Communication and International Relations

Today it is common in the United States, and other countries around the world, to see aspects of different cultures blending together. Whether it is food, fashion, architecture, or music, it is easy to point out influences from other cultures. The United States has also been known to make contributions that influence other cultures around the world, commonly through forms of media. In this era where globalization is nearly inevitable and the Internet allows people greater access to other cultures, it is not uncommon to see cross-cultural influences gaining popularity in new places.

Americans, Clinging Close to the Motherland

U.S. passport office

People wait in line outside the U.S. Passport Office in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

By Kendra Kentala

Considering how influential America is thought to be on the globalization front, most Americans don’t experience much of the globe. Of the more than 308 million people living in the U.S., only 30 percent have passports—a low number for a well-off country. Are Americans afraid of stepping out of their comfort zones? Well, in 2009, 50 percent of all trips out of the U.S. were to Mexico or Canada, neither of which required passports until 2007.

As the exposure and experiences with other cultures grow through media it allows people to determine the good and bad aspects of other cultures, and many decide to adopt the trends they find attractive. One trend in particular that has swept the United States recently is Zumba, also known as Zumba Fitness.

Zumba is a Latin-inspired workout class. Not only are the dance-like-steps that make it a workout inspired by cultures around the world, but the music is also very syncretic. It is commonly an infusion of beats and rhythms ranging from cultures in Brazil, Colombia, and Africa, and often mixed with rap and hip-hop songs popular in the United States. These culturally diverse attributes of Zumba are what contribute to its syncretic nature, or its mixture of differing cultural qualities.

The creator, Beto, is a native of Colombia and stumbled upon the idea when he forgot his classic aerobic class music and used the salsa and merengue music he had instead. This mistake inspired the first “steps” of Zumba. It was not until 2001 that Beto brought his dance-fitness style to Miami, and the brand took off from there. It first began spreading in the form of a DVD set sold through infomercials, and it quickly gained popularity. After learning of a demand for Zumba teachers, the brand launched a “Zumba Academy” that licenses instructors to teach Zumba classes. Many gyms and studios adopted the classes as part of their schedules and it has grown into a “worldwide phenomenon.”

Zumba music has also become a hit. While most of the instructors choose their own playlists, it is clear that Zumba music has many variations. Some of the top Zumba hits have been recorded by Grammy-Award-winning artists all with varying cultural backgrounds. Some songs are recorded specifically for the routine; however, several instructors also choose songs from mainstream music and Top 40 hits. As the workout comes to an end, participants may have heard songs inspired by many different cultures.

Not only are the sounds of Zumba syncretic, but so are the moves. While each instructor varies in his or her own style of dance, it is obvious that Zumba draws inspiration from a variety of dance forms. Many of the moves are based on salsa and merengue steps inspired by Latin America and Spain; however, in contrast the same song could feature moves traditional to India, or Africa. Depending on the individual instructor and his or her personal background, the steps may vary, leaving each Zumba class with a different feel.

As globalization continue, the United States will continue influencing and being influence by other countries. Zumba is only one example of how we live in a ‘melting pot’ society, and new examples are sure to be introduced in the future.