Close to people | Stories from Bethel
Sweating for the most beautiful wedding dress
Drums whirl through the room, guitar sounds and singing. Loud and rhythmic, the music entices you to spin, jump and swing your arms. You can't miss it: It's Zumba time again in the Bethel gym. Zumba is a mixture of gymnastics and Latin American dance. Salsa, mambo, cha-cha-cha. And Zumba is Chantal Schmidt-Lorenz's favourite hobby. The young woman has been taking part in the Bethel leisure programme for six years.
Zumba is her favourite hobby
The 35-year-old sets off straight after her work in a workshop for people with disabilities in the Brackwede district of Bielefeld. "I want to keep fit," she says. So instead of taking the tram to Zumba, she walks 40 minutes to the town of Bethel. There's enough time for a cup of tea at the meeting centre. Then she changes and off she goes. "One, two. And forwards! Three, four. And the turn!" Instructor Selma Baskan creates a good atmosphere. She demonstrates the steps and motivates people to join in. Chantal Schmidt-Lorenz gives it her all. Her cheeks glow. The announcement comes just in time: "Take a breather, smile and don't forget to drink!"
"I want to keep fit."
She always goes to her limits
Everyone is happy to oblige. The group of Zumba enthusiasts is a colourful mix. Young and old. Disabled or not. Some tread water and enjoy the rhythm. Others conquer the room without a care in the world. Chantal Schmidt-Lorenz sticks exactly to the steps she has learnt and always pushes her limits. Perhaps also because she is pursuing another important project. "I'm getting married to my husband Nils in church soon and I still have to fit into my wedding dress," she says. Determined, she puts the water bottle to one side and carries on.
Text: Heike Lepkojis | Photo: Christian Weische
This story simply told
She simply enjoys dancing. Chantal Schmidt-Lorenz always has a lot planned after work at the workshop for people with disabilities. Sometimes she goes to the disco. Sometimes she takes a dance class. She particularly likes Zumba. You move to loud music and work up a sweat. Anyone can join in. Young or old. Disabled or not.
Would you like to find out more?
About the offer
Neue Schmiede
Leisure and cultural centre
Handwerkerstraße 7
33617 Bielefeld
Offers & services
The "Neue Schmiede" is located in the centre of the village of Bethel. Bethel's leisure and cultural centre offers a varied programme: there is an attractive gastronomic offer, impressive cultural events as well as rooms that can be used for public and private events. The Neue Schmiede enables people with and without disabilities to come together.
