Sandungueo
Sandungueo, also known as perreo, is a reggaeton dance and party style that started in Puerto Rico in the late 1980s. It was shaped by DJ Blass, who released Sandunguero Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, and later spread worldwide through Sandungueo.com.
The dance centers on hip movements and can be done solo or with a partner. In solo form, dancers emphasize the movement of the hips; with a partner, both dancers bring their own styles. Movements often include front-to-back pelvic thrusts, hip swivels, and grinding that some associate with sexual themes. The style is meant to be seductive and playful, with room for improvisation and role reversals. The female dancer is often described as taking control of the dance and can end the dance if the partner acts inappropriately.
A notable cultural moment is Bad Bunny’s Yo Perreo Sola, which promotes women dancing alone if they choose. Ivy Queen has also highlighted female agency and the importance of respect in perreo within reggaeton.
Origins and influences: some researchers link sandungueo to Cuban timba dancing from the 1990s, with moves like despelote and tembleque that emphasize the woman’s control. The style has both influenced and been influenced by other dances such as twerking, grinding, and booty dancing, and it borrows from salsa and merengue.
Controversy: in Puerto Rico, reggaeton and Sandungueo faced criticism from some politicians who called the dance erotic or degrading to women. In Cuba, reggaeton (Cubaton) was banned in 2012, and debates about whether perreo fits Cuban tradition continued. A remix called Perreo intenso gained attention during the Telegramgate protests in Puerto Rico.
Doble Paso is a faster, more explicit version of sandungueo that has become popular among Puerto Rican teens, drawing criticism from some parents and conservative groups.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 18:49 (CET).