storefront off of Pico Blvd., it looks like a boutique. You would expect someone to sell you a pretty couture dress versus working out. However, this is most likely due to the patrons and it being primarily geared towards barre and ballet classes.
Their Zumba classes are currently featured three times a week: Tuesday nights at 8pm, Friday mid-day and Saturday mid-day. The most popular classes are taught by a gentleman named Carlos… “Really?!” I thought…
While the class was getting filled up, Carlos makes a grand entrance out of nowhere and yells a very colorful, “HELLOOOOOOO!!!” to the crowd. These are a mix of ladies on the Westside, not really the kind of rowdy crowd for cheering for an aerobics class. Carlos was relentless to get some cheers and thus the tone was set. “This is a PARTY!” he’d say.
The choreography was fairly easy to follow. He incorporated a lot more hopping, jumping and arm movement than I am used to and was heavier on the Salsa/Cumbia side with a dash of Flamenco and African moves. Needless to say, 30-45 minutes into it, I already wanted to die. My arms were tired, I was slow on the uptake for hitting the notes and next thing I know – a fan of crowd participation, Carlos pulls myself and my cousin to the front of the class during the hardest choreography… high intensity shuffling to Party Rock Anthem!
At the end of the class, I already felt the soreness sink in. Good sign! I’d definitely recommend this as a great first timer Zumba class to anyone in West Los Angeles. First timers get a free week’s worth of classes as well!
Studio 64
10587-B West Pico Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA
(310) 446-8888
Zumba Classes are Tuesday @ 8:00P
Friday & Saturday Classes @ 12:30P
