Reggaeton's Evolution: From Underground to Global Dance

Reggaeton is a relatively young dance. It is believed to have been brought in the early 20th century by Jamaican workers who built the Panama Canal. Reggaeton came along with reggae music. The rhythms and explicit hip movements immediately appealed to the already passionate Latin Americans.

The development of this style was also influenced by the situation in Latin American countries at that time. Cities were rife with drugs and gang violence. Music and dance reflected the mood of the era. Thus, in clubs and bars, to the sound of underground music, Reggaeton was born. It was finalized in Puerto Rico and Panama in the 1970s.

The name "reggaeton" combines two parts — "reggae" and "ton." Virtually nothing remains of the reggae style in Reggaeton, despite it being considered the origin. Ton was the name for rap in some cities of the Caribbean Gulf.

Reggaeton was considered a vulgar dance and was therefore banned in many countries. First, authorities objected to the lyrics of the songs danced to. These were songs about drugs, poverty, life contrary to the moral image of citizens, and explicit songs with sexual undertones.

Second, the dance involves passionate hip movements, with partners pressing tightly against each other. These dances could be accompanied by kisses, which was also considered indecent.

In the 1990s, Reggaeton as a dance style was finally recognized. As a result, Puerto Rico even declared it part of its cultural heritage. Important roles in this development were played by artists such as Gerardo Krruet, DJ Playero, and DJ Negro. By 2006, Reggaeton was recognized almost worldwide.

This recognition occurred largely because many artists and producers revised their lyrics, making them more restrained, eliminating explicit descriptions of sexual acts, profanity, and other offensive words. This music became permissible and gained popularity, and consequently, the dance Reggaeton, which no longer seemed so indecent.

In its original form, Reggaeton has not survived. It was formed on the basis of hip-hop, breakdance, and Latin dance. Reggaeton is rightfully considered the dance of passion.

Initially, this dance was exclusively a street dance; now it is performed by professional dancers as well. And while Reggaeton used to be improvisational, since its inclusion in competitive programs, certain patterns and techniques have emerged. The main movement is the simultaneous rhythmic rotation of the chest and pelvis.

After 2010, Reggaeton influenced the formation of the twerk style.

In Latin American countries, both men and women dance Reggaeton. In Russia, it primarily attracts female interest. Women become sexually expressive in this dance, and the classes themselves begin to give their figures a piquant shape. This dance still has the greatest popularity in the USA, but Reggaeton competitions and festivals are held worldwide, and schools are organized where the technique of this dance is taught.