Where to Salsa in Panama City? | Salsa Lessons and Clubs
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Where to Salsa Dance in Panama City?
| Location | Days | Cost | Schedule | Alcohol for Sale? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballerina Arte Studio | Mondays and Wednesdays | Varies | 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | No |
| Paradise Banquet Hall (Galerías Obarrio) | Thursday | $5 | 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. | No |
| Royal Sonesta Casino (by Iglesia del Carmen) | Tuesday | $3 | 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. | Yes |
| Majestic Casino (Multicentro) | Tuesday | $3 | 6:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. | Yes |
| Fantastic Casino (Albrook) | Thursday | $3 | 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. | No |
| Teatro Amador (Casco Antiguo) | Friday | $3 | 9:00 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. | No |
| Cross Gym #2 (Plaza Nvo Chorrillo) | Friday | $3 | 7:00 p.m. | No |
The contemporary term “salsa” was made popular by a Latin music promoter in New York City in the 1970s, Izzy Sanabria. Sanabria used it as a marketing ploy to attract Americans to Latin music they could dance to- and pronounce. What is today known as “salsa music” is actually a variety of different genres that have their roots in Afro-Cuban music such as son montuno, guaracha, cha cha chá, mambo, rumba. However, due to the global popularity of the term and “salsa” music, Cuban, Puerto Rican, and Colombian artists eventually embraced the all-encompassing term to create a pan-Latino sound.
Today, salsa- and Latin music in general- is associated with romance. At its root, however, what is now known as salsa still has political, social, and religious significance throughout Latin America. Coded references to Afro-Cuban religions, such as Santeria, even by artists who are not themselves practitioners of the faith, can be heard in some salsa lyrics. Even the assembly of congas, bongo, and timbales that has become the standard percussion in Cuban-based salsa has its roots in Santeria. The Panamanian-born singer salsa singer Ruben Blades is well known for his socially-conscious salsa lyrics that touch on topics such as rejecting imperialism and environmentalism, resonating with audiences throughout Latin America. His latest and final album is a proud tribute to the Panamanian people.
Now that you know its history, if you’re looking to experience a night of salsa dancing- or watch the pros on the dance floor, Panama City is well-known as a the place to dance. Teatro Amador on Friday nights is known around the city for its live salsa band, great DJ, and spirited dancing into the wee hours of the morning! Major salsa artists regularly perform here also.
Updated schedules of live performances in Panama by some of the biggest names in Salsa can be found here. The city has salsa lessons every day of the week and classes cater to all levels if you want to brush up on your moves before hitting the dance floor.
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