I’ve been looking forward to this particular Friday since April. That’s when I bought my ticket for tonight’s Zumbathon® at Roseland Ballroom here in New York City!

More than one thousand people are expected to get their Zumba on during what’s sure to be an amazing event. It marks the first time Zumba® Fitness and Team Fox have joined forces to raise money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation and its fight against Parkinson’s Disease. PD is a progressive and chronic disease of the nervous system marked by tremor and muscular rigidity.

Here are some of the latest statistics for Parkinson’s Disease in the United States from the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation:

• Nearly one million Americans live with Parkinson’s disease.
• Between 50,000 and 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each year.
• An estimated seven to 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s disease.

Needless to say, I’m excited to get moving to the sounds of Merengue, Salsa, Cumbia and Reggaeton for a good cause. I’m also pumped because the event is being presented by Zumba superstars Gina Grant and Tanya Beardsley. I was lucky to have Tanya as my instructor for my basic instructor licensing workshop back in January. I simply can’t wait to experience the positive and booty-shaking energy she and Gina will surely create in a crowded ballroom. Last but certainly not least, I can’t wait to enjoy a heart-pounding good time with some Zumba friends and I also look forward to meeting new ones!

You know what I’ll be writing about for Monday! Til then, I wish you all a wonderful weekend and whether your plans include Zumba or a long walk on the beach, here’s to plenty of opportunities to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!