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<\/p>\nThe government said it would continue its policy despite similar comments made by some other organisations. What is Zumba, and what exactly is the controversy about? We explain.<\/p>\n
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What are the origins of Zumba?<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a relatively new form of exercise that combines dance and aerobics. In 1986, Beto Perez was working as an aerobics instructor in Cali, Colombia, but forgot to bring his tape of American pop hits by Michael Jackson and Madonna to a class.<\/p>\n
This led him to improvise a 30-minute class using the cassette he had in his car, \u201cfull of Latin songs, specifically salsa and merengue tunes that he had recorded from the radio,\u201d according to a BBC report. His students gave rave reviews.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery time I taught, more and more people would show up and take a class. There would be lines out of the door of people waiting to get in. Word travelled fast. This was the beginning of Zumba,\u201d Perez told the BBC. He moved to the capital, Bogota, and later to the United States, without the requisite documents. Colombian pop icon Shakira also hired him to choreograph some songs.<\/p>\n
Today, Zumba classes have spread worldwide. In India, remixes of film music are also used in classes, rather than strictly Latin music. One major selling point is that its intensity is varied, and participants can choose what they want to do according to their convenience. With different kinds of songs and routines in almost every other class, depending on the instructor, it also offers a more dynamic form of exercise to people who may not enjoy the routine that gyms offer. Further, no equipment is needed for it.<\/p>\n
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While aerobics includes several activities meant to increase oxygen consumption, such as running, swimming or jumping rope, Zumba mainly focuses on high-intensity dance and exercises. The trainer leads the class in sync with the fast-changing music, incorporating jumping jacks, arm stretches, and other moves.<\/p>\n
What does \u201cZumba\u201d mean?<\/p>\n
The dance workout was initially called the \u201cRumba\u201d, which means party in Cuban and is also used in Latin America to refer to a variety of dances. \u201cZumba\u201d was a play on that.<\/p>\n
Perez launched his company, Zumba Fitness, based in Miami, with two other partners in 2001. They began by offering classes and certifications to instructors and have since expanded to classes, DVDs, clothing and accessories, and more. Notably, the recommended clothing for Zumba classes is the same as that for any fitness-related activity \u2014 proper shoes, and comfortable and breathable outfits suited for movement.<\/p>\n
However, Zumba has been restricted at times, particularly for women. In Afghanistan, the Taliban banned music and dancing under a strict implementation of Islamic law when it first came to power (1996 to 2001). Some Zumba classes later sprang up, once the regime came to an end.<\/p>\n
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In 2017, Iran was reported to have banned Zumba and arrested people for it. A BBC report from the time quoted Hamid Damghani, a commander of Iran\u2019s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, as saying, \u201cThey were arrested by the Guards\u2019 intelligence forces while teaching and creating video clips\u2026 as they sought to change lifestyles and promote a lack of hijab,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
What is the issue in Kerala?<\/p>\n