“Latin Alternative is a genre of freedom to mix and to create,” says ZJ Melissa Carías.
I had the opportunity to be part of the Zumba Zin Convention July 26 -30, 2017.This was Zumba’s 10th convention and it was amazing. I had a guest pass because my sister, Melissa Carías, presented her own freshly made session named Latin Alternative.
Latin Alternative is a brand of Latin rock music produced by combining genres like alternative rock, electronica, metal, pop rock, punk rock, reggae, and ska with traditional Ibero-American sounds. During her sessions, one on Thursday and the other on Saturday, she explained the history, the vibe, the bands, the culture and the essence of Latin Alternative to more than 600 attendees.
Melissa choreographed 22 different songs from this genre and applied the Zumba formula to them. She had a Latin Alternative band who dance with her on stage; Christiane Machado, ZJ Christine Ricci, ZJ Michelle Bastos, ZJ Jenny Blackburn, ZJ Hugo Garrido, Francisco Sánchez, and Magda Santiago, who also contributed with the Latin Alternative brand. Melissa also had a group of Zin volunteers who helped her out; Aleta Tubig with sales, Omayra Caez as roomate/helper and her most memorable helper was Alejandra Garcia, from Alley’s Salon, who was in charge of Melissa’s hair and makeup.
The convention is a five day crazy experience. You’ll meet Zin members from all over the world, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from various sessions and learn new rhythms, new techniques and new steps from talented instructors. Plus, there is a Fitness Concert (like a live master class so be prepared to keep dancing), a Theme Party, and well it’s held in Orlando/Florida, so you have plenty of options for an after party.
This was my very first convention and what surprised me the most was to meet this great group of multicultural and multigenerational people who were all gathered to dance. It was exhilarating! The so called Zumba love was on fire! I could see passionate instructors and their honest conviction, especially when they said: “see you at next year’s convention.” What left me more in awe was that the dates for the Zumba Zin convention 2018 are already available July 26-29. Zumba isn’t going anywhere it’s just growing…
