Those interested in taking the new classes at Jasper’s Memorial Park Natatorium should be ready to leave their inhibitions at the door.

The schedule now includes Zumba, belly dancing and water tai chi.

“We want people to try some new things and get our community in shape to start the new year,” said instructor Anna Redmill.

Zumba, a dance fitness program with a Latin flavor, will be held on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 a.m.

Belly dancing classes will meet on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m.

Prospective students don’t have to worry about complying with a risqué dress code. Sweat pants are acceptable.

The Natatorium already offers a introductory tai chi class on Tuesdays and Thursdays but is now adding water tai chi (also called hydro-harmony) on Mondays at 9:30 a.m..

The cost is $5 for Zumba and belly dancing and $3 for water tai chi.

Other popular classes at the Natatorium include water aerobics, yoga and line dancing.

Bevill State Community College in Jasper offers six-week courses in yoga and line dancing as well. A new session begins Tuesday.

Amy Cannon has been teaching yoga for 11 years. She said that she has always been active and has found yoga to be the most beneficial for total body wellness.

“It’s something that lets you work from head to toe. You can not only do it in the classroom but also incorporate the postures and poses into everything that you do,” Cannon said.

Cannon’s yoga class is designed for beginners and will meet on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. The cost is $30. A yoga mat is also required.

The college has a line dancing class on Tuesday nights as well.

Instructor Cynthia Rigsby has been teaching people to boot, scoot and boogie for eight years.

The class is set up for beginners and can be enjoyed by students of all ages.

Advanced line dancers can also learn some new moves.

“I try to learn new dances from time to time. One of the newest ones is to Kid Rock’s ‘All Summer Long,’” Rigsby said.

The cost is $25.

For information about the Natatorium’s classes, call 384-9617. For information about Bevill’s schedule, call 387-0511 ext. 5779.