Reggaeton is a type of dance that emerged in Puerto Rico in the late 1990s. It is heavily influenced by Latin American, Caribbean, and hip hop music. This fun, sexy, and free-spirited dance is popular in nightclubs. To get started dancing reggaeton, learn movements like shoulder dissociation, body waves, and lower body movements. Put on casual clothes and choose songs from the reggaeton genre to get carried away on the dance floor!
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Learning moves to dance solo
Step 1. Take a step from side to side
This step is a popular reggaeton dance move for beginners. Step to the side on one foot, and then touch the second foot to the ground next to the first foot. Try to bounce off your spot a bit as you step. Then, bring your foot to the other side and repeat the movement.
- You can also use your arms while stepping from side to side! Bend your elbows and rotate your forearms in small circles in front of your chest.
- Alternatively, you can take steps further apart so that you can squat slightly.
Step 2. Jump and bounce your shoulders to do the shoulder dissociation
Start with your feet together and your hands on your hips. Then jump your feet apart so they're wider than your shoulders. Bend your knees and elbows, and then shift your weight from one leg to the other. As you shift your weight onto each leg, lift one arm and slightly bend the other down. Move each shoulder up and down as you transfer weight from one leg to the other.
As you do the shoulder dissociation, you can also bring your hands just in front of your chest and rotate them in circles to add joy to the movement
Step 3. Strike the ground with your heel alternately
Stand with your hands on your hips and your feet together. Extend one leg forward and keep only your heel on the ground. Then, bring that leg back to its starting position and switch to the other. Again, hit the ground with the heel with the first leg, then quickly raise the knee to the hips and finally lower it again. Repeat this sequence for a heel tap!
- You can use your arms while touching the floor with your heel. Swing the arm opposite the leg you extended and then return the arm to the side as you bring your feet together again. You can also use your arms to pretend to lift your knee as you bring it toward your body.
- Do this quick movement and try to roll your body at the same time as your heels.
Step 4. Make a wave that passes through the chest, ribs and hips
Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart and lean your upper body slightly to the side of your hips. Start by slowly pushing your chest out and then your sternum gently. Gradually bring your chest and sternum back as you push your ribs and hips forward in a wave motion.
- A body wave is an easy and flirty reggaeton move for beginners!
- When you've pushed your hips out in front of you, start again from the top of your chest and continue to twist your torso like a wave.
Step 5. Bend over slightly and lower your knees in time
Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart and bend your knees. Bend your right knee to the center and then return to the original position. Repeat this movement with your left leg. Then do it twice with each leg with twice the speed. Try to rotate your hips outward while moving your legs so that the hip movements look exaggerated.
- You can also use your arms to make this move even more flirty! Women can snap their fingers and move their arms slightly overhead in time to the music. Men can clap and bounce their shoulders as they move.
- This is not only a great dance move to do at a nightclub, but it's also a good workout for your legs.
Step 6. Swing your hips in a circular motion to isolate your lower body
Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart and make sure to bend your knees. Swing your hips back and then forward toward one of your legs. While swinging your hips, bend your elbows and swing your arms back and forth, alternating with the hip movements. Then do a circular motion with your hips behind you, starting from the side where you were moving your hips to the opposite side.
- Try snapping your fingers in time to the music while moving your lower body.
- Alternatively, you can move your hips in front of you in a circular motion instead of behind you.
Method 2 of 3: Do Partner Moves
Step 1. Step from side to side and have your partner squat down with a quick hair flick
Hair moves are easy to do with a partner too! Hold your partner's hands with one arm and wrap the other arm around their shoulders and upper back. Take a side-to-side step with your partner to the beat of the music and when you feel ready, bend your partner so that they lean back from their waist. Then help your partner get back upright while moving the hair forward.
Make sure to support your partner's back while making him squat
Step 2. Hold your partner and continue to step from side to side, then do a quick double movement
Stand behind your partner with both of you facing the same direction. The person standing behind should wrap their arm around the other person's waist. Keep your right legs together, but extend your left legs to the side, and then quickly return to the beat of the music. Repeat this movement to the beat of the song and make sure both of you move your legs at the same time.
- It is best to do this fast movement at double speed in time with the music.
- The man is usually behind the woman.
- While doing this movement, the person in front can rotate their hands above their head or run their fingers through their hair to make it even more sensual.
Step 3. Do lower body movements with your partner to keep them in sync
Stand in front of your partner with the right sides of their bodies together. Put one arm around your partner's shoulders and the other arm to grab their hands. Rock your hips back and forth in the same direction in time with the beat. Then, move your hips in a circular motion, like a normal lower body movement, making sure they stay together the entire time.
- Then repeat the movement, but push your hips back and forth in another direction.
- This move is easier to do if you keep your hips together while dancing, but your upper body leans back slightly so that each person has room to move.
- It may be helpful for the couple to snap their fingers while dancing to make it easier to keep up.
Method 3 of 3: Incorporate Clothes, Music, and Practice
Step 1. Wear casual clothes when you dance reggaeton
Choose reggaeton dancing clothes that are sexy, casual, and allow you to dance freely. For men, jeans, basketball shoes, and T-shirts are popular. For women, skinny or petite jeans, denim shorts, denim skirts, and crop tops are great options. Ultimately, wear something that gives you freedom and comfort to dance.
Both men and women who dance reggaeton often wear slippers
Step 2. Find Puerto Rican songs to play traditional reggaeton music
Reggaeton is a specific genre that has Latin American, Caribbean, and hip hop influences. It usually includes singing and rap in Spanish. Search reggaeton music online or listen to reggaeton playlists in a music app. There are also many music videos online that include reggaeton music and dancing.
Popular reggaeton songs include Daddy Yankee's Shaky Shaky, Justin Quiles' If She Wants, and Alex Veliz's Danccing Kizomba
Step 3. Take classes or watch videos to learn more about reggaeton dancing
The best way to get better at reggaeton dancing and improve your skills is to practice. Use a search engine to find reggaeton dance classes in your area. You can also ask a local dance studio if they offer reggaeton classes or, if they don't, ask for recommendations from other dance studios where they do. There are also many free videos online that you can watch to learn basic reggaeton moves and get inspired to keep dancing!