SALSA NIGHTS IN PANAMA CITY
One of the things I love most about Latin culture is the fact that dance is a part of life. Growing up learning to dance in the kitchen with family and friends is the norm and it’s also really fun. One thing I wanted to do more of when I moved here is salsa dancing. While salsa is not as prominent in Panama as it would be in other Latin countries like Puerto Rico or Colombia, there are definitely places around Ciudad de Panamá to get your salsa groove on. Here’s what I found around town.
THE YARD, SAN FRANCISCO, TUESDAYS AT 7:30
I first went to The Yard in San Francisco for a soccer (fútbol ) game and they have a really great set-up there for a variety of different events. With a giant, open space that can be cleared for dance lessons on Tuesdays at 7:30, the Yard is transformed into a salsa school. Come with your dance partner or come alone. Partners rotate down the dance line changing every 2 or 3 minutes. By the end of the night, you will have learned some of the basics of salsa as well as bachata, listened to some of fantastic music, and had a great time meeting new people. Bonus: the lessons are free!
SALSA FITNESS PANAMA, EL FOGON DE LA 12, PARQUE LE FEVRE, TUESDAYS AT 6:30
Every Tuesday night at 6:30, Salsa Fitness Panamá gathers for three hours at El Fogón de la 12 sports bar in Parque LeFevre. The focus is truly learning the art of dance: with classes for basic and intermediate levels 1 and 2. The atmosphere is lively with inspiring instructors and regular attendees who started from zero, progressing on to intermediate levels. Expect to break a sweat as you dance to the rhythms of infectious salsa. The marathon classes are well worth it at just $5 for a great workout and a night of fun. Once again, it is not necessary to come with a partner.
SELINA (TACOS LA NETA), CASCO VIEJO, WEDNESDAYS AT 8:00
Selina seems to be one of the best known salsa nights in Panama City. Head up to the top floor where the restaurant, Tacos la Neta, is located. Selina is actually the hostel that occupies the lower floors of this rooftop dance spot. On Wednesdays, there are free salsa lessons with Salsa Safari at 8pm, before the live band starts at 9pm. Everything about the night is fabulous: the vibe, the view, the dancing, the music and the drinks. I wish I hadn’t waited so long to check it out.
EL TROPICANA, STAR BAY CASINO, HILTON HOTEL, AVENIDA BALBOA, FRIDAYS AND SATURDAYS AT AROUND 10PM
I had heard of the world-famous El Tropicana cabaret in Havana, but did you know Panama has its own version of this legendary salsa show? With beautiful dancers in elaborate, feathered and sequined costumes and live, loud salsa music, it’s a feast for the senses. However, it’s not just about the show: there is space for the crowd to dance as well when the professionals aren’t performing. It’s a local favorite and I’ve seen some of the best salseros in the city dancing here.
These are just a few salsa nights around Panama City, but I consistently see advertisements for Latin nights in my Instagram feed at many clubs around town. Have you found your favorite salsa night in your travels? Comment below!