A Zumba Benefit Fundraiser Friday offers a seasonal twist on the dance based workout.

“Since it’s October, I’m thinking about doing Michael Jackson’s Thriller,” Margo Myer, who will lead the night’s session, said. “Really, there’s all kinds of music. You can use something popular, like Lady Gaga, and make something fit to that.”

The Zumba Benefit begins at 7 p.m. Oct. 14, at Kathleen Academy of Dance on Route 206. Myer expects to do about 10 dances during the hour-long session, ranging from salsa and merengue to more modern dance styles.

“It’s international rhythms,” Myer said. “I usually pick music that I like but I try to give people a flavor of the international.”

Myers, a personal trainer and Zumba instructor, has been teaching the Latin-inspired workout classes for about a year, she said. Since completing her Zumba instruction training, she’s led three “Zumba-thons” for charity purposes.

“I’ve taken tap at Kathleen’s and I said, ‘can I run what’s called a “Zumba-thon”, in October for a breast cancer charity,’ ” she said. “Kathleen (Cirioli) asked if I would do it for Dance for the Cure. So we set a date and the money will go for Dance for the Cure.”

Those attending the Zumba Benefit are asked to donate $10 at the door, Myer added. Like all money raised through Dance for the Cure, the funds from the benefit will support Somerset County families affected by cancer.

The charity began in 1999, after Cirioli’s diagnosis with breast cancer a year earlier. Since then, the 501c3 organization has supported local residents via its fundraising, and also worked to increase awareness through an interactive medical and dance program.

For Myer, the Friday fundraiser follows participation in the American Heart Association’s Heartwalk and the Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure events. Like her prior events, the Zumba Benefit caters to all skill levels.

“The dances are very easy to do,” she said. “You’re thinking about what you’re doing and not thinking about exercise, even though you’re burning calories.”

Those attending the benefit should wear exercise clothes and shoes, though the workout is self-paced and experience definitely isn’t necessary.

“Do what you can do, what you are able to do,” Myer said. “If you can’t do a move, I offer options that are easier or harder. If you flub a step, it’s okay. I flub them too. It’s about laughing and moving and having a good time.”