Feel the rhythms of Puerto Rico
Being a country with festivals all year long, it's no surprise that Puerto Rico is also the land of rhythm. In Puerto Rico, there's music playing on every street, and where there's music playing, there are probably people dancing. Dance and music are truly essential when describing the energy and vibrancy of Puerto Rico! Most dance styles are synced to a specific rhythm and genre, and the music usually shares the same name. These are the most famous and noticeable styles of music and dancing that you might find in Puerto Rico:
Bomba - an Afro-Caribbean rhythm played by two or more drums guided by the dancer's feet. It is best described as a dialogue between a dancer and a drummer where the dancer approaches the musicians with steps called piquetes that shape a rhythmic discourse; Plena - a rhythm that is heard throughout the Island year-round. The plena's beat is played in a 2/4 time with differently sized and tuned hand-held drums called panderos. Plena is usually choreographed in pairs, with couples facing each other; Reggaetón - the genre that was born on the Island, influenced by hip-hop, Latin American, and Caribbean music. The dance associated with this “underground” or urban movement is called perreo, meaning “doggie,” and its sensual moves center on grinding with a partner facing the back of the other.
And the one rhythm that nobody is unfamiliar with - the salsa. It is one of the most flavorful and spicy styles of music. This genre – which names literally translates into “sauce” – originated by the Puerto Rican community of New York and is a fusion of different rhythms and dances around the Caribbean. Salsa dancing incorporates fast footwork, turns, and hip-swaying over an eight-count time. Places with active nightlife like La Placita de Santurce or Calle Loíza have many hot spots where you can dance to this contagious rhythm every night!
There are many other styles of music and dancing in Puerto Rico. If you want to learn some moves, consider taking a dance class during your visit. If you're good at picking up dance styles, then just head straight to a party and have some friendly locals show you how it's done. Either way, you're going to have a great time while feeling the rhythm of Puerto Rico.
