Zumba is one of the newest dance-fitness crazes for those looking to get in shape without the tedium of your regular exercise regimes, gaining popularity in the United States in 2001. Zumba was created entirely by accident in 1986 Colombia when Alberto “Beto” Perez forgot the tapes for an aerobics class he was teaching. So Perez improvised, using the Latin salsa and meringue tapes he had with him in his backpack.  Zumba became a blend of dance and aerobic elements. It borrows choreographic moves from hip-hop, soca, samba, salsa, merengue, mambo and even martial arts, Bollywood and belly dancing. Classes typically last about an hour, mixing fast and slow rhythms as well as resistance training. The following dance and fitness studios on Long Island offer Zumba classes.