Mel B Reveals the ‘Fun’ Spice Girls Song She Wants to Hear Remixed for a Zumba Class (Exclusive)

Former Spice Girls member Melanie ‘Mel B’ Brown recently shared her passion for Zumba during an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the South by Southwest (SXSW) event held in London on 2 June. The 51-year-old, who gained fame as Scary Spice, expressed how much she enjoys dancing as a means of fitness and self-expression. Brown led a lively Zumba class at the festival, promoting the benefits of dance for both physical health and mental wellbeing.

In her conversation with PEOPLE, Brown revealed her interest in remixing a classic Spice Girls track for a Zumba workout. She mentioned that she and fellow bandmate Emma Bunton had previously explored K-pop remixes of their songs, including “Wannabe” and “Say You’ll Be There.” However, she is keen on seeing how a Zumba adaptation of “Who Do You Think You Are” might sound, citing its disco vibes as a perfect fit for the energetic dance style.

Emphasising her enthusiasm for dance, Mel B stated that Zumba provides freedom compared to more traditional forms of exercise. “I think any kind of dance or pop song can be adapted to Zumba,” she said. “As long as you’ve got a good beat and lyrics, it can really energise the class.” She also highlighted a particular song by Meghan Trainor that she feels works extraordinarily well for Zumba, further underscoring her belief that movement can uplift one’s spirits.

Brown’s background as a trained dancer plays a significant role in her preference for Zumba over conventional gym workouts. “This is just so much more free and you can put your own personality on it,” she explained. “It’s a good way of keeping fit and moving, and that’s what I love to do.” Her experience has led her to embrace a more relaxed approach to exercise, allowing her to enjoy each moment rather than stressing over perfection.

During the day’s events, Brown participated in a panel discussion alongside Zumba’s Chief Marketing Officer, Carolina Moraes, and moderator Louise Gannon. She reminiscenced about her childhood, revealing that her mother helped channel her restless energy into a love for dance. Attending the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, she appreciated the freedom to explore various bodily expressions, an aspect she continues to cherish.

The former pop star discussed the importance of movement not just for fitness but also for mental health. “Dance has evolved, and it’s now widely recognised that a healthy mental state involves staying active and engaging with the outdoors,” she noted. Brown emphasised the significance of breath control, particularly for singers, and how Zumba facilitates this in a less rigid setting than her earlier dance training.

Reflecting on her formative years, Mel B spoke candidly about the strict training she underwent in ballet. “Back then, discipline was enforced with physical corrections, like being told off for a wrong move,” she said. In contrast, she finds Zumba liberating as it promotes self-expression rather than conformity.

As social media continues to celebrate self-care and wellness, Mel B’s experience encapsulates a vital reminder that fitness can be enjoyable. She encourages everyone to find a form of exercise that resonates personally, highlighting the natural joy that comes from moving to the music. Whether it’s participating in a Zumba class or simply dancing in one’s living room, the essence of wellness is about connecting with the body in pleasurable ways.

Overall, as Mel B gears up to share her love for dance and fitness through Zumba, she serves as an inspiring figure advocating for joy in movement. Her experiences reflect an evolving understanding of health and wellness, where freedom, expression, and happiness take centre stage.