Paso Libre Plus: Dance, Adolescence, and a Whole Lot of Fun!
By Your Humble Guide to Dance and Wit
Ah, dear readers! Let’s take a riveting plunge into the sensational world of dance as we shine the spotlight on the upcoming show on Cubavisión – “Paso libre plus.” This sensational program aims to redefine cultural expression through the delicious lens of adolescence. Because, let’s face it, if there’s one thing teenagers are good at, it’s expressing themselves… often at volumes that induce hearing loss!
The Genesis of an Idea
Now, the wild brainchild behind this endeavor, Luis Aguiar (let’s call him ‘The Dance Whisperer’), conceived “Paso libre plus” back in 2020 during the pandemic, when we all realized just how much we loved to dance… usually in our pajamas. Aguiar and his merry band of creative friends plotted to reignite the old “Paso libre” with a sprinkle of competition and a dash of community flair. Who knew a pandemic could lead to a more *entertaining* kind of social distancing?
What in the World is Free Pass Plus?
Let’s break it down, shall we? “Paso libre plus” is a low-budget competitive dancing fiesta where community troops can shake their bones and, hopefully, win some accolades. Picture a lively television stage turning into a battleground of dance moves, where creativity meets choreography, and the heartwarming chaos of amateur talent unfolds before our eyes!
The Grand Aspirations
What’s the grand plan, you ask? Aguiar has his sights set on something monumental – a nationwide showdown by 2025! That’s right, the best dance crew from every corner of Cuba will converge for a grand final showdown. We’re talkin’ region vs. region, like a dance-off that will echo through history. Or at the very least, through the dance clubs of Havana! And who wouldn’t want to see who can do the cha-cha-slide like a pro?
Why Kids, Why?
Now let’s get philosophical. Why focus on the youth, you might ponder? Aguiar humbly admits that there’s something magical about working with teenagers. They embody spontaneity like a young David Attenborough in a jungle of ideas! Aguiar relishes in their ability to continually reinvent and perhaps—just perhaps—fool us into thinking we’re cooler than we actually are. Plus, he’s got a knack for guiding them through the mystical world of television.
A Star-Studded Crew
How could we forget the masterminds behind the scenes? With a solid production team (shout out to Pável Zamora) and a sprinkle of advice from seasoned warriors in dance and television, they are gearing up to give you a show that might just make you ditch that old Netflix queue.
What’s the Show Like?
Expect a whirlwind of community projects going toe-to-toe through Cuban and international dance styles! And the icing on the cake? Singers, circus acts, and, drumroll please… fashion shows! Absolutely everything but the kitchen sink (and let’s keep it that way, shall we?).
The Air Date
Mark your calendars! “Paso libre plus” is set to kick off on Thursday, November 7. So grab your dancing shoes, round up your inner circle, and prepare for a cultural joyride that runs deeper than your average TikTok dance challenge.
The Final Thoughts
With all this movement and groove, “Paso libre plus” isn’t just about dance; it’s about igniting passions and promoting culture among the youth. And let’s be honest, we could all use a little more culture outside of scrolling through social media. So, let’s cheer for this budding initiative as it aims to get us on our feet and out of our comfort zones. So stay tuned, because this show will surely leave us all dancing in our living rooms, mouth agape, like kids on Christmas morning!
Soon, the Cubavisión channel will feature a vibrant exploration of dance as a rich cultural expression viewed through the inspiring lens of adolescence. “Paso libre plus,” helmed by the indefatigable Luis Aguiar, is a dynamic initiative that continues to emphasize the importance of engaging projects designed to delight and inspire children and adolescents in their own homes.
With its highly anticipated launch scheduled for November, we had the opportunity to speak with Aguiar’s manager regarding the aims and aspirations tied to this exciting creative endeavor.
When did the idea for this program come about?
«The concept for the “Paso libre plus” program was conceived in 2020 amid the challenges brought on by the pandemic. During our inaugural meeting, myself, Regla Bonora, who heads the television children’s creative group, and producer Zaritma Pedroso engaged in a rich discussion. We aimed to breathe new life into the fourth season of “Paso libre,” a dance show originally launched in 2018. After much deliberation, we envisioned a revamped format featuring a competitive aspect, allowing amateur groups from the capital city—representing cultural houses and artistic units—to showcase their talents.
«This proposal seeks to continuously highlight the efforts and artistry of art instructors and cultural project managers, roles that remain largely underrepresented on national television.
«Indeed, the original “Paso libre” program unmasked numerous dance initiatives that have evolved into full-fledged companies, such as Eco Dance, Paso a Paso, and Acontratiempo. With these successful models in mind, we embarked on the challenging journey of creation.
What is Free Pass Plus?
«It is a budget-friendly competitive program designed primarily to showcase emerging dance groups while promoting the creative endeavors blossoming within neighborhoods and communities, spearheaded by dedicated art instructors and cultural leaders.
«Additionally, a key goal is to identify the most versatile group, one that can adeptly perform a wide array of dance genres from both national and international repertoires, with hopes of representing Havana in future competitions as we work towards expanding beyond the capital.
What expectations are generated with this proposal?
«Our ambitious plan for next year aims to select a representative from every province in Cuba—grouped by region: west, central, and east—to culminate in a grand national final by the end of 2025. This initiative will effectively crown the best group representing the Cuban community in the dance project category. By that time, our Havana representative will be poised and ready, awaiting other regional projects that emerge victorious in their own territories.
Why work primarily with children and adolescents?
«Working with teenagers brings me immense joy and challenges me in the best ways. Their spontaneity, immense capacity for reinvention, and improvisational skills continually teach me. I relish the opportunity to instruct them in navigating the world of television and the artistry encapsulated within it. My aim is always to empower them to grow as individuals. Witnessing their creative journeys and personal growth throughout each endeavor is incredibly fulfilling. My twelve-year leadership of the sociocultural project Acontratiempo has equipped me with invaluable experience in shaping my professional pathway, both on-screen and off.
Who makes up the work team?
«The “Paso libre plus” team consists of three assistant directors, along with a dedicated production crew headed by Pável Zamora, a television producer with deep ties to the Cubavisión channel and the creative cinematography group. We also have two advisors: Omar Fontes for television and dance advisor Yaquelín Betancourt, both vital contributors since the inception of the previous “Paso libre.” Hosting the program will be Ivelys Denis, a talented journalist and television presenter, alongside Leodán Rodríguez, an actor and presenter known for his work on the channel Cinecito on TV.
How has the space been conceived?
«The program format features a competition in which two or three community dance projects, comprising primarily non-professional dancers, will compete across a spectrum of musical genres and formats. To advance through the season, these groups must consistently showcase their skills in various Cuban and international dance styles, culminating in a grand prize awarded at the end of the season.
«Additionally, the program will feature performances from singers, circus performers, and even incorporate a fashion show, adding a vibrant variety to the artistic offerings.
“As of now, we have five more episodes to film before the year’s end, which will air in the upcoming season. These episodes will include the semi-finals and the grand final, where we will select Havana’s most comprehensive project.”
When is it scheduled to air?
«”Paso libre plus” is set to debut on Thursday, November 7. With the launch of this invigorating new iteration, I hope that cultural institutions and our organization will recognize the pressing need for this program, ensuring it garners the attention and conditions it rightly demands. There is a persistent need to foster culture within the newer generations, and television has not prioritized programs that spotlight the wealth of cultural expression, particularly in dance, thriving within our communities.
Paso libre plus represents a promising venture from the community-oriented Cubavisión channel, crafted mainly for teenagers. This initiative, which originated in Havana, aspires to expand its reach, illustrating how, where, and in what manner individuals express themselves through dance, bringing the vibrant energy of local culture directly to the small screen.
**Interview with Luis Aguiar’s Manager on “Paso libre plus”**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us to discuss the exciting new program, “Paso libre plus.” To start, could you tell us when the idea for this show came about?
**Manager:** Absolutely! The concept for “Paso libre plus” was born in 2020, during the pandemic. It was a challenging time, but it also inspired creativity. In our initial meeting, Regla Bonora, the head of the television children’s creative group, producer Zaritma Pedroso, and I discussed how we could breathe new life into the previously aired “Paso libre.” We envisioned a competitive format that would allow amateur dance groups from the capital, representing cultural houses and artistic units, to showcase their talents on a larger platform.
**Interviewer:** That’s fascinating! Can you explain what “Paso libre plus” actually is?
**Manager:** Certainly! “Paso libre plus” is a budget-friendly competitive program. It aims to shine a spotlight on emerging dance groups while promoting the creativity that flourishes in our neighborhoods. We’re also looking to identify the most versatile group, capable of performing a variety of dance styles, both national and international—eventually representing Havana in upcoming competitions.
**Interviewer:** That sounds ambitious! What are your expectations for this program?
**Manager:** Our ultimate goal is to host a grand national final by the end of 2025, where we will crown the best dance group representing the Cuban community. To get there, we plan to select a representative from each province, grouped by region—west, central, and east—culminating in an exciting showdown of talent!
**Interviewer:** Why have you chosen to focus primarily on children and adolescents for this project?
**Manager:** Working with teenagers is incredibly rewarding. They come with a spontaneity and creativity that constantly challenge us—all while teaching us valuable lessons about reinvention and improvisation. My experience leading the sociocultural project Acontratiempo has proven that engaging with youth not only empowers them to grow as individuals but also enriches the entire creative process.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like you have a solid team in place for this program. Who are the key players behind the scenes?
**Manager:** Yes! The “Paso libre plus” team includes three assistant directors and a dedicated production crew led by Pável Zamora, who has deep roots in Cubavisión. We also have two essential advisors: Omar Fontes, who specializes in television, and dance advisor Yaquelín Betancourt. We’re thrilled to have Ivelys Denis and Leodán Rodríguez as our hosts, both of whom bring their unique talents to the show.
**Interviewer:** With so much enthusiasm and expertise involved, what can viewers expect from the show’s format?
**Manager:** Viewers can look forward to seeing a whirlwind of community projects competing in a variety of dance styles, enriched by performances from singers, circus acts, and even fashion shows! It’s going to be a vibrant celebration of cultural expression that we hope will resonate with audiences.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what would you like to say to potential viewers before the premiere on November 7th?
**Manager:** We invite everyone to grab their dancing shoes and join us for this cultural joyride! “Paso libre plus” is more than just a show; it’s about igniting passions, celebrating creativity, and fostering cultural connection among our youth. We can’t wait to share this experience with you all!
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us to discuss the exciting new program, “Paso libre plus.” To start, could you tell us when the idea for this show came about?
**Manager:** Absolutely! The concept for “Paso libre plus” was born in 2020, during the pandemic. It was a challenging time, but it also inspired creativity. In our initial meeting, Regla Bonora, the head of the television children’s creative group, producer Zaritma Pedroso, and I discussed how we could breathe new life into the previously aired “Paso libre.” We envisioned a competitive format that would allow amateur dance groups from the capital, representing cultural houses and artistic units, to showcase their talents on a larger platform.
**Interviewer:** That’s fascinating! Can you explain what “Paso libre plus” actually is?
**Manager:** Certainly! “Paso libre plus” is a budget-friendly competitive program. It aims to shine a spotlight on emerging dance groups while promoting the creativity that flourishes in our neighborhoods. We’re also looking to identify the most versatile group, capable of performing a variety of dance styles, both national and international—eventually representing Havana in upcoming competitions.
**Interviewer:** That sounds ambitious! What are your expectations for this program?
**Manager:** Our ultimate goal is to host a grand national final by the end of 2025, where we will crown the best dance group representing the Cuban community. To get there, we plan to select a representative from each province, grouped by region—west, central, and east—culminating in an exciting showdown of talent!
**Interviewer:** Why have you chosen to focus primarily on children and adolescents for this project?
**Manager:** Working with teenagers is incredibly rewarding. They come with a spontaneity and creativity that constantly challenge us—all while teaching us valuable lessons about reinvention and improvisation. Their energy and willingness to explore new ideas keep the creative process vibrant. I relish the opportunity to instruct them in navigating the world of television and the artistry encapsulated within it. It’s about empowering them to grow as both artists and individuals.
**Interviewer:** Can you tell us about the team behind “Paso libre plus”?
**Manager:** The team is fantastic and includes three assistant directors and a dedicated production crew led by Pável Zamora, who has deep ties to the Cubavisión channel. We also have two advisors; Omar Fontes for television and dance advisor Yaquelín Betancourt, both of whom have been crucial since the inception of the previous “Paso libre.” Hosting the program will be Ivelys Denis and Leodán Rodríguez, who bring their own talents to the mix.
**Interviewer:** What can we expect to see on the show?
**Manager:** Expect a vibrant competition that features community dance projects, primarily comprised of non-professional dancers. They’ll compete across a spectrum of musical genres and styles, with the chance to showcase their skills in various Cuban and international dance forms. We will have performances from singers, circus performers, and even fashion shows—it’s all about creating a visually and artistically rich experience.
**Interviewer:** When is the premiere of “Paso libre plus”?
**Manager:** Mark your calendars! “Paso libre plus” is set to debut on Thursday, November 7. We hope that this program resonates not only with our audiences but also emphasizes the need for cultural expression on national television, especially within our communities.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for sharing these insights with us! We look forward to the premiere of “Paso libre plus.”
**Manager:** Thank you for having me! We’re excited to see how this initiative unfolds and inspires the next generation of dancers.
