Dance yourself fit!

If you're looking for a new activity that's fun, social and calorie-burning, you sound like you're ready to dance yourself fit!

With 2012 being the year of the olympics, everybody everywhere is on a mission to get fit and boost their health and wellbeing. Unlike tedious running on a treadmill or pedalling on a bike, dancing is a form of exercise that requires no clock watching or strenuous motivation.

There are plenty of different types of dancing that can help you get fit but also leave you with an energy boost and a smile on your face!

Zumba - The latest dance trend that's captured the nation, Zumba fitness really is a fantastic way to get fit. The routines are easy to pick up and an hours session seems to fly by, leaving you buzzing and already excited for next weeks class. And the good news is you can burn up to 500 calories in one session! Great fun for all ages - last week my class ranged from 13 year old girls to 60 year old women!

Dvds - Especially just after Christmas there are tons of workout dvds available. The ministry of sound ones are really good and hard working and then there's all the celeb offerings to choose from. If you're body concious and could rather get fit in your own time in your own company, then these are the way for you. The thing I've found about doing a home workout dvd is as soon as one section ends and another begins, you nip to refil your water and take a breath and sometimes don't commit to finishing the whole hour. Another negative is there's nobody around to see you miss out a couple of the exercises, if you were in a class filled with other people, you might find the motivation to keep going.

Strictly - Just from indulging in watching Strictly Come Dancing every Saturday night we all think we can effortlessly do the Salsa or the American Smooth. They're easy right? If you fancy your hand at becoming a dancing pro like the stars on your screen, book into a professional ballroom class with your partner. You'll match Vincent and Flavia in no time!

Wii - Great for partys, family gatherings, time with the kids, or just playing on your own, the Wii is a great form of exercise if you take advantage of it. Games such as Just Dance and the Wii fit are there to provide a fun way of getting fit.

Aerobics - Not for everyone as some people prefer exercising on their own but going to an aerobics class with a qualified instructor is helpful because you can't get fed up half way through and quit (like you can at home) and you know you've got a professional teaching you so it really will be a good workout for your muscles! If you start in a beginners class, don't worry about not knowing the moves or getting out of breath, look around for support and every other person in the room will be the same as you.


Alexandra Baracska

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Posted in 2012 best dance fitness , 2012 top fitness , latin dance , salsa dance , salsacircuit 2012 , zumba dance

Zumba fad dances onto campus

The Zumba workout dance craze has expanded to more than 12 million people around the world and hundreds of Ohio State students are dancing to the beat.

The Latin-inspired group fitness class has found a home at the RPAC. Zumba classes are offered throughout the year and Amanda Crichton, a Group Fitness Instructor at the RPAC, said her classes have been filled since she started teaching Zumba.

"Last fall I was shocked (by how many people were in the class) but now I am used to it," Crichton said.

Zumba has grown in popularity since it first became a business in 2001. However, according to zumba.com, the Latin-infused dance workout was born out of pure accident.

Alberto "Beto" Perez usually taught a traditional aerobics class in his native country of Colombia but when Perez forgot his usual workout music one day, he decided to improvise with his own mix tapes of salsa and merengue music. The class turned out to be a success and has grown into what is now called the Zumba Fitness Party.

Zumba has become one of the most popular fitness classes since it started, said Scott Holmes, the Fitness and Services Program Coordinator.

Each year, group fitness classes are offered free in the first week of the quarter and during finals week. This quarter, 211 people attended the Zumba class in that first week, Holmes said. This is higher than the average 100 people that the free classes usually attract.

One of the students to attend a free session is Ashley Ingram, a first-year in animal science. Ingram said although it was her first time, she enjoyed the experience.

"I don't like exercising, but I couldn't really tell I was exercising," Ingram said.

Zumba has become exceedingly popular in OSU because it is something students can do together, Crichton said.

"You can go with your friends and get the same workout and have a good time," Crichton said.

Ingram said one of her favorite parts of Zumba was that she could do it with her friends.

Another benefit of Zumba is that it is a much more interactive workout than going to the gym, Crichton said.

"It's more than running on the treadmill, you are going to dance," Crichton said. "A girl I had in my class last week said she burned 600 calories."

According to zumba.com, the amount of calories a person can burn doing a Zumba workout varies based on body type, but it is possible to burn hundreds of calories in a class.

In each Zumba class, there are 10 to 12 songs that play to keep the workout going. With short breaks in between, people are able to continually move their body to some of today's most popular pop and Latin songs.

"A lot of people enjoy the music," Holmes said.

Many students ask for certain songs to be used and even though the instructor cannot use every song, it gives students a chance to become more involved, Holmes said.

However, dance-centered exercises do not appeal to all OSU students.

Brittany Baudo, a fourth-year in finance, said she has heard of Zumba from friends and organizations, but she doesn't think following the choreographed Zumba dance moves replaces the gym.

"If you are going to the gym, you get to work at your own pace... you can do whatever you want," Baudo said.

Zumba is centered on certain dance moves and is known for its intense activity during the hour-long class time period.

But some students love the energy.

"I liked it because it was something new, upbeat, energetic, the teacher was great," Ingram said.

Either way, Baudo said she is not surprised by the popularity Zumba has received.

"It's a dance workout. Those are really popular now," Baudo said.

Dance workouts have become increasingly popular not only within OSU but also in the United States. According to zumba.com, Zumba has expanded to more than 110,000 locations and 125 countries.

The popularity of Zumba is something that Holmes said he knew would happen after a similar class featuring Latin dance music received good feedback from students.

"When we started doing this, we knew there was going to be a good response," Holmes said.

Ingram said she agrees with Holmes that the popularity of Zumba is something that is not surprising.

"I didn't know about it and I am glad that I got involved," Ingram said. "It is something I prefer over working out."

Here at OSU, there are many trainers and classes that occur throughout the quarter. To participate in classes in weeks other than the free weeks, students must have a pass to enter a Zumba class. An all-inclusive pass, which is good for any group fitness class at the RPAC, is $50 per quarter, but half-quarter and single session passes can be purchased for $30 and $5 respectively. Passes can be purchased at the RPAC Welcome Center.

Source: Stephanie Kariuki

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Posted in 2011 top zumba dance , Dance workouts , dance zumba , latin dance , salsa dance , salsa dancing , salsacircuit , zumba , zumba dance fitness , zumba workout , zumba worldwide

Free salsa & Latin dance social & free dance show by international star

STUART — After drawing more than 300 people to a free salsa and Latin dance social in Palm City last year, Jack Valerio and Thany Lim will once again offer this great event for FREE from

6 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8 .

This event will be held at Pauly's Niteclub, located at 1630 NW Federal Highway in Stuart, and will include free dancing, free food, a free dance lesson, and a free show by the internationally famous dancer Al "Liquid Silver" Espinoza.

This Grand Opening special kicks off regular dance socials that will be offered again on Oct. 22 and on the first and third Saturday of every month therefter.

Jack and Thany have been teaching salsa & Latin dance for more than 7 years and have taught in excess of 1000 people in our community. They are dedicated to teaching and to providing the community with an elegant and convenient place to dance and to learn to dance. Pauly's Niteclub, where they teach and host their social dances, is conveniently located on the west side of US 1 in Staurt, just about a mile north of the Roosevelt Bridge. Jack & Thany operate under the name Salsa Lessons For Everyone and may be contacted by phone at 772-486-9198 or through their website at http://SalsaLessonsForEveryone.

This story is contributed by a member of the Treasure Coast community and is neither endorsed nor affiliated with TCPalm.com

Source jackvalerio

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Posted in 2011 salsacircuit , AlLiquid Silver Espinoza , dance salsa , free salsa dance , latin dance , salsa dance steps , salsa dancing , Treasure Coast community

If you can move, you can zumba

What is it?

Zumba, as any self-respecting Zumba instructor will tell you, is all about the party. Choreographer Alberto "Beto" Perez created the Latin-inspired workout in the '90s.

It combines hip-hop, Latin dance, aerobics, salsa and belly dancing and has become a phenomenon around the world.

The experience
As someone who has never quite mastered the art of shimmying, I am not entirely sure Zumba is for me. The instructor soon puts me at ease though; anything goes, she says, it's all about the party and having a good time. It's darn near impossible to not have fun when the music to accompany our shimmies, booty rolls and grapevines is so pleasingly cheesy.

The steps are mostly quite simple aerobics moves with a bit of jazzing up. I do have to concentrate intently to get trickier footwork right. I soon discover the best thing about Zumba is that if you get lost you can just waggle your hips and nobody will blink an eye.

My favourite part is the freestyle song where everybody can pull out their best moves. I'm also a bit in love with the gentleman in the skin-tight orange onesie who looks like he is having the best time of his life. The girls outnumber the blokes but everybody is enjoying themselves.

Worth it? RATING: 4.5/5
I have a stitch and may have over body-popped as there is a twinge in my side but I've had so much fun it doesn't matter. The instructor's enthusiasm is infectious and I leave feeling much happier.

That night I demonstrate what I learnt to my partner and I don't care that he is more amused than dazzled by my sizzling new moves.

Source Annie Stevens

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Posted in 2011 best zumba , Alberto Beto Perez , latin dance , salsa circuit , salsa dance , zumba , zumba dance

Learning The Basic Salsa Dance Steps?

If you need to know how to have some fun, you ll want to know the essential salsa dance steps. Salsa is really a fun and sassy dance having been enjoyed and celebrated by people from all over the world for some time now.

What would you like to know about salsa? It really is a sensational dance that has its origins in Cuba. It may be danced solo in addition to groups, but the preferred form of salsa is when you dance it by using a partner. Salsa is included in international dance competitions around the globe. However, but you have to need to learn the dance steps for salsa for fun, there happen to be two belongings you need to do first.

First is attitude. You need to present a confident and sexy vibe once you dance salsa. This can be what’s going to initially attract your audience to your account. I don’t mean to say seem like a hoochie, or be arrogant. Under no circumstances. Know who you are as a new you and bask by using a. Once you release good energy of this nature, half the battle is already won.

Another thing you will have to explore your internal system before you learn the steps is to have a feel for the music of salsa. So what is the best way to do this? Well, it’s something that can’t really be taught. Receive the beat of those sound, see yourself because the sexy and sassy dancer that salsa embodies, and begin to move. I certainly would appreciate in case you have some salsa music somewhere that you can play even when you’re probably not dancing. The more you’ve got a feel for salsa, the higher you’ll be able to dance.

Alright, now we can proceed to the essential dance posture and steps of salsa. The person and the woman face each other in advance of those dance. The man’s left hand holds the woman’s right hand; with the exceptional right hand is lightly placed upon the woman’s waist, slightly circling her back. The woman’s left hand rests around the man’s shoulder.

Because the man would naturally lead, I am going to add some man’s basic footwork here and the woman’s steps are only the natural opposite of it. The man taps his foot around the first beat, then requires a left success in the following beat. He shifts his weight to the proper foot, and he takes a pace back with all the left foot. Hold for only a count. Now, he takes a right step backwards and rocks forwards to his left foot; then he steps forward with his right foot. The steps are repeated.

It is essential to don’t forget to dance most of the salsa steps at the balls of those feet. It is much awkward to view a pair dancing on flat feet. The lady is to be more expressive with her hips, however not exaggerate them the purpose of looking almost wanton. Think flirty and sassy. Always have fun and you’ll have salsa dancing down quickly. Enjoy!

Source sipipipink1611

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Posted in basic salsa dance , basic salsa dance steps , latin dance , salsa circuit , salsa dance , salsa dance steps , salsa dance video , salsa dancing

Get your glow on step into a dance class

Fox trot, swing, ballroom, salsa, hip-hop, waltz, Bollywood – no matter the style, many Calgarians are dusting off their dancing shoes – or buying brand-new ones – and lining up to take dance classes.

There are many benefits to dancing, says Gerald Cote, founder of DancEnergy Premier Centre of Dance. “People take dance for many reasons – self-expression, physical activity, socializing. A big part of dancing is connecting with people,” he says.

Dancing unites the body, mind, and spirit, says Deanne Walsh, an instructor at the School of Decidedly Jazz.

“Not only are you very physical in a dance class, but it’s also an exercise for your mind,” she says. “I see people who might have had a bad day at work, but once we start the music, start moving, by the end of class everyone is smiling.

“On a basic human-nature level, dance is important; that’s what keeps people coming back.”

There’s no age limit for dance. “For us, it’s mostly 35-40 up to 60 or 70, but we see younger people,” says Ian Gooley, owner of Arthur Murray Dance Studio. “Some are looking for exercise, and at the end of a lesson we’ll make sure they have a glow on if they want that. Or sometimes they’re out to meet people, have a relaxing time away from work, spending time with a significant other.”

Amira Jacobs was 35 when she first signed up for classes at Decidedly Jazz. “At first, I started with a blitz of different styles, but I’ve been taken by hip-hop, urban dance – that’s where my heart is,” she says. “I also did Bollywood quite intensely for three years and I’ve also done belly dance, flamenco, jazz.

“I had no dance background; I got involved later in life. I was going through major transitions in my life, and dance offered itself to me.”

What started out as recreation has opened new professional opportunities for Jacobs. “I (recently) turned 40 and I was just hired as a professional hip-hop dancer … if there’s a fountain of youth, it’s dance,” she says, adding dance gave her the confidence to pursue another of her passions; she recently won her first professional job as an actress.

But it wasn’t easy getting into the “swing” of things when she started out. “My first dance class, I was crying – no one made me feel that way, but it was a foreign land,” Jacobs says. “But I took it on as a personal challenge.”

DancEnergy student Leah McCartney had taken a break from dancing to follow other interests such as kickboxing, but the dancing bug bit her anew as a break from her day job in telecommunications.

“I wanted to try West Coast swing – that was different from the style I was used to,” she says. “Gerald encouraged me to try different styles, so I took on all eight dance styles in country.”

McCartney jumped into the competition side of dancing, including partnering with Cote in various events hosted by the United Country Western Dance Council.

Cote says he’s had students go on to make it into the top 20 in the finals for So You Think You Can Dance, Canada? They’re often attracted to dance by its variety, he says.

“It’s like kids in a candy store when people come in for a dance lesson,” he says. “Every dance has a story, mood, flavour. Some like flashy, high-energy salsa; the two-step is a lively dance; the waltz is more romantic and subtle.

“West Coast swing is very popular with the younger crowd, while ballroom appeals to the older group that wants to have fun – it depends on the character of the individual.”

McCartney espouses the virtues of dance for fitness. “Even a lot of the slower styles like waltz, I find the more-controlled dance style, you get a good workout for your core stability in your legs,” she says.

Some dance students have been dancing their whole lives. Decidedly Jazz student Delphi Wheatley, 13, started around age two in a preschool class, and started ballet when she was about five or six.

“I like the performance aspects – being able to show off what I can do and take roles as different characters,” she says.

But don’t expect to see Wheatley competing on reality TV anytime soon. “I don’t really believe in competition,” she says. “Lots of people do it for the winning, but I do it for the experience and dancing with other people … and getting the growth from it.”

Decidedly Jazz dance school manager Jennica Willis says there are classes for every skill level.

“We offer classes for people who’ve never danced in their life, and we have students who have danced their whole life, but aren’t actually looking to enter competition and are now adults looking to try something new,” she says. “They’re looking for something different than going to the gym.”

Source Ale Frazer-Harrison

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Posted in Dancenergy Premier Centre for Dance , Foxtrot , hiphop , latin dance , salsa dance , salsa dance steps , salsa dancing

Women’s Hairstyles for Latin American Dance Competitions

Latin American hairstyles for dance competitions are more sensual looking and have an alluring sexier style than the ballroom styles. The options for hairstyles for women can either be long or short, decorated or not but must have a uniform color.

It is always a good idea to have your hair cut the day before the competition, giving your hair the freshest look, literally just out of the boutique-look is what you want to present to the judges.

The competitions are getting tougher so any edge you can achieve will help you move up in ranking before you even start. Another nice touch is when hair styles and colors match both partners.  Or having a huge contrast works just the same with one dancer having blond hair and the other having dark hair.

Make sure that you hair is well washed just hours before entering the competition. This will help your hair look more alive. You can sprinkle a little lacquer on for shine as long as it doesn’t cause your hair to stick together.

Make sure to test your hair before the competition by shaking and turning you head fast that will resembled the articulation of dance steps that you will be performing on the floor. You want to make sure that nothing falls out of place.

Avoid adding heavy decorations on your hair for Latin due to the speed of the moves. It is recommended that the last thing you do is to apply glitter on your hair right before the contest since this is the first thing that will come off.

Source dancesportevents

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Posted in 2011 salsa dance competiton hairstyles , latin american hairstyles , latin dance , latin dress , latin hairstyles , latin hairsytles salsa , salsa dance hairstyles

Dance Fitness Classes Continue in Popularity at Health Clubs

With the popularity of Zumba, Batuka and dance classes developed by high-profile choreographers and dancers, such as Louis Van Amstel’s LaBlast classes for Crunch, pre-choreographed dance-based programs continue to offer group fitness options for health club operators.

Last November, in its list of top 10 fitness trends for 2011, the American Council on Exercise said that dance classes, which have been gaining popularity for years, would continue to be a major draw at health clubs. That popularity might be the result of the recent abundance of dance-related TV shows, such as FOX’s “So You Think You Can Dance” and ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” says Juliane Arney, owner of Arney Fitness Consulting and a dance instructor and choreographer who has developed classes for 24 Hour Fitness and Crunch.

Amstel, who has danced or choreographed on both of those programs, developed LaBlast, his own cardio dance fitness program for Crunch, two years ago. The hour-long class is offered at different levels, which allows beginners to learn dance skills and coordination and to burn calories. Participants can progress to more difficult dance levels as they improve and want a challenge. LaBlast is Crunch’s most popular dance class and will soon be offered at other facilities owned by New Evolution Ventures, Crunch’s parent company.

“It’s dance fitness based on all different dance styles, every genre of music—cha cha, salsa, jive. All the dances that people see on ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ I have in the LaBlast program,” Amstel says.

The variety and the fun of the program prevent participants from getting bored.

“It is a fun way of still getting the health benefits and the workout benefits without hitting the wall. It’s the diversity of movement to your favorite music,” says Amstel, who describes LaBlast as a workout in disguise.

He credits the program’s success to taking the intimidation factor out of dancing by keeping routines simple and using encouraging instructors that have a background in both fitness and dance.

“Sometimes I feel that fitness instructors in general lose their patience,” Amstel says. ”And it’s the patience that’s really the key for people who think they can’t get through it.”

Arney agrees that instructors play a vital role in making dance fitness classes a success.

“Dance programming, even more so than anything else, is instructor based,” says Arney. “If you’re going to put dance or Zumba on your schedule and it hits hard, you have to think about what you’re going to channel those people into next. Zumba is bringing thousands of new consumers and instructors into the group fitness market, but what are we going to do with them when they’re tired of Zumba?”

She says that Batuka, a program that debuted last year at IHRSA’s show, could be the next big thing in dance fitness. The music is produced specifically for the program by Grammy Award-winning writer and producer Kike Santander, which eliminates the risk of participants getting sick of hearing the same music in class that they hear on the radio.

Regardless of where dance fitness goes in the future, its strong appeal to the female demographic and continuing popularity make it a strong investment in any facility.

“I think the cool part about dance workouts, especially right now with TV and popular culture, is that they’re like a gateway drug,” says Arney. “They are the things that get a lot of people into exercising in the first place. That’s such a huge value because simple, fun dance classes like Zumba are an entry point for a whole population that hasn’t been moving before. Dance might be your first point of entry, but let’s not stop there.”

Source Kelsey Cipolla

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Posted in Batuka , dancing with the stars 2011 , Health Clubs , Kike Santander , latin dance , salsa dance , zumba

So You Think You Can Dance Rundown: The Last Dances

Melanie, Sasha, Marko, and Tadd will be on next week's finale of So You Think You Can Dance, while Ricky and Caitlynn were eliminated. I felt like this was expected, because Marko and Tadd have been strong dancers throughout the competition, but struggled to connect emotionally with the audience. It was sad to see Caitlynn go, because she has grown tremendously. Nigel commented, "Caitlynn dances from her head and over-thinks things too much. Melanie dances from her heart. Sasha dances from her soul. I think all three are incredible dancers." Are you excited that Melanie, Sasha, Marko, and Tadd are the remaining four dancers?

It doesn’t matter who made the So You Think You Can Dance Season 8 finale, executive producer and head judge Nigel Lythgoe declared during Thursday night’s results-show telecast: “The only winner is dance.” Roll your eyes all you want, but the man kind of has a point, doesn’t he? As we come to the end of a sensational summer of hip-hop, contemporary, jazz, ballroom, and not enough offbeat stuff like African jazz and Bollywood, it’s time to put your hands together one more time, as the glamorously attired Cat Deeley instructed, for the week’s evicted hoofers, as well as the undeniably awesome quartet left standing.

Source BuzzSugar

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Posted in 2011 So You Think You Can Dance , dance steps , final four 2011 , latin dance , Marko , Melanie , Sasha , Tadd , Top best 2011 So You Think You Can Dance

Dance lessons spice things up

Things are once again heating up at West Vancouver’s Ferry Building Gallery.

Recently, the cultural hotspot launched its annual spicy summer dance program, Salsa by the Sea, for the sixth year running.

The classes, which take place Thursdays until the end of August, offer North Shore residents a chance to experience the music, rhythms, and dance of Latin America in a picturesque setting — Ambleside Beach.

Ruth Payne, the gallery’s visual arts coordinator, says dancers of all ages are welcome to come learn all the right moves in a supportive environment.

“It’s very casual. You can show up in your running shoes if you want,” says Payne.

“We’ve had people from ages four to 96. We’ve had singles and we’ve had couples. You can come not knowing a single step, and within half an hour you’ll be in the groove.”

The lessons run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and the cost is $6. Each week, instruction is led by renowned Peruvian dance instructor Doris Angela Maria.

“She’s probably the best salsa dancer in Vancouver,” says Payne, a long-time student.

Payne says on a night with good weather, the lessons can draw up to 100 people to Ambleside Landing near the pier. Most come to dance, but some gather just to watch she says.

“It’s always a lot of fun,” she says. “It’s all about the rhythm. I don’t think there’s anyone who can resist Latin music. It’s very soulful.”

For more information on Salsa by the Sea visit www.ferrybuildinggallery.com, email gallery@westvancouver.ca, or call 604-925-7290.

The gallery is located at 1414 Argyle Street in West Vancouver.


Source Greg Hoekstra

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Posted in dance lessons , latin dance , salsa dance , salsa dance steps , vancouver

Extra Saucy Miami Salsa Congress Starts Tonight

Miami and salsa are almost interchangeable - there's hardly an ad or commentary about Miami that doesn't include a salsa soundtrack, with exclamations of "caliente!" It's a cliché, but also true: the heart of the salsa sound -- Cuban son and its Afro-Caribbean rhythmic roots -- makes Miami move to a beat unlike anywhere else in the USA.

It's no surprise then that the 10th edition of the Miami Salsa Congress is bigger than ever. This year it features over 400 national and international stars, 30 dance workshops, live concerts, and, of course, parties that last till 6 a.m., all centered at the newly gleaming Fontainebleau Resort on Miami Beach. We caught up with executive producer Rene Gueits to ask him about the 10th anniversary extravaganza.

New Times: After a decade, what differs most from the inaugural event?

Rene Gueits: The shear size of it. And more then ever locals from across Florida have taken an interest, giving the event more of an arts festival feel. This new wave of attendees adds to the international [feel] of the past decade.

Why the emphasis on the Fontainebleau?

It's the best South Beach has to offer -- and that's what we like to offer.

Have the audiences changed in 10 years?

Yes, the audience has become more diverse, with attendees traveling from as far as Japan, Australia, Europe, the Caribbean, Canada, and the United States.

Have salsa styles changed over the period?

Yes, styles and preferences are constantly evolving. The shows have become much more elaborate and exciting.

Would someone who danced salsa in the beginning days of the 1970s recognize the salsa of today?

They would definitely recognize the dance, although they would most certainly notice an evolution.

Will anything surprise us this year?

"The extraordinary compilation of talent. Over 400 performers including three nights of dance showcases, five bands and world renowned DJs, including some of the biggest names in the industry."

The 10th edition of the Miami Salsa Congress starts Wednesday and runs through Sunday. The big weekend events begin at 8 p.m. with a two-hour performance from leading salsa companies. On Friday night alone, there will be groups from D.C. , New York, Japan, Caracas, and of course Miami -- 26 performance troupes in all that night. Then the 4,000-square dance floor is opened up to all. After that, DJs and live acts take over until 3:00 p.m. There's also a Beginner Salsa Boot Camp at noon on Saturday. A closing workshop on Sunday at 4 p.m. is simply called Ladies Styling. For details on times and events for the five-day affair at the Fontainebleau Resort on Miami Beach, check the Salsa Circuit Global Events for more Miami Salsa Congress updates.

Source By Anne Tschida

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Posted in dance salsa , latin dance , Miami Salsa Congress , Miami Salsa Congress 2011 , salsa dance , salseros

Contestants from More than 20 Countries Compete in Puerto Rico Salsa Congress

San Juan –  Dancing couples from more than 20 countries will compete for the world championship at the 15th Puerto Rico Salsa Congress, which will be dedicated to music legend Roberto Roena, organizers said Tuesday.

Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Spain, Italy, Colombia, Guatemala and Martinique are some of the countries competing in the event, to be held July 16-30 at different venues in San Juan and nearby Caguas.

Brazilians Carine Morais and Rafael Barros, winners of the 2010 World Salsa Open, return to the congress to defend their title, the event's producer Eli Irizarry said.

Also participating will be runners-up Kelvin Hernandez and Licelot Maldonado of Puerto Rico and the Spanish pair Adrian Rodriguez and Anita Santos, winners of the 2007 and 2008 editions.

Irizarry told a press conference that when he organized the first edition, he had no idea how far the event would go, since close to 150 similar events are held every year around the world.

"We're not your usual convention, but rather an event that impassions a market and that seeks to learn the latest trends and the music people dance to in their own countries," the organizer said.

Besides Roena and his orchestra, the congress will feature performances by El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Luisito Carrion, Tito Rojas, La Mulenze, La Puertorriqueña de Don Perigñon, Jose Alberto, Sammy Garcia and El Sabor de Puerto Rico, Julito Alvarado and Del Norte al Sur, NG2 and Villariny Salsa Project.

Source EFE

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Posted in El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico , July 16 to 30 2011 Puerto Rico Salsa Congress , La Mulenze , latin dance , Luisito Carrion , Puerto Rico Salsa Congress , salsa dance , salsa dance steps , Tito Rojas

The Capital's biggest Salsa Concert

Salsa is for those who believe in dancing with passion. The hot and wild spice it carries makes it irresistible as it creates a tremendous energy around it. And nothing proved it better than the evening at Siri Fort, which witnessed the capital’s biggest Salsa concert. Organised by the
Embassy of Colombia and ICCR on the nation's 201st National Day Celebrations, the 75 minute concert culturally and traditionally united India and Colombia.

The event was enjoyed by an audience of almost 2,000 people who swayed along as the professional dancers showcased their salsa moves to the rhythm of hte music. The dancing was not confined to the young, the elderly couples too gyrated to the beats.

The band even taught the audience various famous Colombian dance moves like the Motorbike move and the Chikka Likka moves. The crowd naturally went wild, asking for more. The band danced with the audience personally making them groove to the music.

The Colombian super group La Republica (or The Republic) rocked the show not just with their infectious energy and zeal but also their happiness to perform for India lightened up the entire auditorium. They created a musical aura that just made everyone present there tap their feet and start dancing. Audience were filled with enthusiasm to dance to their tunes. The entire ambience was left spell bound and mesmerized with their enthralling music.

La Republica is the one of the world's most famous Salsa bands and has even accompanied artists like Justo Almario, Dave Valentin, Richie Ray, among others.

In the past, Delhi has enjoyed performances from Zona Prieta, Chocquibtown and La 33 but this has certainly been the grandest affair till date.

“Music connects one and all. It is a universal language. As a matter of fact, Cali, third city of the country, is also known as World Capital of Salsa,” said  His Excellency, Colombian Ambassador to India, Mr. Juan Alfredo Pinto Saavedra.

The Bollywood Connect
“We are witnessing a growing interest for Salsa in the Bollywood, institutions and various schools reaching out for Salsa to an unbelievable extent. This is a pure sign of how close and adaptable the cultures of two nations are. And 'La Republica' as the name suggests is the perfect band for this special day" said Ambassador Pinto.


Source Deborah George

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Posted in latin dance , Salsa Concert , salsa dance , Salsa in the Bollywood , salsa latin dance , salsa steps

Take Zumba, add water

Aqua Zumba is new version of the popular fitness program

The slogan says it all: Ditch the workout, join the party.

It's that kind of light-hearted mentality that is inspiring people in the Valley and the rest of the world to burn some serious amount of calories while having fun.

Zumba has become a standard at Lehigh Valley gyms, with about 545 classes found within 25 miles of Allentown. Since the fitness style was popularized in 2001, it has acquired new shapes. One of the most dashing: Aqua Zumba.

Offered in a handful of locations in the area, it takes the dazzling music and energy of Zumba and brings it to the pool. It's made of seductive dance moves, laughter and endurance-building choreographies that thrive on water's resistance to make you sweat without you realizing it.
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"It doesn't feel like you are working," says Karen Burger-Lewis, a South Whitehall resident who recently participated in an Aqua Zumba class at the West End location of the 24-7 Fitness Club in Allentown. "You are sweating but you are not sweaty."

Aqua Zumba is also an asset for people who suffer from joint conditions that keep them from high-impact exercises on the ground. Playing in the water allows them to build strength without straining. It is also a good way to defy the sweltering summer heat.

"I only do aquatic stuff 'cause I hate to exercise," Burger-Lewis admits. "It's good exercise. And it's fun. You punch the water instead of the boss."

In just a decade, Zumba has grown from a happy accident to worldwide phenomenon. One day in the mid 1990s, Albert "Beto" Perez darted off to teach an aerobics class in his native Colombia and forgot his traditional aerobic music. He improvised using a mix from the salsa and merengue tapes that he had in his backpack.

People could not stop smiling as they followed him in the class. The energy electrified the room. That energy is still reverberating in gyms around the globe.

The concept exploded later in Miami thanks to the business savvy of entrepreneurs Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion. The three Albertos created Zumba Fitness in 2005 and have not stopped innovating. First came the DVDs, then the apparel and now you can find Zumba for Wii, Xbox and PS3.

The Zumba promoters attribute its success to its vivacious Latin music and dance moves. This was likely indispensable for its initial success in Miami, but what's interesting about this style is that it seems to ring true to everyone irrespective of culture. It invigorates that universal human yearning to move and to play.

Laura Warmkessel teaches her own version of Aqua Zumba. While she follows the standard Aqua Zumba choreography, she doesn't use the recommended Latin Zumba music playlist. And it still works. Short of a J.Lo hit or Lou Bega's "Mambo No. 5," her music has little Latin influences. But her students dance, splash and smile to Rihanna's songs with the same excitement that salsa aficionados display when they are dancing to the original Zumba music.

The beat is contagious and boisterous enough to trigger the desired response. A few minutes into the class, and people forget the water temperature — cold enough to make you shiver at the beginning of class. Inhibitions slide off and in little time you find yourself dancing in the water, looking like a fool and enjoying every minute of it.

The water movements make you feel like you are dancing in slow motion. While the effort might not seem evident at first, people soon begin to take small breaks, showing that the party also takes its toll. Amid all the spraying, the swerving and the dives, you can burn around 400 calories in an hour-long class. Regular Zumba classes are said to eliminate between 500 to 800 calories.

"If you don't sleep well," Warmkessel says, "I'm not doing my job."


Source Milton Carrero

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Posted in 24-7 Fitness Club , aqua zumba , Aqua Zumba class , latin dance , salsa dance , zumba classes , zumba fitness , zumba music

Event promotes dance for better health, fitness

SEGUIN — Amanda Gold wants Seguin to see dance in a whole new light.

Gold, owner of Suzi Hughson School of Dance, said moving to music has long been considered an art form, but people are also beginning to recognize dance’s other benefits.

“If people knew how intense dance is, they would see how athletic it is in nature,” she said. “Last year’s ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ (SYTYCD) winner was sponsored by Gatorade, and it was the first time that dance was recognized as a sport.”

Moving to the beat is a fun way to exercise, Gold said.

“Dancing is a great way to get fit and get healthy,” Gold said. “You can dance anywhere. I dance in the store while I am waiting in line to check out.”

In an effort to help promote the activity, SYTYCD started Dance 4 Your Life with sponsorships from the Dizzy Feet Foundation and the Larry King Cardiac Foundation.

Dance 4 Your Life is an event that will be going on simultaneously across the country at all of the Six Flags locations on July 30.

“Normally, you would be able to go to Six Flags and take part,” she said. “But this year, we decided to have one in town on the same day. We’re going to do the same dances that you would do at Fiesta Texas.”

Gold will be leading a dance at the Central Park bandstand that was choreographed by Mary Murphy, SYTYCD judge.

“The one that we will be doing is a salsa, which anybody that is doing Zumba would get a kick out of,” Gold said. “We might be able to demonstrate another dance that might be fun and that one is kind of hip-hop based.”

Gold felt that offering the gathering a little closer to home opened the event for more people.

“I liked the idea and it sounded fun,” she said. “What better way to promote getting fit and getting up off the couch. If I can be out there doing this at 30 weeks pregnant, anybody can do it.”

The dancing will be from 9-11 a.m. and participants will receive a D4YL bracelet.

The event is free and open to all ages.

“You don’t have to be a student of dance, a professional dancer or even an athletic person. It is open to anybody, any age,” Gold said.

For more information on Dance 4 Your Life go to fox.com/dance.

Source Felicia Frazar

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Posted in dance for your life , dance steps , dancing salsa , Larry King , Larry King foundaion , latin dance , salsa dance steps , zumba

A Revolutionary Total Fitness Workout

Latinva Dance Fitness encourages men to begin an exercise regimen aimed at burning excess body fat, it should include cardio and strength training. Body fat depends on a number of factors, to include age, diet, genetics and physical activity. It increases the chances for disease, like certain types of cancer, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Men can minimize their risk for disease by maintaining a healthy diet and an exercise regime. The Latinva Dance Fitness DVD is a fund and exciting way to burn fat. You also learn new dance steps and can enjoy the cardio workout in the privacy of your own home.

Fitness Dance Workout

The entire dance routine is set to lively Latin-inspired music – you are dancing, having fun and burning calories. Your body begins to move naturally as you bring your own style of dance into the cardio workout routine and make it your own. The key to Latinva Dance Fitness is not solely about the fun or the exercise; it is also about the level of concentration involved in the process. One must truly focus to memorize the sequence of steps in order to really gain all of its benefits…a great physical workout and an amazing mental challenge. It is a combination of these two key components that makes Latinva style a real success. Do it and feel like a Dance Star!

Benefits of Latinva

There are many health benefits to dancing. Our focus at Latinva Dance Fitness is to promote a healthy life through dance…one dance step at a time. Latinva has many health benefits, which include:

• Balance: Aids in coordination and helps strengthen reflexes.
• Calorie Blaster: Helps burn calories, while improving stamina.
• Endurance: Exercise increases endurance, and Latinva is a physical exercise:
o Improves cardiovascular health; which encourages direct focus and concentration.
o Increases lung capacity.

o Aids in lipid control, which raises HDL (good cholesterol), and lowers LDL (bad cholesterol).
o Aids in blood sugar control, which is great for diabetes.
• Flexibility: Most dance moves require bending and stretching, so simply by dancing, Latinva participants become more flexible.
• Memory: Improves memory by teaching participants to recall steps, routines and dance patterns; making it a great mental exercise for the brain.
• Strength: Strength is the ability of a muscle to exert a force against resistance:
o Enhances posture, balance and concentration; which can prevent falls.
o Strengths bone density, which improves mobility.

o Builds muscles tones throughout the body, especially in the legs and buttocks.
o Keeps joints lubricated, which helps prevent arthritis.




About Latinva

What is Latinva? The actual words were created by combining sounds meaning Latin rhythm and dance, or "dance with the beat." Not only are the steps and music different than you have ever seen or heard before, but the style in which it is taught is a complete evolution of previous workout programs. How? Latinva addresses fitness on a whole new level by providing more freedom and fun in a cardio workout.

To find out more about Latinva and obtain a copy of the 2010 Introduction to Latinva Dance Fitness DVD and Music CD, visit us at www.latinva.com.

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Posted in latin dance , latin dance beat , latin rhythms , latinva , latinva dance fitness

Bollywood grooves to salsa, latino beats

I wanna tell you ‘bout a dance that’s goin’ around, everybody’s doin’ it from the grownups down”. The famous Rolling Stones number holds good right now for Bollywood, which is completely smitten by salsa and tango.

Though Aisha was not a hit, it was a treat to watch Abhay Deol, Sonam Kapoor and Lisa Hayden in a salsa number in the romantic comedy.

Kangana Ranaut and Hrithik Roshan scorched the screen with their fast-paced sensuous salsa moves in Kites. In Guzaarish, Hrithik once again mesmerised with his adrenaline rushing performance, while Aishwarya Rai -Bachchan impressed with her flamenco moves.

“International dance formats have always been eye-catching and people make it a point to stop and watch them. With the repeated display of these techniques on the small screen through dance reality shows, the interest of the masses has grown in them,” said choreographer Sandip Soparrkar.

An expert in ballroom dance, Soparrkar was the man behind Hrithik-Kangana’s dream-like dance moves in Kites.

“People are surprised when they see Indians perform ballroom dancing. But Bollywood is becoming international. People need to know that our country is not just about buffaloes and snake charmers,” said the dancer who won the European Ballroom Champion for nine years with his partner Ewa Maria.
It’s true that the new lot of choreographers are not shying away from trying new dance forms in Hindi movies, but it was Shiamak Davar who introduced jazz-infused contemporary dance with the Shah Rukh Khan-Madhuri Dixit-Karishma Kapoor starrer Dil Toh Pagal Hai, telling the tale of a dance-drama troupe.
Soon after, these new forms replaced the jhatkas, matkas and pelvic thrusts. Beautifully choreographed jazz was hugely appreciated in Dhoom (2004), followed by the locking-and-popping in Lakshya (2004), contemporary in Naach (2004), salsa in Honeymoon Travels (2007), and Bollywood-style Broadway in Aaja Nachle (2007).

“While hip-hop has been making inroads into Hindi cinema for some time, other dance styles went unnoticed. Break dance got recognition because of pop legend Michael Jackson,” said choreographer duo Bosco-Cesar.

With films such as Dil To Bachcha Hai Ji, Saat Khoon Maaf and Patiala House, the trend will continue.
“I choreographed a sensuous tango piece for Priyanka Chopra in Vishal Bharadwaj’s Saat Khoon Maaf. I also did a salsa number for Ajay Devgan in Madhur Bhandarkar’s movie, ‘Dil To Bachcha Hai Ji’,” said Soparrkar.

“Reality dance shows and choreographers like Terrence, Remo and Shiamak have educated the masses about the various dance formats through television.” said Bosco.
But, has it overshadowed the typical Bollywood dancing?

Sandeepa Dhar, a trained dancer and debutante actor of Isi Life Mein, said Bollywood dance will never die, and the new dance forms have a long way to go.

“The typical Bollywood dance is a mix of jhatkas and matkas that will never die. But it’s amazing to see that the industry is giving space to these international dance forms. People have had enough of the same old style,” said Sandeepa.

“The international dance formats are at in their initial stages in our country right now while the typical masala dancing has been there for many years. They might co-exist but neither can take over the other’s place.”

Source IANS

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Posted in latin dance , Salsa , salsa dance , salsa dancing , tango

Salsa Dance Lesson Provides Various Emotional Benefits

It is a effectively identified reality that a salsa dance lesson can reap you a range of physical benefits. But the benefits of salsa dancing do not cease in physical elements alone. It can benefit the person emotionally too.

Salsa is a fun way to remain healthful and trim. It helps burn unwanted calories. Since it is dancing, you also get to get pleasure from moving about and expending your energy in a inventive manner.

Salsa increases the heart rate which means you are having a wonderful workout even if you are not conscious of it. Salsa dancing also releases endorphins which has analgesic effects. It produces mood altering final results making you far more optimistic in outlook. Dance is also a weight bearing exercising which develops the bones. It builds upper body strength.

But the distinct advantages of salsa dance lessons are also noticeable in the emotional elements of the individual. It does not create muscles only but develops emotions as properly. Dance can supply psychotherapy treatment to individuals with psychosocial and behavioral disorders. As a matter of fact, a amount of psychological well being facilities are supplying dance treatment for patients.

As mentioned earlier, dancing offers mood-altering advantages. The release of endorphins enables the person to have much more optimistic outlook. The accompanying music can also lift one’s spirit, producing a individual really feel lighter.

Self-esteem is yet another emotional advantage derived from salsa dancing. When you use your abilities and talents, you create much more self-confidence in your self. If you master salsa dancing, you acquire a skill that only a few men and women could do. This is a great ego booster. When you are ready to best complex methods you feel more self really worth.

Salsa also teaches the art of letting go. For present day women, letting go or submission is not a common trait. Manage is essential in today’s world. Letting go can result in troubles to manage freaks or folks who are employed to position of power.

With salsa dancing, you understand to face these control concerns head on. The salsa etiquette gives a lady no option except to adhere to the lead willingly. She can’t anticipate his moves or his thoughts. She need to understand to trust him and let him do the top. The girl then learns the intricacies of letting go. Some ladies may well find this difficult to do but with practice this will be an critical lesson that she will acquire in the dance floor and in life itself.

Another emotional benefit derive from salsa dancing is nurturing social relations with other men and women. When you dance salsa, you will inevitably meet other folks. You will be ready to relate to all types of men and women. You also get to develop deeper friendships in the approach.

Salsa is a partner dance. You are typically paired with individuals with equivalent skills or methods. You can build life extended friendships with these like-minded folks if you shell out far more time with them. This can surely bolster emotional elements of your personality as you learn to care for other folks and maintain long term partnership with them.

Salsa classes can also support one build emotional maturity. For males, top is a chance to show he is responsible and trustworthy on the dance floor. The lady understands that he will do his greatest to make her appear very good. Also, he wants practically nothing but to bring out the best in her. This sort of accountability is a enormous process that falls on a man’s shoulder. This may create a lot of pressure in him to deliver but it can reap him a range of excellent benefits. For one particular, it helps create his capability to deal with responsibilities nicely.

Salsa dancing teaches both partners to be selfless and to give and take in the dance floor. A salsa dance lesson is a great way to enrich emotional maturity in a inventive and entertaining way.

Source Gwendolyn Cuizon

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Posted in emotional beat salsa dancing , latin dance , salsacircuit2011 dance salsa dancing salsa , top best salsa dancing 2011

Hines Ward relives fateful 'Dancing With The Stars' accident

   
Backstage, the dancer told OnTheRedCarpet.com that she was wearing her neck brace from the accident on Friday up until the moment she hit the stage to perform and Ward iced his partner's neck as he talked about how hard it was to see the fateful moment where he fell on his partner in slow motion.

"Unfortunately, I caught the second [replay] and it was in slow-mo and I just got sick to my stomach, considering she's been doing this her whole life, you know, passionate about dancing and at the blink of an eye, it can all get taken away from you," Ward told OnTheRedCarpet.com. "So I was just blessed to have her on the stage and dancing. When we finished the routine, I didn't even care about the score, I was happier about her and me dancing together again."

Despite her potentially paralyzing accident, Johnson was in good spirits and praised her partner for helping her out and dancing his heart out.

"Well, I mean I think Hines has deserved perfect scores since a few dances ago, I'm his biggest fan," Johnson told OnTheRedCarpet.com. "He really got me through it and I just feel really blessed and lucky that I'm actually here, standing up and dancing."

Ward didn't know the fate of his partner until Monday morning but managed to crack a few jokes.

"It's been a trying week for the both of us, I didn't even know until this morning that Kym was going to be cleared by the doctor, so you can understand, I got no sleep last night," Ward told OnTheRedCarpet.com. "I was up worrying who's gonna be my partner, going over the routine and over-analyzing every step and all that stuff, but you can't speak enough of Kym, stepping up, taking that neck brace off and coming out, she's a little drugged up on Vicodin now though, so you watch what she says. She's still high now though."

The 34-year-old Australian pro-dancer and Ward appeared teary-eyed as all of the judges each gave them a perfect 10 for their Tango and later they received another perfect 30 points for their salsa, making theirs the first perfect score of the season.

While waiting for her score backstage with Brooke Burke, Johnson said, "I feel so blessed and lucky to be okay."

"She's a warrior, I love her," Ward added.

Johnson was admitted to a Los Angeles hospital on Friday, May 13, after falling and injuring her neck during a practice session.

She and the Pittsburgh Steelers football star are one of four finalists and are frontrunners in the 12th season of ABC's ballroom dancing show. The other three celebrities left on the series are "Karate Kid" actor Ralph Macchio, actress Kirstie Alley and Disney Channel star Chelsea Kane.

Johnson said on her Twitter page on Saturday that she was feeling better and that he her mother had come to visit her.

"I feel so incredibly blessed and lucky not to be injured worse and to have the most caring sweet partner in Hines," Johnson Tweeted on Sunday.

On Tuesday's episode, one of the four finalists will be sent home. Check out tonights recap .

Source Olivia Allin

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Posted in dancing with the stars 2011 , hines ward , latin dance , onthecarpet , salsacircuit2011 dance salsa dancing

Cinco de Mayo dancers make moves connected to Latin culture

Different dance styles connect to Latin culture at Victoria Cinco de Mayo festival

Nathaniel Garek, a sixth-grader, did a hip-hop dance at the Cinco de Mayo festival. The young African-American sees dance as a tool to unify a community.

"It's a Mexican heritage festival, but dance helps us be together, said the Stroman Middle School student.

Nathaniel's school dance group was one of several at the Cinco de Mayo celebration at Riverside Park on Saturday. The various styles of dance all had a connection to Latino culture.

Nathaniel was among the thousands who shared the Latino culture through music, through food and through dance at this year's fiesta.

Jalynn Cantu, another Stroman student, shared Garek's sentiment, but had a different link to the festivities.

"It makes me excited to dance because I get to celebrate my culture," she said.

The 14-year-old walked proudly with a perfectly coiffed bun, silk flowers and gold comb in her hair.

Jalynn's white, lacy dress was from Veracruz. She said it took her almost three hours to get in costume.

The first-year folklorico dancer admitted she had to make some adjustments to dance, "It's really hard but you get the hang of it," she said.


As she walked off the stage after her Jarocho dance, someone yelled, "You girls did pretty good."

Bashfully, she said "thank you."

Kade Gayle admired Jalynn and the other dancers from VISD folklorico group from a distance.

"They are princesses," said the smitten 2-year-old.

He even tried to dance with them in the audience.

Sheila Gayle, Kade's mother said, "He keeps telling how beautiful they are. He's fascinated."

The Gayles are not Mexican, but the mother wanted to expose her son to another culture. Kade's mother also learned from the experience.

"I didn't realize there was so much variety in the style of dress and dance," she said.

Elsa Garcia Pina, wanted her son to embrace dance. For years, her son Arturo performed traditional Mexican dance, but now he's evolved into hip-hop.

The 19-year-old Pina doesn't see the styles of dance as exact opposites. "It's a smooth transformation like A-to-Z," he said.

Elsa Pina, director of VISD Folklorico, said she also sees a connection and doesn't seem phased by his decision. "It's all good," she said.

Students can take the folklorico dance class for credit and get a good workout.

The Victoria YMCA Zumba class may be students, but they are not in school. They are learning to combine fitness with Latin flair.

"I have so much energy. I don't have stress anymore since taking the class," said Aurelia Perez. The two-year class veteran said she loves the Shakira moves, but she was a little nervous dancing in front of a big crowd.

Luckily, Perez had 24 other students backing her up on the stage for her first performance.

Zumba dance is Latino-style dance using salsa, merengue, reggaeton, and quebradita that mixes with fitness according to Rosalinsa Ramirez.

The class instructor said, "It's not really a workout, it's a party."

Source Victoria Advocate

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Posted in celia cruz salsa , cinco de mayo , Cinco de Mayo dancers , latin culture 2011 , latin dance , latina , latina dancer , zumba