Reggaeton: 12 Unexpected Facts About the Dance Sensation

Reggaeton is today one of the most modern and compelling dances. What makes it so enchanting?

- The style's birthplace is two countries: Puerto Rico and Panama.

- The dance is the hallmark of Latin American countries.

- Reggaeton emerged during the construction of the Panama Canal in the 1720s, when workers would sing their own versions of Jamaican songs.

- Reggaeton is a dance that says "don't be shy" – energetic and sensual, performed both solo and in pairs.

- It incorporates elements of hip-hop, Latin, and dancehall.

- The fast moves may have been inspired by exotic birds during mating season – they can indeed resemble courtship rituals of certain animals.

- Notably, perreo (dancing to reggaeton) is the first dance where the woman turns her back to her partner, sensually moving her hips and brushing against him.

- Dancing is very beneficial for women's health, as most moves involve the hips and pelvis, promoting active blood circulation and preventing stagnation.

- Reggaeton dancing is divided into three types: freaking, grinding, and perreo.

- In the movie "Dirty Dancing 2: Havana Nights," the backup dancers perform freaking.

- The evolution of reggaeton led to the emergence of a new style – twerking.

- The combination of body control and cardio provides an excellent workout for the heart and boosts overall endurance.

- Reggaeton is danced at any age.

- You may see several spellings of the word "Reggaeton": reggieton, ragetton, and reggaeton – the most popular. This is because there are multiple Latin spellings. In English it's reggaeton, in Spanish it's regueton.

- What reggaeton shares with hip-hop is a sense of protest, boldness, and a drive for freedom.

- An extraordinary event that entered the Guinness World Records: 1,200 inmates in Peru danced to reggaeton. It was a massive flash mob, and after dance classes were introduced in the prison, the number of crimes inside the facility decreased.

- The whole charm of reggaeton performance lies in the delivery. It's all about charisma, body control, and passion.

Reggaeton is not just shaking your hips; it's a whole culture of music, dance, and life. So if you want to soak up the atmosphere of the hot Latin American countries, reggaeton is your answer!