When I first saw Danzón, I couldn’t believe that something like this was still being danced in the 21st century. Some five years later, while the rhythms and steps are more familiar to me, they are no less captivating.

Danzón arrived in México from Cuba at the start of the 20th century by way of the port of Veracruz and the Yucatán peninsula. It’s roots are traceable back to the French ‘contredanse’. But the passage through tropical locales added a definite sensuous side to the dance and a hybrid emerged that blended old world refinement with new world seductiveness. 

Although there are numerous Danzón nightclubs throughout the capital, at least two public parks showcase some of the best dancers every Saturday afternoon and evening -- La Alameda del Sur in the Coyoacán delegation and La Ciudadela in the Cuauhtémoc.

Most of the participants are senior citizens, but the age demographic is shifting downward all the time. There are plenty of young kids in these plazas who look like they would be more at home ‘mosheando’ who are swaying with their partner to the measured, provocative Danzón.