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. 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.

(787) 874-2375 or 787- 874-3566

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. Address is Carr 31 Km 2.5

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 restaurant/lounge called The Latin Roots that offers lessons in the evenings starting at 7pm.

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.).Also note that things change all the time, so CALL FIRST for current information.

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

Wednesday 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 8 pm-9pm.

Saturday and Sundays

• Guavate in Cayey. A number of lechonerias that all have live Salsa music during the day- from around 1pm -??. Lots of locals dancing, very casual.

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.
• 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.
• Tardes de Salsa con Aroma de Café (Salsa Nights) Music with Salsa Masters and
  friends. First Wednesday of the month at Plaza Santiago R. Palmer, Caguas. 6pm. Tel.
  787-744-8833 ext.1833/1840.

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.
• Cafe Tonita (and others) in La Placita, Santurce in Río Piedras. Dance music begins after 5:00pm.

Friday

• Courtyard by Marriot Lobby in Isla Verde. Call 787-368-8032 for info. Dance music begins at 8:00pm.
• Konga Salsa Temple- #9 Calle Oliver Chardon Plaza, Hato Rey . Call 787-903-6399 for info. Dance music begins at 9:30-10pm.
• 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.
• Cafe Tonita (and others) in La 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.
• Konga Salsa Temple- #9 Calle Oliver Chardon Plaza, Hato Rey . Call 787-903-6399 for info. Dance music begins at 9:30-10pm.
• Rumba Nightlclub 152 Calle San Sebastián in Old San Juan. Call 787-725-4407 for info. Dance music begins at 11:00pm.
Sunday
• El Balcón del Zumbador in Piñones (rt 187). They have Bomba/ Salsa music every sunday from 3:00pm until 12midnight.
• 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