A special Zumba fundraising event featuring a line-up of all-male instructors will celebrate its tenth anniversary in honour of Men’s Health Week this month.
The event, titled MIB 2025, will be held at Bounty Boulevard State School in North Lakes on 14 June, with all funds raised supporting the Black Dog Institute.
Jake Cook, owner and lead instructor at Dayboro Fitness Classes, co-created the event with friends Hayley and Robert Tyler after noticing a lack of initiatives that raised awareness specifically for men’s health, particularly mental health, and events showcasing male Zumba instructors.
“In 2015, the Tylers experienced a family member struggle with mental health to the point that the family member tried to take their own life, so the three of us decided it was incredibly important that the event continue each year – not just for that family member but for all of the men in our lives,” Jake said.
“Up to 25% of men experience a diagnosed mental health disorder in their lifetime. Even just having a conversation with one person in your circle could make all the difference. So we choose to raise awareness of mental health and health more broadly through dancing and having a really great time.
“Personally, I don’t think men talk about their feelings or health enough – whether that’s because there is a stigma about talking about such things, or just this societal expectation that discourages those kinds of thoughts from being there in the first place.
“I think events like this just give another assurance that it is okay to talk about mental health and men’s health.”
A Party With Purpose: What to Expect at MIB 2025
Attendees can expect 1.5 hours of Latin and international rhythms, with easy-to-follow choreography, and, according to Jake, “extra pizazz and sparkle with the main overhead hall lights off, great sound and lighting and just electric energy in the room – like one big party!”
Over 10 male instructors from across Australia will present a song from the year they were licensed as a Zumba instructor, in line with this year’s ‘Back in Time’ theme, along with a selection of other tracks from then to now.
“You just can’t beat that smile and that joy, or the energy and excitement of over a hundred people who are dancing and having a great time,” Jake said.
“It’s a musical journey which we are inviting everyone to. And who knows – maybe some of us will be dragging out the neon and leg warmers, or cargos from the 2010s era of Zumba for the occasion!”
Zumbashop Australia will also be onsite with merchandise available for purchase.
MIB 2025
- Saturday, 14 June, 6pm-7.30pm (doors open 5pm)
- Bounty Boulevard State School Main Hall
- 195 Bounty Boulevard, North Lakes
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