Zumba instructor joins boy’s battle

Angie Pewitt teaches a Zumba class at Studio of the Arts in Vacaville. The instructor will lead a Zumba-Thon fundraiser Saturday at Gold's Gym for D.J. Baker, 12, who is battling leukemia.

Angie Pewitt never needs an excuse to teach a Zumba exercise class. She has as much fun leading her students through the Latin rhythm routines as they do attempting to keep pace with her.

And Zumba is all about fun. The program’s slogan is “Ditch the workout, join the party.”  Pewitt, who loves to dance, decided to teach Zumba after attending a class in Davis. She was hooked.

“That’s when I knew what I wanted to do,” she said. “I really found myself having fun in the class. I was working out and having a good time. It’s completely different from any other exercise class.”

Pewitt’s daughters Lexi, 12, and Alli, 5, get a kick out of watching their mother practice routines in the living room. Zumba choreography is provided for Pewitt, but she prefers to create her own.

Angie Pewitt

“I want to do what my students will be able to do,” she said. “I try to make it easy to follow. You don’t have to have rhythm, but it sure helps.”

D.J. Baker

Lexi is the same age as D.J. Baker, the Vacaville boy who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. Pewitt will lead a Zumba fundraiser for the Baker family from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday at Gold’s Gym.

 Pewitt started the Zumba program at Gold’s Gym and now teaches classes at Studio of the Arts.

Pewitt is well aware of the Bakers’ plight because her family attends services at Harvest Church. Baker’s parents, David and Patty, lead the congregation. Pewitt and her husband Jake serve in the children’s ministry.

“I know they have a lot of medical bills coming. I want to do what I can to help,” Pewitt said. “A lot of people do Zumba fundraisers, and I’ve always wanted to find a good reason to do one.”

Tickets for the Zumba-Thon are $20. Donations will be also accepted at Gold’s Gym during the event.  People can also donate to the D.J. Baker Relief Fund at any Travis Credit Union branch.

For further information, call Pewitt at 470-9372.