Manila (Reuters) – Mandaluyong City broke a Guinness World record on Sunday (July 19) for the largest Zumba class held in a single venue.
Zumba is a dance fitness activity created by a Colombian dancer in the 1990s, involving aerobic exercises and dance choreography.
A total of 12,975 participants in yellow T-shirts gathered on the streets of Mandaluyong as they danced continuously to high tempo music for 30 minutes.
Dozens of instructors kept the participants engaged and encouraged them to keep dancing.
Guinness officials stood nearby and observed the program to make sure every participant was dancing on their feet during the 30 minute session.
Guinness World Record Adjudicator Alan Pixley confirmed the record had been achieved.
“The largest Zumba class, the current record to beat was 8,232. I can tell you today that the city of Mandaluyong got 12, 975, which means they are the new Guinness World record title holder,” he said.
The previous record was achieved in 2014 by a fitness group in Cebu with 8,232 participants, the Guinness World Record website said.
Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos said the new record would help promote the local government’s campaign for a healthy lifestyle.
“This is a double whammy for us. We have a United Nations Award and now we have a Guinness World Record for a healthy lifestyle,” he said, mentioning a recent U.N. Public Service award the local government received for its initiative on helping underprivileged children with special needs.
The local government has organized fitness events for the past four years, with regular exercise programs being held during the weekends.
