It's a fitness craze that is sweeping the world – and it's coming to Bermuda.

Zumba is a dance that was accidentally created in the 1990s by Alberto (Beto) Perez in Cali, Colombia, when he turned up for an aerobics class without his music.

All he had were tunes on an old cassette so using that music he made up a class – which by popular demand he had to repeat at his and other classes. The rest, they say, is history.

Now Kristy Oliver, a newly qualified Zumba instructor who describes it as "exercising without really thinking about it", is bringing the dance to Bermuda.

Before arriving in Bermuda, Kym Burns, owner of The Athletic Club had asked if she would get qualified, as she had thought about introducing it to the club.

When asked if she had caught the Latin dance bug before taking the Zumba instructor course, she admitted that she hadn't.

"I wasn't, but to be honest it was always something that I wanted to sort of do, because my background is martial arts," said Miss Oliver, who holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

"But I've never really been able to take it up seriously. I did dance as a small child, but to be honest I've been waiting for something like this to come out, because I think there was a bit of a gap in the fitness industry.

"They had like, street dance, but I think this is a nice little mix where you can mix it all up and do a whole bunch of different styles."

She added: "People have started to ask me now as to what's going on and what's it all about.

"I think people get a little weary about something being classed as a dance class, I think people think, 'oh, I can't dance, I have two left feet', and that kind of stuff. And it is by no means challenging, it is choreographed, but it is by no means along the lines of a dance class where you keep repeating the same move over and over again until you get it right.

"It is more just about moving and over a period of time you build up confidence. So basically one track will have a maximum of four different moves and you repeat the move for all the music that is the same and that is kind of how it goes."

During an hour-long Zumba session between 400 to 900 calories can be burned depending on the intensity of the workout and one's starting weight.

"I think if you enjoy what you are doing, the weight loss is just a benefit to the whole situation," Miss Oliver explained. "It is massive fun, really."

Miss Oliver who is also a personal trainer and a sports masseuse, says that the classes would suit most of the population.

"I would definitely say it is really good for any age, any fitness level, any capacity any limitation, because it is really simple moves to learn, and it is a fun environment to be in."

The classes start tomorrow at The Athletic Club with a free introductory session at 5.30 p.m.. They will continue on the same night for the ensuing weeks.

The fees $89 for members and $115 for non-members for a block of four classes.