Puerto Rico

SANDUNGUEO DANCE – PEURTO RICO

Sandungueo dance is also popularly known as “Grinding”. This “reggaeton” inspired dance is said to have originated in Puerto Rico, and was first developed by a famous DJ (Disc Jockey) Blass, as a subcategory of the dances related with Dancehall and Hip-hop. This style of dancing basically involves “one partner facing the backside of the other”. In addition, this dance also heavily involves the use of “pelvic thrusting”. Furthermore, apart from Puerto Rico this dance style is also extremely popular in the Caribbean islands and, is performed mainly in night clubs and private parties. The term “sandunga,” which can change depending on the region and context, is used to describe a person’s grace or sparkle in the name of Sandungueo. Anyone who owns or possesses this dance is said to be a Sandungueo.

a. History/origin of the Sandungueo Dance:

According to a research conducted by an ethnomusicologist Vincenzo Perna and an author called Jan Fairley this dance style which is essentially based on women taking control was created due to the growth in the economy in countries like Puerto Rico and Cuba in the 1990’s.  Additionally, it was also the popularity of the “Afro-Cuban Timba” style of music and dance during this period that led to the development of Sandungueo in Puerto Rico and countries surrounding it.

Although “sandunga” is a challenging Spanish word to translate and is generally accepted to be part of everyday speech, some people believe it may actually be an Africannism, or a borrowing from an African language.

This theory is based on the word’s prominent “ngu” sound, which would have a strong connection to the historical Spanish Empire’s slave trade since slaves would have brought it from Africa at that time.

b. Costumes used in the Sandungueo Dance:

This dance style is mainly performed in nightclubs so the costumes mainly worn by both males and females would include shirts/T-shirts and jeans/trousers.

c. Music involved in the Sandungueo Dance:

“Reggaeton music” is basically used in this dance style. The musical instruments essentially used in “Reggaeton” include an electric keyboard, guitar, and a drum machine. In addition, singing (especially songs such as Dembrow) and rapping also form a part of the music used in this “erotic” dance style.

d. Training availability and dance technique used in the Sandungueo Dance:

Participants in this dance must showcase a seductive personality because it is characterized by the practice of exaggerated movements of lewdness and sensuality. In terms of  technique, this dance involves a male performer standing behind the female. The female performer then thrusts her rear end into the pelvis region of the male so as to generate sexual stimulation i.e. an “erotic” feeling. Also the man’s knees should be in a certain position: slightly bent, with loose movements and the performance of some standard provocative gestures. It should be completely provocative in the woman, shaking and shaking her hips.  Furthermore, although this dance did shock many people initially due to the “erotic” moves it was gradually accepted, and was used commonly not only in nightclubs and parties, but also in several music videos. As for training centres/schools, there are none available around the world, since this “erotic” dance style is mainly performed in countries such as Puerto Rico and the Caribbean islands, and has not gained popularity.

SANDUNGUEO DANCE VIDEOS– PEURTO RICO

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