Celebrating 80 Years: Aruba in 2005

In 2005, the dancing craze was in full swing. Although has a rich history in pop culture, it seems nothing can compare to the recent storm brought on by the likes of "Dancing with the Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance," which premiered in summer 2005.

In Aruba, the trend manifested itself in the Aruba Salsa Festival, "Bin Goza in Aruba," running September 12-18, 2005. Drawing dancers and tourists alike, the event welcomed visitors onto the floor to compete in the International Dance Organization's World Championship Salsa Dance, to learn new steps through workshops offered throughout the week or to hear to musicians in attendance from around the world. The following month, travelers could opt to expand their scope on or arrive specifically for the country's Fourth Annual Aruba Music Festival October 7-8, featuring Peter Frampton and members of the band Queen (Check out the full article here).

In the past year, opportunities to see or participate in dance abound. At the start of the year, what better way to start off 2010 than aboard a Beatles Tribute Cruise touring Belize City, Costa Maya and Cozumel. MSC Cruises followed in step with the success of the movement on cruises, covered in our article, "Dance Fever Hits The High Seas." Similar to Aruba's event, this spring the ninth annual Hula Ho’olauna Aloha Festival celebrated the region's culture in competition and exhibition. This December, Wynn Las Vegas' SINATRA Dance With Me carries on with the presentation of Sinatra's music to the contemporary choreography of Twyla Tharp, whose tradition began in 1976 with Mikhail Baryshnikov for the American Ballet Theatre.

As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we're taking a look at what was happening in the industry in the past and asking agents to share their thoughts on what has changed in the industry in the present. Please share your thoughts by posting a comment below, writing us at our Facebook page, sending a tweet to our Twitter page or by engaging in a discussion in real time at AgentNation (the only social community online for all kinds of travel agents, which certainly wasn't around 80 years ago). We want to hear from you.

And while you're here, learn more about how we're celebrating eight decades of covering the travel industry for travel professionals.