San Juan Bomba Class Review: Music, Dance, & Culture

Planning a trip to San Juan and wondering if the ‘Puerto Rican Folklore Bomba Class with Live Music’ is actually worth squeezing into your schedule? Well, that is quite understandable! There are so many things that are competing for your vacation time. So, look, as someone who is always looking for really cool ways to experience the true culture of a place I’m visiting, I get it. This particular class, I have to say, offers, like, so much more than just some dance steps; it’s very much a full-on cultural experience, that’s for certain. You are connecting with something way bigger than just some tourist attraction when you step into that room. But, you know, before you jump in, maybe let’s see if this particular slice of Puerto Rican culture really matches, perhaps, what you are looking for, okay?

What’s Bomba, Anyway?

Okay, before we talk about the class itself, what is this Bomba everyone’s talking about anyway, right? This rhythm definitely goes way back, really reaching into the island’s story like deep roots, is what I would say. This goes back, basically, to the times of slavery. African people, they, like, brought their culture to Puerto Rico, and they expressed it very much through song and dance, you know, kind of to keep their spirits alive and to, like, tell their stories, too it’s almost like a form of resistance, you see. So, in a way, Bomba is, at once, super historical, like filled with heavy emotion and a way to, like, feel connected to the ancestors.

Yet, you know, it’s also, just as importantly, a vibrant, like living thing today. Different regions on the island, see, developed different Bomba styles. The dance involves, like, a conversation, sort of, between the dancer and the drummers. The dancer basically makes a step, and then the drummer will then respond. This might sound complex but, that, is not what it is. You just kinda feel it, that’s the thing. I remember my first Bomba experience. I was so worried about getting the steps just right. Turns out it is less about getting it exactly perfect and much more about letting yourself just feel the rhythm. But, let’s be honest, getting into Bomba is getting a quick glimpse at Puerto Rican soul, really.

What Happens at a Bomba Class?

Okay, picture this, okay. You walk in and there’s all this music, it’s pulsating and drumming filling the room, that, basically, gets your pulse racing as well. Sometimes classes are, you know, like held in a studio; other times they are in a community space. I even saw a class, basically, on a rooftop once! Classes start with an explanation of Bomba’s, you know, historical context. A teacher would then describe Bomba’s importance, in a way. So it, too it’s almost more like a history lesson that gets you, like, super ready to actually participate, see. The instructors break down the steps slowly, but not really TOO slow. So you definitely feel challenged, that, for sure. However, what is actually awesome is that it is very much about having fun.

Don’t think that you need any formal dance training, you know, very much beforehand because, basically, most people taking the class, just like your average tourist. So they are total beginners, you see. The focus usually starts with some, you know, basic steps and, maybe then some rhythmic patterns that make you kinda get the groove. As you continue, the drummers, they start playing, you know, they add in their beat. Then it turns into what feels kinda like a jam session. If you make a mistake, hey, alright! This is, by far, about just learning to, like, loosen up and feel this thing and have some fun, that is all. Participants of all ages tend to love it; there’s usually, like, some little kids that just really add a light, fun element to it. So, the teachers know, basically, how to get everyone included and comfortable.

Live Music: Makes A Difference

Oh man, this definitely sets the class apart from many others, so it, too it’s almost what I want to talk about the most here. You have probably danced before. Perhaps to recorded music at a gym. I know I sure have! But this. This is, arguably, a totally different animal. Having those drummers, they just beat out those rhythms and beats, it is nothing like something you’ve probably experienced. The drumming responds to the way you are moving; they create like, a vibe where you basically feed off the drummer’s energy, it is something else, too it’s almost indescribable. The feeling, that’s just going through you? Really, you can’t, just basically, get it from your iTunes playlist, that’s for sure.

It is not just about the music, as well, as I was saying. When the music is playing, really, everyone involved, all the musicians, too, feel, arguably, very connected to the whole thing. When they aren’t playing to just a recording they, you know, show their joy; you get it when the drummer does and he sees you, so, too it’s almost smiling. That sense, is that there is a bunch of people connecting and sharing something, very authentic and very real, that’s definitely palpable, okay?

What Will You Get Out Of It?

Okay, besides a workout? Definitely! A lot of laughs? Totally! What, possibly, are you going to get from participating in the Bomba class in a meaningful sense, that, I want to discuss a little bit. For starters, it’s basically an introduction into the history of Puerto Rico that doesn’t necessarily come from, just, a history book, that, for one, as a way of expressing itself. And that way, of remembering and honoring, of dealing with the bad stuff that happened in the past. To that end, you do, for sure, walk away with, I’m not saying an expertise, but definitely like, way better knowledge about that. Which, for my money, it enriches whatever experience, perhaps, you are having when traveling, okay?

You are getting way more than just some tourist activity, to tell the truth. You aren’t watching dancers; you’re participating. The drumbeats they aren’t in the background but instead are right in you, basically. This class very much delivers something beyond, you know, just a basic transaction when you’re travelling. Instead, it’s the possibility of feeling, in a way, more connected, a little, to Puerto Rico. Maybe I’m getting carried away. It’s my personal, somewhat positive experience coloring, arguably, my view, possibly. It is, honestly, up to you to jump in with an open mind and your, very own dancing shoes!

Is It Worth The Time & Money?

Well, basically, that depends. Now, a Bomba class won’t magically make your trip, but neither is it not worth checking out if you are a little more exploratory. And there, apparently, are a bunch of more mainstream, touristy stuff calling your name, and hey, those options may still work the best for you. Now, I want you to ponder, consider, very briefly a quick list, though, alright?

• Are you kinda into history and culture?
• Do you get a rush of positive vibes when you, like, connect with something new, in terms of culture?
• Basically, is getting a solid workout on your vacation actually something appealing to you?
• Would you like to experience something totally novel when you travel instead of your basic, travel brochure items?

If that all applies to you then you will more than get your dollars worth out of it. But don’t spend your time and money to make sure to do the thing the Puerto Ricans do!