Planet Berlin: Free dance
Since 2010, Columbian choreographer Fernando Zapata has been teaching salsa, tango and much more in his Schöneberg dance studio.
Dance master
Fernando Zapata has won 37 dance trophies throughout his glittering career. In 1996, he became the national Colombian salsa champion at the Campeonato Nacional. He started as a child: At the age of eight, Zapata began with jazz dance and salsa.
All styles, all levels
In 2010, Zapata founded Zapatissimo dance studio in Schöneberg's Kolonnen Strasse. In addition to salsa and tango, he teaches various styles, such as Cuban, cha cha cha, and even hip hop, with people of all skill levels and ages invited to attend. The dance master has even come up with his own step, the tango rueda, which is a hybrid tango dance performed in circles.
It doesn't always take two to tango
While dancing in couples is the core theme at Zapatissimo, individuals can also study solo dance. And those that are interested in learning cumbia, mambo or reggaeton moves can also book Zapata for private lessons. "To dance, you have to be elegant," the dance teacher says of his underlying philosophical approach.
Guided by the light
Fernando Zapata has also developed a dance program for people with disabilities, including the deaf — his sister, who was born deaf, has been a particular inspiration. Working with TU Berlin university, Zapata has developed a lighting concept that helps deaf people learn the steps. The aim is to discover new perspectives through the language of dance and movement.