Bomba (música y baile)
An Afro Puerto Rican genre of drum, song and dance born among enslaved communities on the coast. What makes it unusual is that the dancer leads: their body marks the accents and the lead drum follows, the reverse of almost any other dance. You can see it live in Loíza, Santurce and Ponce, and there are workshops open to visitors.
Example
At a bombazo the dancer steps into the circle, challenges the drum with a move, and the drum answers on the spot.
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Frequently asked questions
Where can I see live bomba?
In Loíza, in Santurce and at cultural centers in Ponce and Mayagüez. Many groups host open bombazos with free or cheap entry.
Can I join without knowing how to dance?
Yes. People take turns in the circle and beginner workshops exist. What is expected is respect for the turn, not technique.
