Reggaeton 101: How She Found Her Attitude and Rhythm with Rocio

 

Reggaeton is a free, energetic, and vibrant rhythmic-based style that is rooted in Latin, Hip-Hop, and Caribbean dance influences. It focuses on fluid body isolation, like the chest, hips, shoulders, and the head,  which create very smooth and sensual movements by moving one section of the body while keeping others steady. This style also focuses on hip movements like rolls and pops, and grounded steps with individual flair, often using bent knees that emphasize the movement, with attitude and confidence, and energetic bounce. This style encourages freestyle and personal expression to make choreography more playful and fun. 

The music style blends elements of Puerto Rican and Panamanian music, along with Hip-Hop, Reggae, and Latin influences, exploring a charismatic, playful, and confident personality that makes the music style so unique and diverse in the music space. It has a specific and syncopated beat that is infectious, bringing a fiery passion to the dancers who are dancing to the music. Inspired by Jamaican dancehall, fused with Latin music, it often has a lot of snare drums and quarter-note kicks in the music as well. Examples of Reggaeton music would be artists like Daddy Yankee, Karol G, Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Ozuna, Maluma, Don Omar, Wisin & Yadel, Ivy Queen, Rauw Alejandro, Sech, and more. 

Reggaeton has a variety of different dance levels, from beginners who learn about the fundamentals and simple, easy-to-follow choreographies, while intermediate/advanced dancers blend together fluid, intricate choreographies with musicality, levels, and full-body expressions. 

Today, I chatted with Rocio to talk about her love of Reggaeton and what it means to her. Before we get into the interview, let's learn a little bit about her, shall we?

Rocio is from La Patagonia, Argentina, and started living in the Denver area in 2019. She started dancing when she was three years old, training in the styles of ballet, tap, flamenco, hip-hop, and reggaeton. She was a part of a competitive hip-hop team back in Argentina and had the honor of representing her country at the Hip-Hop International competition. 

Before moving to the U.S., she had been teaching Reggaeton and Twerk for about 6 years, and she is excited to share her love and passion for dance with the Elemental Studios community. 

Rocio is a very sweet, encouraging, motivating, and inspiring person who gives her all into making her dance classes an unforgettable, worthwhile experience for every student who enters the room. Her teaching style is great, going through step-by-step her choreography that she teaches each week. She creates a family-like, party environment that creates a community that is unlike anything else.

Let's get into the interview!

1. What is your favorite thing about being an instructor at Elemental Studios?

Rocio: "My favorite part about being an instructor at Elemental is helping build community! Especially within the Latinx community. When I first moved to Denver, I was surprised by how little visibility we had in such a diverse city. I'm incredibly grateful to have been given this space, and I try to use it to create a safe, welcoming environment not only for Latinos, but for everyone who walks in my class."

2. How did you start your dance journey?

Rocio: "I started dancing when I was three years old, and I've never stopped! I trained in tap, flamenco, hip-hop, ballet, contemporary, jazz, and then explored styles like twerk, dancehall, and heels."

3. How would you describe Reggaeton as a dance style to a student who is interested in taking your class?

Rocio: "Reggaeton is a party! It's high-energy, expressive, and rooted in community and culture. The style blends hip-hop, Latin rhythms, Jamaican dancehall, and Caribbean influences. But beyond the technique, it's about feeling the music, letting go, and having fun. You don't need to be perfect, you just need to show up and move!"

4. What do you think is making people more interested in Reggaeton?

Rocio: "I think people are drawn to Reggaeton because it feels real and freeing. The music is everywhere right now, but more importantly, the dance invites people to connect with their bodies, their confidence, and their culture. It's joyful, empowering, and accessible (you don't need years of training to feel good doing it!)."

5. How do you break down each movement so that new dancers don't get overwhelmed in class?

Rocio: "We go slow and build up step by step. I rely a lot on repetition because our muscles have memory. Doing a movement multiple times helps your brain and body connect without overthinking it. My goal is for students to feel supported, not rushed, and to gain confidence as the class progresses."

6. How do you think Reggaeton has shaped your approach to dance overall?

Rocio: "Reggaeton feels like home to me. It's my comfort, my outlet, my roots, and a big part of who I am. It's taught me to dance from a place of authenticity and confidence, and I love having a space where I can fully show up as myself and encourage others to do the same."

7. What are some of your favorite hobbies or activities outside of dance?

Rocio: "I love the outdoors! I'll always say yes to hiking, camping, climbing, running, riding my bike, or my newest favorite hobby, birding!"

8. If you could pick a choreography that has been your favorite to teach, what was it?

Rocio: "It's honestly hard to pick just one because every class brings such great energy! But celebrating my birthday with "Eoo" with everyone was definitely a highlight from last year. It made me feel so special and full of love." 

9. If you could give any advice to a student who wants to learn more about Reggaeton, what would it be?

Rocio: "Let go of perfection and allow yourself to feel the music! Reggaeton is about expression, confidence, and connection. It is not about getting every move "right". Stay curious, keep showing up, and trust that your body will learn with time!"

10. What do you hope that every student takes away from your class, beyond just learning the choreography?

Rocio: "I hope that every student leaves feeling better than when they walked in. Whether that's making a new friend, gaining a little more confidence, or simply having a moment to disconnect and enjoy themselves, I want my class to feel like a safe space where you can move, be seen, and be yourself."

Thank you to Rocio for interviewing me. I really enjoyed getting to know you and your passion and love for Reggaeton. Make sure to check out Rocio's Beginner Reggaeton Class on Thursdays at Elemental Studios in Studio B at 6:15pm-7:15pm and get into the rhythm with her! 

See you in the next staff interview!