For some, Zumba’s accessibility has provided a lifeline. After suffering injuries from a traffic collision in 2011 that left her unable to continue with the sports she loved, Zumba instructor Anisha Gangotra found solace in the freedom that classes offered: “I could do what my body was able to at the time with the injuries that I had and just get lost in the music.”

Alongside helping her gradually recover from her physical injuries, the classes were also instrumental in coping with the post-traumatic stress, depression and anxiety that the incident caused, and provided Anisha with a “community who loved to dance their cares away.” Inspired by how vital Zumba proved to be in her journey to recovery, she became an instructor in 2015 with the goal to “provide a safe space” for people with obstacles to exercise to “enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of moving to music and building a sense of community.” That tangible sense of community is also rooted in science: a 2017 study, published in the American Journal of Dance Therapy, found that oxytocin – which fuels interpersonal trust – is released when people move together. So, the synchronisation of dancing forges a chemical connection of support between members of the group, cultivating that inclusive atmosphere that’s so key to the Zumba classroom.

The experience of 42-year-old Sue, who has been teaching Zumba classes for over 10 years and is a further testament to how important Zumba’s flexibility can be. After falling in love with the exercise, she took the step towards teaching almost ten years ago. Then, in 2015, she suffered a serious back injury that made participation in regular classes difficult. For Sue, discovering Zumba Gold – a less intense class ideal for those looking for a lower impact workout – allowed her to recover from a “very painful and debilitating situation” and build her physical and mental confidence back up again. Both Anisha and Sue found Zumba to be a salvation in times of hardship, and now create that experience for others in need of the boost.

Daunted by the gym? Here's how Zumba offered me a way into fitness