Changes in Latitude

Living next door to Colombia, it is a bit surprising to hear of Zumba via Bisbee, Arizona. Then again, that is the magic of Bisbee.  The magic of this blog, hopefully, is fusion where South America meets North America.   So, a bit more about Zumba…

Zumba is Colombian slang for “move fast and have fun”.  It is also an innovative exercise program created by Beto Perez (forefront in photo) whom dance diva Shakira chose as one of her choreographers.  Research suggests Zumba has taken the world by storm via Miami, where two entrepreneurs helped Sr. Perez promote his dynamic dance program.

Zumba involves Latin American cumbia, salsa, merengue, flamenco and samba -inspired dance.  ”Throw in a bit of African dance influence and some shimmy and you’ve got it.  GREAT fun and what a workout!” – June Cabat

See for yourself on YouTube, where Zumba receives millions of hits.  An excellent solo performance comes from Cathya whose first Zumba post is a year old.  Click here for a recent demo from this Latina who grew up with the dance moves Beto Perez has been working with professionally for more than a decade.

Colombians specialize in fun.  At least one Colombian is bringing his nation’s native disco culture into the bright light of the  day … all across the world.  Sounds like fusion.  Bravo Beto!  Want to visit Colombia?  Click here for photos and a few ideas. Enjoy!

UNESCO just added a new cultural site to its list of 878 “World Heritage Sites”. It’s in the historic Centre of Camagüey, the birthplace of famous poet Nicolás Guillén. Santa María del Puerto del Príncipe (now Camagüey) was one of the seven villages founded by the Spaniards in the16th century in Cuba.

Guillén was a pioneer of “poesía negra” a mestizaje poetry that joined black and white cultural elements in a drum-like pentameter, to express life in Cuba. One of his favorite poems, “Tengo” is translated here.

UNESCO is hosting a National Workshop on the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage in Cuba. For more information, contact Director Herman Van Hooff at habana@unesco.org,
Administrative Officer Ian Sanchez at i.sanchez@unesco.org, or

UNESCO Office Havana at:
Blanca Patallo Emperador,
Calzada N° 551 – Esq. a D,
Vedado Havana, Cuba

Phone 537/322 840; 327 741; 327 638
Fax 537/333 144
Email b.patallo@unesco.org.cu