A dance artist, a choreographer, a educator, a producer, an aspiring musician & singer, and a DJ for street jams and battle events. He has been teaching/training Hip Hop and other styles (Popping, Locking, House) for over 5 years. He travels around the world to learn more about the dance culture. He is a full time professional dancer and was recently selected to be our Zumba Education Specialist in the Philippines.
Here’s an article about ZES Prince Paltu-ob and Zumba Fitness written by Rica Peralejo.
Seems like everyone’s been wanting to hit the beach to welcome the summer. But with or without sun, sand, and water, some people have refreshingly found a way to dance into the season. Led by Zumba Education Specialist Prince Paltu-ob, hips swayed to the beat of one of the hottest crazes in town!
Rica: What is Zumba all about?
Prince: Zumba Fitness program is a Latin-inspired, dance fitness class that incorporates Latin and international music and dance movements, creating a dynamic, exciting, exhilarating, and effective fitness system. It was started in Cali, Columbia by a man named Alberto “Beto” Perez. One day, he realized to have left his aerobic music at home. So he took out some of his favorite Latin pop music, popped it into the sound system, improvised, and taught his first Zumba class.
Rica: So what makes Zumba different from other “aerobic” exercises?
Prince: Everything. We use Latin music and use it the way it was originally written, and not the extended version of a song (like how every aerobic class would go). We also don’t talk when we cue our students; we use visual cues. Since it’s a party, we want it to look like the “follow the leader” game. And of course, we use Latin steps in the choreography.
Rica: I’ve tried Zumba before and I don’t remember it being as fun as it is today. What explains the change?
Prince: For me, the culture of dance is always changing and evolving. If you look at hip hop from the early ‘90s and hip-hop today, they both definitely looked different, however it is still Hip-Hop. Same goes for Zumba; everyday you have different people or students with different characters and style. As much as fashion is concerned, it’s very common that people want to look good all the time. It’s a Zumba Fitness Party and you’re supposed to look good!
Rica: Is there a Zumba class created just for the summer?
Prince: Well, we have different kinds of Zumba Fitness classes.
If you like dancing with weight resistance, there’s Zumba Toning.
If you like to dance with the chair, there’s Zumba Sentao.
If you want your kids to get involved with you in Zumba, there’s Zumbatomic.
If you want to dance in the water, there’s Aqua Zumba.
If you want to dance but you feel like you need a more simplified level but still sweat it out, there’s Zumba Gold. (This class is also for senior citizens.)
If you want to do circuit training (dancing and weight machines), there’s Zumba-in-the-circuit.
So you actually have lots of choices. You can log onto zumba.com, look for classes in the Philippines under “Find A Class” section and you will find them.
Rica: Sad to have missed “Beat the Heat” Zumba party last March 10. Can you share some of the highlights?
Prince: Everything is a highlight for me. From the venue, lightings, sound system, the crowd, the energy, the music, the steps, the food, and the most important one, the love of dance from everyone. It’s crazy. I know Filipinos are natural dancers but to see different smiles, meaning smile of hope, smile of passion, smile of dedication, smile of having fun is something that inspires me because I, myself, that’s how I feel when I freestyle.
Rica: Surely, people are interested in joining classes and maybe even become instructors themselves! Can you tell us how?
Prince: They can log on to the website to look for a class and will even help them look for one near their area. As for becoming a licensed Zumba instructor, they can click on instructor’s training, look for a date and country of the training that they can attend and register for it. It’s simple, less stress, and it’s for everyone! So, join the Zumba family!
Rica: And lastly, as a specialist, what is the most fun or enjoyable thing about Zumba, as well as what is the hardest thing about it?
Prince: The best part for me is when you interact with your students—it’s like a party! The hardest thing is when you’re tired, that’s about it!
Taken from Manila Bulletin
Are you interested to become a licensed Zumba Fitness instructor? Just logon to www.zumba.com and click instructor training. Prince has several instructor trainings lined up for this summer!
