HALLANDALE, Florida (The Adobo Chronicles) – Until recently, it has been estimated that 15 Million people take weekly Zumba classes in over 140,000 locations across more than 185 countries.

Zumba is a dance fitness program created by Colombian dancer and choreographer Alberto ‘Beto’ Perez in the 1990s.  It involves dance and aerobic elements and incorporates hip-hop, soca, samba, salsa, merengue and mambo.  Squats and lunges are also included.

Now, thanks to U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama, the number of Zumba enthusiasts has more than doubled in just the last week or so, according to Zumba Fitness, LLC, which owns the Zumba trademark. Think about it, more than 30 Million people worldwide dancing the Zumba — young and old, gay and straight, men and women, politicians and businessmen —  of all races!

It all started when Obama appeared on the Ellen Show, and together with Ellen DeGeneres and some dancers and choreographers from the hit TV show, So You Think You Can Dance, shook her hips, squatted and lunged, stretched her arms, stepped and double-stepped — all for the sake of promoting her fitness program which is celebrating its 5th year.  Hence the tag, “Give Me Five!”

Indeed, Michelle Obama is now the undisputed greatest endorser of health and fitness, Zumba included.

Here’s the video of Mrs. Obama’s appearance on the Ellen Show.