”Oh wow, this is a hot topic!”, someone said to me when I told on my Instagram stories that I would be posting about this theme on my new experimental blog.
For me, it’s really not that hot, but rather important. I’ll explain you why. The way I look at the world is very realistic – I like to talk about things as. they. are. and appreciate honesty to a very high level. When everybody is clear of who they are, where they are and why, there is a beautiful balance to it all. Sincerity nourishes wellbeing. When you talk about things truthfully, you may make balanced decisions that add to your life energy.
At this point I am laughing at myself! I could probably write a book about this topic. I’ll try to keep it short! I’ll squeeze down to three reasons why I don’t go social dancing here in the Dominican Republic, more precisely in Las Terrenas.
I am not a night (club) person. Boohoo. I had my clubbing years at my twenties and I didn’t really enjoy drinking ever. Alcohol, staying up late and then waking up late the next day don’t fit my daily vibe. Most of the socials here, or rather called animations, start between 9-10pm. That is a time when I am cooking or having dinner with my husband and getting ready to go to bed. I love my sleep so I don’t easily make space for things that disturb it!
”You become what you are constantly surrounded by.”
The atmosphere at the socials/ animations is unhealthy. You know that saying that goes something like: ”You become what you are constantly surrounded by”? The beautiful idea of people enjoying music on a tropical Caribbean island, getting that daily sweat in by dancing politely and learning a few new steps is ideal, but far from the truth. Most trip organizers don’t go promoting on their social media accounts and flyers about the things that exist under the surface.
The socials in Las Terrenas are purely made for tourist with earning goals. There is not much authenticity in them in a deep cultural sense. You won’t find decent Dominicans at these places! They are too proud to take part in what happens at these places. They go to a bar for Dominicans only or stay at home if they are religious. What you will find is, many Haitians and some poorer Dominicans looking to benefit someway from the tourists that arrive there to have fun.
If you are thinking about traveling here for dance, first google what a sanky panky is. They are everywhere and especially amongst the dancers. Realize also, that prostitution is legal here and where you dance, prostitutes sell themselves and foreigners look for their services. Drugs are present. Ask guidance from people who you trust 100% and who have lived here for a longer time. Not everybody will tell you how things really are. There is a silly habit of people knowing, but not letting you know. People who stay silent let newcomers walk into traps weekly…
Ask recommendations of instructors. If you can handle a non safe Latin dance scene in your home country, you may enjoy it here. I can’t, which is why all that happens at the clubs & socials is a huge no-go for me. Deciding to go to these socials, knowing all the things that have happened (manipulation, using people for money or s*x) is literally like promoting it all, so I keep my distance. Everybody wants a white woman to either support them economically and/or take them out of country. The last time I went to a social was in November 2023. I left after an hour because I simply felt disgusted. My body and moral intelligence tells me it is the wrong place to be for a grown person who wants to excel in life.
Some people surely see the socials here as something fun, freeing and liberating because the normal societal norms disappear. People come to have a dance, their one night stand and mojitos. Which is fine, since there is room for everyone on this planet. Personally I don’t recommend the socials here for people I care about. I seek to support places where good values are followed.
My main goal is to dance for myself and for my wellbeing and take my solo dancing to a great level. My focus is in solo dancing, because it is a way for me to express and challenge my motor skills. The best way to learn solo dancing is with a trusted instructor or a couple of them. I chose to follow only a few instructors to be able to master their style and knowledge super well. The good news is, that once I master my solo dancing, I’ll be equipped with some beautiful skills for couple dancing as well.
Having said all that, I think I am more Dominican than I thought, since most Dominicans don’t go social dancing in these places. A Dominican listens to their bachata at home and maybe takes a few dance steps with a cousin during a weekend. In Santo Domingo you may find more Dominicans gathering at Carrandales or big parties, like Corito bachatero to dance bachata. However, these events are slowly becoming more touristic as well.
Chao! Until next time.
Bachata Roots 