Salsa Rhythms Route In The Old San Juan

OVERVIEW

Learn the basics of salsa dancing from a master known as a salsero and retrace the history of this seductive dance on an enlightening walk through the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan. Salsa originated in Cuba in the early 20th century and became wildly popular in Puerto Rico about 50 years later. You will see places where the city’s legendary salseros performed, lived and taught dancing, including public plazas and landmarks such as the Cuartel de Ballajá, a former military barracks that now holds a dance studio. This renowned salsa route will also take you to cemeteries where some of the most revered salsa performers are buried. For the ultimate immersion into the genre, a master salsero will teach you how to dance the salsa. Besides learning the basic rhythm, steps and moves – which are surprisingly easy to pick up – you see how the dance allows for creative improvisation.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Learn to dance the salsa from a master instructor known as a salsero.
• Surprise yourself by how easy it is to pick up the basic steps.
• Discover how salsa evolved in Old San Juan beginning in the 1960s.
• Visit landmarks that reflect the history of salsa and its legendary dancers.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.