SESSION HANDOUT

Latin Urban

Jhon Gonzalez
Zumba ® Jammer , USA

SESSION HANDOUT
 Presenter
Jhon Gonzalez

Schedule
15 min: Introduction
1 hr: Breakdown of 2 Routines
45 min: Mini Master Class
Final wrap-up/Q&A
(Total: 2 hours)

Session Objective

To incorporate easy to follow moves and Basic Zumba Core Steps to the Latin Urban music genre.

To feel what Latin Urban Music sounds like.

History & Background

Trying to define Latin Urban Music is like trying to define Latin Music; it’s not that simple. Latin Urban cannot
be put into just one category because it is largely influenced by Reggaeton, Hip Hop and Rap, but combines
pop, dance, salsa, merengue as well as other tropical and international rhythms.

In the mid-2000’s Reggaeton started moving in a new direction. Artists that helped define Reggaeton began
incorporating new sounds to the classic Reggaeton beat. These artists gained popularity by adding new
rhythms to the classic beat and a new genre of music was born.

In 2007 the Latin Music world recognized the term Urban for the first time when artists like Calle 13, Daddy
Yankee, Tito el Bambino, Don Omar and Orishas were placed in a new category at the Latin Grammy
Awards for Best Urban Song. These artists had popular songs that were influenced by Rap, Hip hop and
Reggaeton with a vibrant tropical feel.

Latin Urban became the perfect term to identify artists whose music couldn’t be put into only one category.
This new wave of music now reached a broader population because limiting the categorical presence of
these artists adversely affected their reach into not only the Latino population but the entire music industry.

When artists began crossing over and performing duets in English and Spanish, the Latin Urban genre
quickly made a name for itself. Artists like Prince Royce and Romeo Santos leading the charts in the
Bachata genre, started to duet with American artists such as Pitbull, Usher, and Sean Paul. This
collaboration helped market the music and allowed it to become better known.

Daddy Yankee can be identified as one of the most influential Latin Urban music artists today. Although he
started with mostly Reggaeton, he knew that to reach a larger demographic, he had to incorporate new
sounds and make his music more “ear friendly.” His first Latin Urban Song was “Llamado De Emergencia”
that had his original Reggaeton beat, but with added merengue. With the introduction of this new “flavor” he
had now reached an audience that would have otherwise overlooked his music.

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 Pitbull is today’s most popular Latin Urban artist. Originally known in the Rap world, Pitbull combines his
unique style of Rap with dance and Pop music. What Pitbull did for the genre expanded the sound and feel
of Latin Urban. As an artist, Pitbull falls into the Latin Urban genre but not all of his music is considered
Latin Urban. His success at collaborating with artists in other genres, has encouraged more people to break
into the Latin Urban.

Latin Urban is the evolution of Reggaeton into a marketable sound that covers many genres of Latin Music. It
comes down to the way Latin Urban makes you feel rather than the way it sounds. Whether it is Rap, Hip
Hop, or Reggeaton, when we hear Latin Urban music, we instantaneously forget about the words and rhythm
and quickly want to start dancing.

Application of Zumba® Formula

Because Latin Urban music contains many rhythms and flavors, incorporating Basic Zumba® core steps will
be easy and effective. When we dance Latin Urban Music, the moves are powerful, grounded, graceful, fun
and easy to follow. Allow your Body to tell you what it feels. You will definitely hear the Reggaeton, Hip Hop
and Rap influences, but you may also hear some Cumbia, Salsa, Merengue and dance. Use your Basic
Core Steps chart to choreograph Latin Urban.

Recommended Music and Artists

Daddy Yankee – His current music is largely influenced by dance music and Merengue
Songs include: “Lo que paso paso” “ La Despedida” “Ella Me levanto” “Limbo”
Pitbull - His unique style Combines Rap with Dance music and Latin Pop Music
Songs Include: “Echa pa’lla” “Fireball” “ I know you want me”
Wisin & Yandel – They are the most popular duo in the Latin Urban genre. Currently producing music as
Solo artist. Songs Include: “Algo me gusta de ti” “Follow the Leader” “Estoy enamorado”
Ivy Queen- The Queen of Reggaeton combined her music with Bachata and Merengue
Songs include: “ La vida es asi” “ Dime” “Soy Libre”
Calle 13 - Puerto Rican Duo who made a name with their song “ Atrevete te te”
Don Omar – Puerto Rican Reggaeton artist whos music include all kinds of rhythms
Songs Include “Danza Kuduro” “Zumba” “Hasta que salga el sol”
Orishas – Popular Group who combine their sound with Salsa
Songs include: “ Represent” “A lo cubano”
Mala Rodriguez- First female artist to receive the Latin Grammy Award for best Urban song
Songs include : “No pidas perdon”
Tito El Bambino Songs include: “Llueve el amor” “el amor” “En la disco”
Zion Y Lenox Songs Include : “La Botella”
Chino Y Nacho – The Venezuelan Duo combine their romantic style with Reggaetton, Salsa and Merengue
Songs include: “Nina Bonita” “Lo que no sabes tu” “Estoy enamorado”
Ana Tijoux - Influenced by Rap and Hip Hop She combines her music with Cumbia
Songs include: “ 1977”
Yotuel – Songs include: “ El Esqueleto” “ Lo lo love”
Maluma Songs Include : “ Carnaval” “ La temperatura”
J Balvin Songs Include: “ Mil Fnatasias” “ Translation” “Ay vamos”
Becky G Songs Include: “ Can’t get enough” “ becky fomr the block”

2015 ZUMBA INSTRUCTOR CONVENTION

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