Celebrating International Danzon Day 146 Years

RITMO! DANZÓN: Celebrating 146 Years of International Danzón Day

Every January 1st, the world celebrates International Danzón Day, marking the anniversary of the first-ever performance of a danzón. In 1879, at the Liceo de Matanzas in Cuba, "Las Alturas de Simpson" by the Matanzas-born composer Miguel Failde made history as the first danzón. Since then, this elegant and rhythmic genre has become a symbol of Cuban cultural heritage and continues to captivate dancers worldwide.

To commemorate the 146th anniversary of this timeless dance, the Instituto Folklórico Cubano Americano, Ritmo! Danzón, under the leadership of Maestro Bobby Ramirez and hosted by Dr. Glenda R. Mujer Esperanza, organized a spectacular danzón competition as part of a health fair event that took place at the Joe Celestin Center in North Miami presented by Latino Center on Aging. The drew enthusiastic participation from a diverse community, including Haitian, Cuban, and Central American residents, among others.

The competition featured three distinct stages: Contradanza, Habanera, and Danzón, reflecting the evolution of this classic Cuban ballroom dance. Maestro Bobby Ramirez led a demonstration of these three styles, guiding dancers and contestants through their movements with expertise and passion. Meanwhile, Dr. Glenda Mujer Esperanza provided instruction on the art of handling the fan, an essential element in the execution and elegance of danzón’s different phases.

A panel of judges from the Latino Center on Aging faced the challenging task of evaluating the competitors and selecting the new Kings and Queens of Danzón, along with the second and third-place winners. The event was a magnificent celebration, reinforcing the importance of preserving and promoting danzón as a treasured legacy of Cuban culture.

A heartfelt thank you to all the organizations and companies that contributed to making this event a success. Their support ensures that this cherished tradition continues to thrive and inspire future generations.

Thank you to Mario Tapia for having inviting Ritmo1 Danzon to be part of this event. Founded in 1991, the Latino Center on Aging (LCA) seeks to advocate for improved services for Latino seniors, and educate the seniors about various options available to them. This mission is achieved through various forms of education through the media, testimony at public hearings, and the organization of conferences addressing the issues affecting Latino older adults.

Happy 146th Anniversary, and long live the danzón!

RITMO! Danzón is a brand that is part of the Instituto Folklórico Cubano Americano that includes its musical orchestra with a dance component founded by Cuban musician, flutist, composer, arranger, and producer, Maestro Bobby Ramírez; and its director, presenter, stage and dance choreographer, costume designer, Dr. Glenda Mujer Esperanza, Phd.

Our mission: with the blessing of FATHER GOD, is to rescue the classic Cuban ballroom Danzón; preserve, educate, promote and celebrate the rich traditions of Danzón and Contradanza through cultural exchanges of music and folklore, dance workshops, conference lectures, interactive dance Shows of all ages.

Danzón Lessons
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