Centro de la Comunidad reinventing itself with dance, nutrition offerings
New London — Zumba, anyone?
Centro de la Comunidad has a newly renovated dance studio and a lively new attitude.
Elvia Malave, a dance instructor known as "La Pebbles," has spent weeks painting the first level of the community center at 109 Blinman St. and installing a wall of mirrors. She'll show off the new dance studio to prospective dancers at a grand opening at 6 p.m. Monday.
It's like a dream come true to have a professional space, she said during an interview at the center Friday. She touched the arm of Centro's executive director, Elizabeth Garcia, and thanked her and Centro's board of directors for the opportunity.
The classes cost $5 and take place Monday through Friday at 5 and 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 9 a.m. Malave is finishing work on a separate room where children can stay while their parents dance, and plans are underway for a children's version of Zumba, known as Zumbi.
Malave, 31, said she started doing Zumba after her marriage broke up and found it helped her cope with her problems. She decided to help others, and said her dance groups include victims of domestic violence, many of whom suffer from depression, are overweight and "didn't feel they are worthy," she said.
"They come here and talk about their problems, and that's what motivates them," Malave said.
Men are welcome, too, she said, noting there are several among the 62 people who already come to Zumba classes.
Garcia and the board of directors decided Zumba, which is offered in addition to another dance program on Saturdays at 10 a.m., is a good fit with Centro's new focus on fitness and cultural activities.
The community center has long been associated with adult education classes, which still take place there, but the board of directors is trying to expand Centro's offerings and attract a crowd that is diverse in age and heritage.
"Centro is not only for Latino people," said Lizbeth Polo-Smith, who recently became vice president of the board of directors. "You can come if you're black, white, Asian ... anyone. You can come and show us your culture."
Part of its new focus on health and fitness will include classes on healthy eating. The center is planning to offer workshops on healthy cooking and eating and has welcomed community member Monica Reyes to tell visitors about her Herbalife business.
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