reggaeton classes in medellin
Reggaeton dancing, whether solo or with a partner, is part of the local urban culture in Medellin, Colombia. Reggaeton is often heard at reggaeton bars and clubs (that focus on solely reggaeton music), crossover bars and clubs (that play a mix of musical genres, including reggaeton), and urban bars and lounges that cater to younger crowd.
Here is some basic information about reggaeton (reggaetón in Spanish), to get you started:
Reggaeton dancing uses a combination of hip, pelvis and waist movements, along with footwork and weight changes.
As with other Latin dance styles, such as salsa and bachata, fundamental concepts include understanding the rhythm, your own weight on the floor, how to shift your weight and hips from side to side, how to hold and guide your partner, and how to make changes based on the speed of the music.
Some key reggaeton dancing tips include: (1) feel the beat and let it guide your movements (reggaeton music generally has a steady 4/4 beat with heavy bass and percussion); (2) learn how to control your hips, waist and pelvis (practice shifting from side to side, front and back, and in circular motions, sometimes referred to as “bolitas”, accentuating the downbeats of the music); (3) footwork (move your feet to the beat, stepping side to side while shifting your weight from one leg to the other); (4) body isolation (learn to isolate different body parts and move them fluidly); and (5) freestyle expression (reggaeton dancers may improvise and interpret the music in their own ways).
As with any type of partner dancing, don’t forget to stay respectful and not misinterpret sensual dance styles with your own personal intentions. While reggaeton dancing can be sensual, always respect your dance partner's boundaries and comfort levels.
In Medellin, Colombia, reggaeton can be danced alone (just enjoying the music, lyrics and flow in a bar or club, often with a group of friends) and is often danced with a partner with close body contact, emphasizing sensual movements and the connection between leader and follower. To dance reggaeton well, you need to be comfortable being up close, with small, controlled movements. And, the leader and follower can change roles, with one following the movements and weight changes of the other.
If you spend time in Medellin, Colombia, like in other metropolitan Latin cities, you will see that locals generally go out in small groups (friends, colleagues, etc.), know the lyrics (words) to many songs of their favorite genre(s), and may look as if they’ve been dancing their whole lives. Like any dance style, mastering reggaeton dancing takes practice. Take classes and dance regularly to improve your skills and confidence on the dance floor and to learn to dance comfortably with anyone.
Reggaeton instruments, technology and sounds include drum machines and samplers, synthesizers, guitar, bass, vocal samples, dembow rhythm, programming/sequencing and effects processing. Overall, reggaeton is a blend of electronic and acoustic elements.
Some of the top reggaeton artists include J Balvin, Farina, Feid, Greeicy, Karol G, Maluma, Manuel Turizo, Mike Bahía, Reykon and Sebastián Yatra.
Reggaetón dancing began in Puerto Rico in the late 1990’s, evolving from a blend of Jamaican dancehall, Latin rhythms, and hip hop influences.
DANCEFREE offers private reggaeton classes, in person in Medellin, Colombia, and online via Zoom and Google Meet. Our in-person classes are 7 days a week and our online classes are on weekdays only, subject to availability. We have experienced reggaeton instructors and teach students of all levels, from new (no experience) to expert. If you would like to take private reggaeton classes, click here to view the steps for beginning private classes.