A Phenomenological Exploration of Joy during Zumba Exercise: Form, Feeling, and Flow(s) of E-motion

Abstract

The purpose of this doctoral dissertation was to explore the experiences of joy during Zumba exercise. A hermeneutic phenomenological methodology was employed to explore the essential structures or essence(s) of joy. Seven long-term Zumba patrons (one male, six females) participated in this study. Each participant engaged in three phenomenological interviews, observation by the principal investigator, and were invited to keep a journal of their Zumba experiences throughout the duration of the five-month study. One final focus group was conducted at the end of the individual interviews, which four participants attended. In addition, the principal investigator oriented to the phenomenon of joy in Zumba firsthand by experiencing weekly Zumba exercise classes for the period of one year. Three articles were constructed to present the findings from this research. The first article explores the visible, bodily forms and kinaesthetic feelings during Zumba exercise. Phenomenological analysis resulted in exploring joy through stomping, bouncing, and swaying experiences of e-motion. The second article explores somatic flow through an existential connection of body-other-world. Phenomenological analysis resulted in exploring somatic flow through rhythmical and effervescent connections via motions, gestures, postures, and felt connection. Finally, the third article explores the researcher’s bodily experiences while engaging in the phenomenological research process. Three experiential accounts are explored in this inquiry, including: participating in a Zumba exercise class; engaging in a phenomenological interview; and the process of writing and re-writing the experiences of joy. This doctoral research thus offers opportunities to sense and understand joy as a motile phenomenon during Zumba exercise classes and brings attention to the various ways joy may look, feel, and flow through felt connections of e-motion.