The 15th birthday is a traditional celebration for girls in Latin-American countries. This party, commonly called a Quinceañera celebration, is usually celebrated lavishly and is meant to mark a girl’s transition from childhood to adulthood.
The quinceanera party is quite extravagant and can go on for hours. It consists of a full-course banquet and late-night dancing. However, there are special traditions involving the girl’s parents, godparents, and other family members. The girl must also have a surprise quinceanera dance.
Quinceanera Surprise Dances – What are they?
As the name implies, the surprise dance is exactly what it sounds like. El baile de sorpresa is a dance performed by the guest of honor, meant to “surprise” the guests at her party, typically because of the abrupt entrance, change of outfit, and change of music vibes. The birthday girl often considers the surprise dance portion of the Quinceañera to be the most fun part of the party planning. It is generally recommended that a professional Quinceañera dance choreographer create a dance that features the Quinceanera with her “damas” and “chambelanes.”
A surprise dance is a cool way for a Quinceañera to add some personalization to her party. The damas and chambelanes that dance with the birthday girl dress in coordinating outfits to present the surprise dance. The birthday girl usually wears something that coordinates with her group but is slightly different to make her stand out. While matching the character of the dance, the costumes must allow for movement and accommodate the dance.
Your baile de sorpresa (aka surprise dance) is typically performed after the quinceanera waltz. The surprise dance is one of the highlights of the night! For the surprise dance, the quinceañera changes her attire and dances with her court, including the chambelanes, damas, or friends, in a uniquely choreographed performance.
Any genre or song can be used for the surprise dance. It’s your surprise dance, so there are no rules. The only rule of a surprise dance is just to have fun! Some quinceaneras even hire professional dance companies to execute their special routine. You can be as “extra” or chill as your heart desires. The surprise dance isn’t required for a quinceanera, but they typically are a lot of fun!
Nervous? Here’s what you can do when performing your Surprise Dance
For some of us, performing in front of party guests can be very stressful and intimidating. Having fun is the most important thing! You must have faith in yourself as well as your court! Giving it your all during practice is the most effective way to be confident and comfortable! Practice makes perfect! The more you practice, the more you remember the dance moves and the more natural they become.
Some simple tips to calm your nerves
- Even if you make a mistake, don’t stop! Keep going! You and your court are the only ones who know the actual choreography. Your guests will only notice if you make a big deal out of it.
- Start by taking a deep breath.
- Make sure you pay attention to the music. Staying on beat is easy when you listen to music!
- Try not to make eye contact with the audience unless you can handle all of that.
Top 10 Quinceañera ‘Surprise’ Dance Songs for 2022
- “Single Ladies” – Beyonce
- “Shake it Off” – Taylor Swift
- “Lose Control” – Missy Elliot
- “Scream and Shout” – Britney Spears
- “On the Floor” – Jennifer Lopez
- “Work” – Rihanna
- “Ay Vamos” – J Balvin
- “Back It Up” – Prince Royce
- “Sigueme y Te Sigo” – Daddy Yankee
- “Bailando” – Enrique Iglesias
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A QUINCEAÑERA DANCE INSTRUCTOR NEAR YOU?
Dance Engagements is a non-profit dance company in Los Angeles that professionally choreographs creative, entertaining, fun, and affordable “surprise” dance performances for Quinceañeras and other special events. Our globally-recognized dance company delivers special packages to help any Quinceañera and her court prepare for the big day.
Our Los Angeles-based Quinceanera dance teachers can customize a routine to match her preferences and needs for the big day. After la Quinceañera gives us her thoughts and ideas, we take care of the rest in a fun and exciting way that creates a baile de sorpresa that no one will ever forget. We work well with single dancers or large groups.
Let us help create a fantastic dance performance for your big day’s baile de sorpresa! Send us a message online, follow us on Instagram or just fill out our Quinceanera Service Request form here.
OUR QUINCEANERA CHOREOGRAPHERS HELP YOU WITH:
- Entrance / Exit / Presentation
- The layout of the venue
- Selection of music
- Creating choreography
- Dance lessons can be scheduled at any time to fit your needs.
- A selection of music
- Two to three months of practice *Recommended
- Daddy-Daughter Dances
- Group Waltz (Vals)
- Surprise Dance (Baile de Sorpresa)
- Chambelan Dances
- The Mother-Son Dances
- No limit on the number of court members
- Music editing is included in all packages – a $199 value.