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THE music was on and her daughter was securely strapped in, so for Florencia Rodriguez, dancing with her newborn daughter was the next logical step.

Surprisingly, both mum and bub loved the result and Baby Salsa was born.

Baby Salsa is a low-impact form of exercise in which parents can learn the basic steps to popular dances and meet other families.

"I'm sure plenty of mums the world over dance with their babies, but we've made it into a formalised curriculum," Ms Rodriguez said.

Since that first experience Ms Rodriguez has gone on to hold a pilot program in Northcote.

The response was so overwhelming that she decided to relaunch the program in three new locations, including Glen Waverley.

Each session is 45 minutes long and participants learn steps to the salsa, cha cha and merengue.

"There's no bouncing or jumping or anything," Ms Rodriguez said. "They're easier steps. Everything's done a little bit slower."

Ms Rodriguez said babies were soothed by the gentle repetitive movements and would often fall asleep.

Source DANIEL TRAN

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EL PASO- An exercise routine started in the Borderland is growing in popularity.

It's called Timba and its creator, who lives in El Paso, is trying to take Timba to new heights. He's hoping to make it the next popular form of exercise nation-wide.

The women at Tumbao Dance Studio in West El Paso are taking part in what could very well be the next exercise craze, Timba.

“Timba is an exercise system involving dance. Students learn Salsa, Cumbia, Merengue, Cha-cha-cha, Mambo, a bunch of different forms of Latin music,” said owner, Eddy Zayas.

“It's just the most fun workout. You don't even feel like you’re working out. You just feel like you're having fun, like a little kid again,” says June Peterson, who does Timba three times a week.

Zayas says he originated Timba in 1997 in Juarez after leaving his native Cuba. He brought the system to El Paso two years ago. “We're trying to launch it across the U.S. We're going to Los Angeles. I have workshops in Miami, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio,” said Zayas.

Zayas has been dancing since he was a young boy and even became a professional dancer back in Cuba.
He recently went back to the island and shot a Timba video which he'll use to promote Timba.

Zayas said Timba not only helps you burn calories, but they teach the moves, so you can learn how to dance.

“With Timba, we teach you where the steps come from, how to do them. We have more forms of dance than Zumba. I think we have five more than Zumba and it's as fun and you sweat,” said Zayas.

“I wasn't really trying to lose weight but I’ve lost five pounds and just toned up a lot,” said Peterson.

Peterson is one of about 500 people who take Zayas's classes.

Zayas says he's proud of his Cuban culture and grateful to have the opportunities he's found here in the Borderland.

“Because of the system in Cuba, it's very difficult to have your own business,” said Zayas. “I’m so happy of my roots and to be able to share it through dance.”

The classes are held Monday through Friday in the morning and evening. For more information on schedule and prices visit: http://www.tumbaodancestudio.com/

Source Oralia Ortega

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