International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8 March is a global celebration of the achievements of women. This year’s theme, ‘Give to Gain’, highlights the power of generosity, collaboration and lifting each other up - something our Zumba instructors Mari and Annette embody every day.

In the lead-up to International Women’s Day, the duo will once again host a special Zumba Pop-Up on Saturday 7 March at 6:30pm at Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre - creating a vibrant space where women in our community can move, connect and feel empowered together.

Mari's journey

Born and raised in Japan, Mari moved to Australia in 2015 - the same year she became a qualified Zumba instructor. Dance has always been part of her life, from growing up in a household full of music and hip-hop training as a teenager, to performing in a university jazz troupe.

After joining the City of Sydney Leisure team in 2023, Mari now teaches across multiple centres, sharing her energy through Zumba and Aqua Zumba each week.

For Mari, dance represents freedom, joy and connection.

Dance has been my constant. There’s something magical about moving your body to music with others. It creates freedom, joy, confidence and connection. Zumba gives everyone the chance to experience that, no matter their background, age or fitness level.

After navigating major life changes including motherhood, family health challenges and time away from teaching, Mari rediscovered her strength through dance. Reconnecting with her mentor and close friend Annette reminded her of the power of community and lifting one another up.

Annette's journey

Annette’s Zumba story began in 2009 in a small coastal town on the Gold Coast. At the time, she was navigating significant health challenges and depression. Encouraged by friends, she nervously stepped into her first Zumba class which was a decision that would change her life.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would become a Zumba instructor, let alone still be teaching 15 years later and make an entire career out of it, transforming my life for the better.

Inspired by the transformation she experienced, and encouraged by her dad (who she says was her biggest cheerleader), Annette became an instructor in 2011. This March 2026 marks her 15th anniversary of teaching - a milestone that makes International Women’s Day especially meaningful.

When I became an instructor, I understood I had a responsibility: to create positive change. If I can give even one person what I was given in my very first class, then I know I'm living my true purpose.

In 2023, after members encouraged James (our Group Fitness Coordinator) to recruit her, Annette joined the centre with her now-famous Friday night Zumba 'party class' at Gunyama - a high-energy session filled with fun, sweat and smiles.

Women supporting women

For Mari and Annette, Zumba is far more than choreography - it’s a vehicle for empowerment, connection and community. Annette says,

Playfulness becomes joy, sass becomes confidence and a pose becomes empowerment. With the right music and movement, women can find themselves, lose themselves and feel completely whole.

Mari believes Zumba’s global growth reflects something powerful: women are seeking connection, expression and community, not just workouts. Despite the challenges many female instructors face, from balancing family responsibilities to the emotional demands of teaching, it’s the impact that makes it all worthwhile. Mari says,

Dance can change your day, your mood and even your outlook on life. That’s why I teach - to create a space where anyone can come as they are, let go of stress, and leave feeling stronger and happier.

Annette has seen firsthand how transformative that space can be. She recalls a defining moment when two women who used wheelchairs attended her class.

“That experience changed me,” she says. “It pushed me to grow my skills and make my classes more inclusive, so everyone feels welcome and supported.”

International Women’s Day holds particular significance for Annette as a young widow without children. She shares, "For some women, days like Mother’s Day can carry grief. IWD is a day where every woman, no matter her path, is honoured and celebrated."

Together, Mari and Annette created their annual IWD Zumba event as a tribute to resilience, friendship and empowerment. Having both experienced hardships that temporarily pulled them away from dance, and from each other, their reunion through music has been deeply meaningful.

“We know what it means to lift and be lifted,” Mari says. “Through dance, we’ve rebuilt strength, and we want other women to feel that too.”

International Women's Day Zumba Pop Up

Celebrate strength, sisterhood and movement with Mari, Annette and our incredible team of instructors at this special International Women’s Day event.

This is your invitation to dance your heart out, connect with other women and simply have fun. No experience needed - just bring your smile, energy, water bottle and gym towel.

When: Saturday 7 March, 6:30pm to 7:45pm
Where: Gunyama Park Fitness Studio

Book your spot via the button below and get ready to dance the night away!