This past Sunday, around 6:15 AM, ETA Allison Gross was awakened by the sound of a pounding, high-energy boom box behind her house. After brushing her teeth, she ran outside and rounded the corner to find a delightful, hilarious surprise.

As far as the eye could see and, in every direction, ibu-ibu(Indonesian for Mother, Mrs., Auntie, etc.) were drenched in sweat, making coordinated dance-aerobic moves in colorful clothes. They moved in perfect unison as they watched the three instructors propped up on a massive stage.

Next to the stage, the storefront, which typically sells daily essentials— petrol oil, eggs, soap, potable water, and rice—had been transformed to buoy an industrial sound- system. Allison joined in, struggling to keep up– which her neighbors found very entertaining! The instructor led Allison and the ibu-ibu in high-speed, dynamic movements, punctuated by Indonesian pop music and chanting, “LAGI, LAGI! SATU LAGI!” (“Again, Again! One more!”). After 15 minutes, Allison was coated in sweat and humbled. The morning aerobics class ended with some breakfast and tea with her neighbors. Best wake-up call ever!

Allison Gross is currently teaching at SMAN 1 Sedayu, Special Region of Yogyakarta.