Starting June 22 at 9:30 a.m., Kimiko Taguchi and her daughter Julia will hold free monthly Zumba classes at Hosteling International’s Cheakamus Crossing location.
While the sessions are free to attend, participants are encouraged to donate. All donations will support the Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) and its programs focused on children, seniors, and youth mental health.
Kimiko is passionate about giving back because she once received WCSS grants that helped her enroll Julia in sports.
“Jackie Dickinson and WCSS helped my daughter and me when we struggled to find funding for Julia’s activities,” Kimiko said in a press release. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without their support.”
Kimiko is a certified Zumba instructor and is trained to teach bodyweight HIIT (high-intensity interval training) and circle mobility exercises. Julia, a kinesiology graduate from the University of Victoria, is also a certified personal trainer. Together, they want their classes to focus on fun, participation, and building community.
“You don’t need to be an athlete or know how to dance,” Kimiko said. “It’s about having fun and exercising with others.”
