One thing you will quickly learn about Puerto Rico is that the people here like to dance! And they can really move! There are all different types of dance clubs, but you will always find Salsa music being played somewhere. And where there’s music, there’s almost always dancing!

Salsa is so popular in Puerto Rico that the World Salsa Congress & Salsa Open is held here every year in July. For 2009, it will be at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan from July 25th through August 1. Salsa is a sexy and fast dance — it is amazing to watch couples, who know what they are doing do this dance.

What? You Say You don’t know how to Salsa?

Then you need some lessons! Bars and clubs offer lessons at different times throughout the week. They’re open to everyone — from beginners to experienced salseros — and you don’t have to worry about making a fool of yourself.

Let me tell you a little about myself …

• I have no rhythm and am a horrible dancer!
• I have lived in Puerto Rico a number of years now, and have attended a number of parties where people assume I know how to Salsa — which I don’t!
• I finally got tired of sitting it out at parties, looking like a party pooper and decided to find some dance lessons and at least learn some of the basics.

So if I can learn it, so can you!

Salsa Lessons in the North-East Part of the Island

Since I live in Río Grande, I wanted something that is not too far away, easy to get to and inexpensive.

The solution? Hobbies Bowling Alley in Naguabo. They offer Salsa lessons on Thursday evenings from 7:00pm until 9:00pm. The first hour is beginners and the second hour is intermediate.

The instructor Jose "Joe" Lozada is really nice. He immediately noticed us Americanos in the crowd and taught the class bi-lingually. He teaches the basic steps, first without music, then with music. And he adds in new moves as the night goes along. He also teaches partnering (dancing with a partner). Joe stands on an elevated stage and walks you through the steps — he explains and does them until you get the hang of it.

I have been to 4 classes so far, and I admit I still stink at it, but I am getting more comfortable with it. There is a really a nice crowd there — probably about 40 or 50 people — all ages from little kids to seniors and almost equally mixed men and women.

Everyone has fun. Joe makes you change partners a few times, so you get to meet people and interact with others in the class. I have a great time there, laughing at myself, my partner and others as we all try to learn and dance.

Details

Sometimes there is a live band during the classes, sometimes the band starts later. It is an aerobic work-out and you will be hot and sweaty after an hour of dancing. Since the place is casual, wear what makes you comfortable — shorts and sneakers are fine. Water and drinks are available at bar for an extra charge. Or bring your own bottle of water.

The cost is $3.00 per person for as long as you want to stay.

Jose "Joe" Lozada also offers private Salsa lessons. You can contact him via salserosonly@yahoo.com or 787-407-2099.

Driving directions from the San Juan area: Take Route 3 East/este to Route 53 South/sur. Go through the toll booth. Take Exit #13 for Naguabo Playa and Routes 3 & 973. Go to the right off the exit, go under the expressway, then turn right at the "tee" onto Route 3 West/oeste. When the road forks, keep going straight (follow the sign straight to Naguabo Route 31). The bowling alley is about 1½ miles on the right.

There is also “Players” in Fajardo that offers Slasa lessons on Wednesday nights from 8pm-10pm. They are located on RT 3, in a plaza on the south side of the road, between El Conquistador Ave and Walmart.

What About Lessons in the San Juan / Old San Juan Areas?

There are a number of places in the tourist areas that have Salsa music and bands on different nights of the week, but not too many lessons are offered for beginners. You may want to try lessons by renting a DVD or downloading from YouTube before arriving in Puerto Rico, just to brush up on your steps!

In San Juan- The Courtyard by Marriott in Isla Verde has free Salsa lessons in their lounge/bar Picante on Thursday night from 8:00pm until 9:00pm. The Marriott Stellaris in Condado also has free lessons on Friday nights. The lessons are very popular, so get there on time.

In Old San Juan, there is a new “lounge” called The Latin Roots that offers lessons during the day when cruise ships are in port (from about 12-2p) and everyday in the evenings starting at 7pm. There is also the Tablau de Paulette offers beginner lessons for tourists for only $5. Classes are on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5pm-6pm and on Saturday from 4pm-5pm. Located in the Ballaja building (across from El Morro Fort). Great for cruise ship visitors!

Clubs & Bars with Salsa Music

For all you salseros out there, who know what you are doing and are looking for some Salsa music, try these clubs. Remember to dress to impress (i.e no sneaker, shorts, etc.).

Daily

• The Latin Roots in Old San Juan (in the Galeria Paseo Portuario Building- behind the Sheraton). Lessons from 7pm, live music from 8pm (9pm on Friday and Saturday nights). Call 787-512-9050 for info. www.thelatinroots.com

Monday through Saturday

• El San Juan Hotel in Isla Verde. El Chico Lobby Bar. Call 787-791-1000 for info. Live Salsa & Merengue music, and lots of dancing, beginning at 7:00pm.

Wednesday

• Buffalo Wings at the SJU airport in Isla Verde (across from terminal C & adjacent to the parking deck). Call 787-253-2111 for info. Live music after 9:00pm.
• Doble Seis Sport Bar in Caguas on Carr. 1, Villa Blanca. Call 787-258-2881 for info. Dance music and classes starting at 9:00pm.
• Nuyorican Cafe at 312 Calle San Francisco #312 in Old San Juan. Call 787-977-1276 or 787-366-5074 for info. Dance music begins 11:00pm.

Thursday

• Courtyard by Marriot Lobby in Isla Verde. Call 787-368-8032 for info. Lessons begin at 8:00pm. Live music begins at 9:00pm.
• Bed Lounge at 5930 Isla Verde Ave in Isla Verde. Call 787-728-0481 or 787-531-2983 for info. Dance music starts at 10:00pm.
• Shots Bar in Isla Verde. Call 787-253-1443 for info. Thursday nights are Salsa Nights, with free lessons for customers from 7:00pm until 9:00pm.
• Various places in La Placita Santurce in Río Piedras. Dance music begins at 5:00pm.

Friday

• Courtyard by Marriot Lobby in Isla Verde. Call 787-368-8032 for info. Dance music begins at 8:00pm.
• El Criollo on Martinez Nadal Expressway Marginal in Guaynabo. Call 787-720-0340 for info. Dance music begins at 8:00pm.
• Gisselle’s at 1157 Ashford Ave in Condado (across the street from Walgreens). Call 787-368-8032 for info. Dance music begins at 9:00pm.
• Buyé (and others) at 202 Canals Street in Placita Santurce in Río Piedras Call 787-725-4826 for info. Dance music begins at 5:00pm.
• Rumba Nightlclub 152 Calle San Sebastián in Old San Juan. Call 787-725-4407 for info. Dance music begins at 11:00pm.
• Nuyorican Cafe at 312 Calle San Francisco #312 in Old San Juan. Call 787-977-1276 or 787-366-5074 for info. Dance music begins 11:00pm.

Saturday

• Courtyard by Marriot Lobby in Isla Verde. Call 787-368-8032 for info. Dance music begins at 8:00pm.
• Rumba Nightlclub 152 Calle San Sebastián in Old San Juan. Call 787-725-4407 for info. Dance music begins at 11:00pm.
• Nuyorican Cafe at 312 Calle San Francisco #312 in Old San Juan. Call 787-977-1276 or 787-366-5074 for info. Dance music begins 11:00pm.
Sunday
• Cafe la Princesa on Paseo la Princesa in Old San Juan. Call 787-724-2930 for info. Dance music from 3:00pm until 5:00pm

Most of the info on this list is from Enid Moyeno, a local Salsa dancer. She updates her list of dance places every 6 months or so. Check the Salsa Forum (or contact her through that forum) for the latest info. You can always call the club/venue before going to each to make sure dates and times are still accurate.

You can find some more Puerto Rican -specific salsa club info at Salsa Power and Claves on Salsa.