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The article focuses on the evolution of different cultural forms of Latin America and the role of the elite in refining the forms. It studies the elite attitude towards popular class activities during the colonial and national eras. This article seeks to broaden the current study of the elite and popular cultures in Latin America by examining the production and reception of the zarzuela (Spanish operetta or light opera) in the mass culture context of late-nineteenth century Buenos Aires, where all social classes attended performances. Generally speaking the zarzuela is a dramatic, music-laden work structured around one unified plot that combines dialogue, song and dance. The article highlights its impact on the cultural forms of Latin America.