By News18 Tk Ashraf
The Kerala government introduced Zumba dance sessions in public schools from this academic year. The directive came from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who stated that the dance, which combines aerobic movements performed to lively music, would help reduce stress among schoolchildren and, in turn, counter the menace of drug abuse among young people.
However, some conservative Muslim organisations and cultural groups have objected to the plan, raising concerns about mixed-gender dancing, attire, and cultural impact.
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan with state ministers during a mega Zumba dance event. (PTI)
What is Zumba?
Zumba is a high-energy fitness programme that combines Latin and international music with dance moves. It鈥檚 designed to be a fun, energetic workout that feels more like a dance party than traditional exercise.
The choreography incorporates elements from various dance styles, including Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Reggaeton, Hip-hop, Samba, Belly dance
Where did Zumba originate?
Zumba was created in the 1990s by Beto P茅rez, a Colombian dancer and choreographer. According to the story, P茅rez forgot his usual aerobics music for a class and improvised using his personal mix of Latin music tapes. The class was a hit, and the concept evolved from there.
In 2001, P茅rez partnered with Alberto Perlman and Alberto Aghion to launch Zumba Fitness, LLC in the United States, and it quickly grew into a global fitness phenomenon.
What does the word Zumba mean?
Nothing! It was picked because it sounded 鈥渃atchy and fun鈥, matching the upbeat spirit of the workout.
Kerala Minister for General Education V Sivankutty watches as students perform Zumba dance in front of the state Secretariat, in Thiruvananthapuram, on Sunday. (PTI)
The Kerala Zumba controversy
Kerala General Education Minister V Sivankutty on Sunday firmly defended the state鈥檚 decision to introduce Zumba in schools, dismissing criticism from some Muslim religious organisations and warning against giving a communal colour to educational activities. 鈥淶umba is a nationally recognised sport, with lakhs participating across the country,鈥 Sivankutty told reporters. Referring to the criticism from certain religious groups against the programme, the minister alleged that all those who participate in the sport have been insulted by the derogatory remarks made. Sivankutty made the Left government鈥檚 position on the matter clear by attending a Zumba performance held in front of the state secretariat on Sunday, organised by supporters of the programme.
CPM General Secretary MA Baby called the objections based on misconceptions. He noted that Zumba is done globally and that the students were 鈥渇ully clothed鈥.
The SNDP has backed the move. Youth Congress MLA Rahul Mamkootathil and DYFI have also expressed support.
Who is against Zumba in Kerala schools?
SYS/Samastha Kerala Jem-iyyathul Ulama leaders such as Abdussamad Pookkottur and Nasar Faizy Koodathayi called Zumba 鈥渁gainst moral values鈥.
The Wisdom Islamic Organisation led by TK Ashraf said it exposes children to revealing clothing and foreign culture.
Indian Union Muslim League (MSF) 鈥 PK鈥疦avas: Questioned the lack of research and stakeholder consultation.
Bharatiya Vichara Kendram (RSS-aligned): Branded Zumba a 鈥渇oreign product,鈥 suggesting the government should focus on yoga and local traditions.