Amparo Arrebato

Who was Amparo Arrebato?

Amparo Ramos Correa was a popular Colombian dancer famous as a celebrity in the annual Cali Fair and as a dancer for several popular Latin musicians. She was nicknamed "Amparo Arrebato" for her strong and furious way of dancing capable of rousing strong sentiments both in dancers and spectators.

She was born in Cali, Colombia, as a student she excelled in high-speed athletics and basketball. Later she became the most popular celebrity of the annual Santiago de Cali Fair.

Her prominence as dancer began in the 1960s, thanks to recognition of Dámaso Pérez Prado, "The King of Mambo", who invited her to join to his dance group. In 1968, the Puerto Rican salsa duo Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz increased her fame when they released their 1970 album Agúzate containing the well-known tune "Amparo Arrebato", composed in honor of the then 23-year-old dancer.

She died of a heart attack at a hospital in Cali at the age of 59.