A Guide to Dance in Puerto Rico

It’s no secret that music and dance play a key role in Puerto Rico’s history and culture. Both have served as a way to document the Island’s history, stand up to oppression, and unite Boricuas across Puerto Rico and the diaspora. From the lively beats of salsa and the cultural roots of bomba and plena to the graceful elegance of danza and the urban energy of reggaetón, Puerto Rico’s rich tapestry of dance styles offers something for everyone. Because music plays such a pivotal role, there’s always music and dancing—and if you can hear the music, come join us!

Has the music got you wanting to join the dancefloor? Learn more about the Island’s dance culture and popular Puerto Rican dances, and learn where you can immerse yourself in them.

Salsa

Salsa, one of the most internationally recognized music and dance forms associated with Puerto Rico, is a dynamic and energetic style that originated from the New York-based Cuban and Puerto Rican diaspora in the 1960s. Beyond that recognizable rhythm, salsa dancing has also become incredibly popular, with different varieties and footwork patterns. Salsa, typically danced in a 4/4 time signature, encompasses various styles, including Cali Style (from Colombia), Cuban Style, Cumbia Style, Mambo Style, New York Style, L.A. Style, and Puerto Rican Style.

Salsa’s basic pattern involves three steps for every four beats of music. While it can be danced solo, it’s usually a partnered dance with two main styles: linear, where dancers move back and forth in a "slot," and circular, where they dance around each other in a circle.

A group of people watching a musical performance in a backyard. — El Boricua is a hub for many local musical acts and a great place to watch Plena, Bomba, and other Puerto Rican musicians!

Where to Dance Salsa in Puerto Rico

There’s salsa dancing all over the Island, with places like La Factoría, Eco’s Sports Bar, El Boricua, La Placita de Santurce, and many others, so you’re bound to find somewhere nearby to hit the dance floor.

Bomba is a musical and dance expression passed down by African ancestors.

Bomba and Plena

Bomba is a traditional Afro-Puerto Rican music and dance genre that emerged during the 17th and 18th centuries. Plena, considered to be folk music, was inspired by both Spaniard and African traditions, emerging from Ponce and the Southern region of the Island during the late 19th century. Both genres share rhythmic drumming and improvised lyrics, addressing social and political issues. While bomba has paired down call-and-response vocals and focuses on the dialogue between singer and drummer, plena features more of a story-telling element, with some popular lyrics that have stood the test of time, although it started with improvised lyrics.

That said, both dances are very similar and can be done alone or with a partner. Plena uses simple dance moves and footwork, as does bomba, along with the use of colorful clothing and flowing skirts for women. The difference is that, for bomba, the dancer sets the beat of the music, so the movements are much faster, as both musicians and dancer challenge each other and showcase their skills.

For a true display of bomba dancing and music, head to El Batey de los Hermanos Ayala.

Where to Dance Bomba and Plena in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico’s bomba and plena traditions are alive as ever, with places like Escuela de Bomba y Plena Rafael Cepeda Atiles and Escuela de Bomba y Plena Doña Caridad Brenes de Cepeda serving as great places to learn about both and dance. But, one of the best ways to appreciate it is during festivals. Boricuas tend to bring their instruments, break out into song, and dance on the streets, like during la Fiesta de la Calle de San Sebastián.

Group of people dancing. — Danza was introduced to Puerto Rico in the 16th century as one of the Island's earliest ballroom styles.

Danza

Danza, a traditional Spanish colonial dance, was introduced to Puerto Rico during the 16th century, being one of the few styles of ballroom dancing on the Island. Rising in popularity during the later half of the 19th century, this dance is characterized by its elegant and graceful movements, often performed in couples. Initially gaining popularity with the Spanish elite in the town of Ponce, it grew in popularity with the rest of the Island, offering people a chance to dress in their best and dance the night away! In fact, Puerto Rico’s national anthem, “La Boriqueña,” is a danza that was modified to feel more like an anthem.

The music is heavily inspired by classical music of the 1800s, as well as the European dances in the early 19th century, along with an Afro-Latino syncopated beat. Early popular sub genres include contradanza, minuet, cachuca, vals, britano and rigodón. Later on, the Habanera from Cuba gained popularity, leading to the Danza we know today, with Manuel G. Tavárez and Juan Morel Campos serving as some of the most well-known composers. A string orchestra typically plays danza music, and the dancers wear traditional costumes and dance in a style closely related to the waltz.

Danzas come in two main types: festive and romantic. Romantic danzas follow a structured format with four sections, starting with an eight-measure paseo and ending with a coda or a return to the first theme. Festive danzas are more free-form and less structured.

Danza dancer — In the 19th century, Boricuas would dress their best and Danza the night away.

Where to Dance Danza in Puerto Rico

One of the best places to experience Danza is during the Fiesta Nacional de la Danza, also known as the Semana de la Danza Puertorriqueña. This annual festival is held in Ponce around mid-May, where you can enjoy music, dancing, and transport yourself to an earlier time in the Island’s history.

A couple enjoying San Juan's vibrant nightlife.

Reggaetón

One of the most popular music genres from Puerto Rico, reggaetón is equal part catchy beats and lively dancing. Born from reggae, dancehall, salsa, and hip-hop, this urban music genre is best enjoyed on the dance floor. From its humble origins at house parties on cassette tapes to the world stage, you can hear this music bumping from speakers on the Island almost every day at any time.

Reggaetón is easy to dance, either alone, next to others in a group, or with a partner. It usually involves grinding and hip movements, usually set to the beat of the music, ranging from traditional perreo to the faster movements of doble paso.

People having fun and dancing at a club — If you love to dance, then you'll have a good time in Puerto Rico.

Where to Dance Reggaetón in Puerto Rico

As far as where you can go to dance reggaetón, Puerto Rico has no shortage of places since almost every club and venue on the Island plays reggaetón. Whether you want an urban disco, a luxury beach club, or anything in between, the options are endless!

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