Super Bowl LIV took place Sunday night in Miami, FL and it’s safe to say the highlight of the night was the halftime performance. Jennifer Lopez and Shakira commanded the Hard Rock Stadium for an over the top celebration of Latin culture as they headlined the biggest night in football. In my personal (professional) opinion as a Latina and a dancer, this performance was one I will not stop talking about for the next few weeks.
In case you missed it, the best way to summarize this performance was Latina flare through the non-existent roof of the stadium. This was the first-ever all-Latin halftime performance in Superbowl history, making it a ground-breaking performance. Sadly, this halftime show has generated a lot of controversy about it being “too sexual” or “racy.” I’ll get straight to the point – it wasn’t. It was an incredible showcase of talent and Latin music and if you don’t agree with it, turn off the TV. Next!
Courtesy: Giphy
Within moments of the halftime performance, the internet was exploding with opinion-driven comments about the two powerhouse Latinas’ outfits and dancing. As a Cuban dancer who trained for 13 years, I was impressed at their stamina and prowess, especially in those heels – like, HELLO! People criticized J.Lo and Shakira’s outfit choices as if they didn’t know what to expect from too very outwardly feminine and empowered Latina women. Shakira said it best when she said her hips don’t lie, so it came as no surprise to me when she showed us just that.
Jennifer Lopez, a highly acclaimed singer, dancer, actress and all-around performer was widely praised for her role in the movie Hustlers, which told the true story of pole dancers who took their power back from the wealthy men who abused their position at strip clubs. In an effort to pay homage to this role, she included pole dancing in her set during the halftime performance, leaving some people very offended and upset. In all honesty, if I was 50 and looked like J.Lo, I would’ve done the same. So power to you, mama! She left her heart on that stage and it showed that her talent and beauty have no expiration date.
Courtesy: Yahoo
Shakira, the literal queen of hip-shaking and heart breaking, gave a performance that embodied everything she has ever stood for. She demonstrated, like J.Lo, that moms can have sex appeal and own their bodies regardless of their age. I’m convinced that no matter what I do in my life, I will never be able to shake my hips the way she does. Trust me, I have tried many a time.
Not only did Shakira give us the performance of a lifetime that showed off exactly what her mama gave her, but she also went back to her rock roots and absolutely tore the place down. Her guitar and drum solos proved just how versatile the Colombian singer is and was a humble flex that we can all appreciate.
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Perhaps the most powerful part of the performance was when J.Lo’s 11-year-old daughter led the way for a group of young Latina dancers with a hidden political message. The children began their set in, what appeared to be, cages as a mash-up of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A” and her mom’s “Let’s Get Loud” played. J.Lo also walked out in a massive coat with an American flag on one side and the Puerto Rican flag on the other. Her creative directors for the performance stated they wanted to send a message in a subtle and powerful way. Message heard.
Courtesy: AnAndTech Forums
All I can say, as a Latina woman and dancer, I was in awe of the beauty and power of Shakira and J.Lo’s performance. They are an inspiration to young women everywhere, especially us Latina ladies, and show us all what a woman, Latina and mother can do. I’m so glad these icons won Superbowl 54!
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