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 and we fill Hiram Birthorn Stadium with dancers for National Day of Zalsa (Salsa) every March. 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. We went to a local dance club in Naguabo which offered salsa/bachata dance lessons .

So if I can learn it, so can you!

NOTE- THINGS CHANGE SO QUICKLY- Call ahead to make sure info is still accurate. Check out this Facebook site for Cambio en Clave . They have daily listings on all the latest Salsa places.

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!

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.

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.

Monday

• LA Factoria – 148 Calle San Sebastian, Old San Juan. Call (787) 412-4251 for info. Latin music in the back room. After 10pm. Facebook page .

Wednesday

• 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

• Cafe 8 at Bahía Urbana (in Old San Juan) Live Salsa band. Free admission. Door open at 7pm with drink specials. Live music from 9:30pm.
• La Respuesta, Cafe Tonita and/or Taberna Los Vazquez or others in La Placita, Santurce in Río Piedras. Dance music begins after 5:00pm.
• SJ Marriott Resort/Stellaris Casino in Red Coral Lounge. Red Coral Lounge Call 787-722-7000 for info. Live dance music begins at 8:00pm.
• Vaca Brava in Calle Recinto Sur in Old San Juan. DJ/Dance music begins at 8:30pm . (787) 723-3700

Friday

• Adoquin Jamming Nights in Old San Juan plazas. Variety of music/dancing, usually some with salsa. Facebook page. Live dance music begins at 7:30pm.
• SJ Marriott Resort/Stellaris Casino Red Coral Lounge. Call 787-722-7000 for info. Live dance music begins at 8:00pm.
• Cafe Tonita (and others) in La Placita, Santurce in Río Piedras Call 787-725-4826 for info. Dance music begins at 5:00pm.
• Noches de Salsa at Intercontenental, in Isla Verde. Music from 9:00pm . Call +1-787-791-6100 for more info
• Hotel El San Juan in Isla Verde, lobby bar , different latin music, sometimes live salsa bands. Call for more info 787-791-1000.

Saturday

• SJ Marriott Resort/Stellaris Casino Red Coral Lounge. Call 787-722-7000 for info. Live dance music begins at 8:00pm.
• Hotel El San Juan in Isla Verde, lobby bar , different latin music, sometimes live salsa bands> Call for more info 787-791-1000.

Sunday

• SJ Marriott Resort/Stellaris Casino Red Coral Lounge . Call 787-722-7000 for info. Live dance music begins at 8:00pm.
• Courtyard by Marriot Picante Lobby Bar in Isla Verde. Call 787-368-8032 for info. Latin music begins at 7pm.
• LA Factoria – 148 Calle San Sebastian, Old San Juan. Call (787) 412-4251 for info. Latin music in the back room. After 10pm. Facebook page .
• 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

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