From clubs and beach bars to dance studios and rooftops, there are many options for locals and visitors in Playa del Carmen to go out on the town and dance. Those who like to stay out late will, of course, know the most famous dance clubs around town, mostly centered around 12th Street from Avenida 10 down to the beach. Blue Parrot, recently one of the main venues for BPM, provides a great beach bar ambience with a spacious dance floor to showcase your moves.
Salsa dancing is popular in any Latin country and Mexico is no exception. Salon Salsanera Raices, also on 12th street, offers free salsa lessons, nightly between 9:30 and 10:30. With live music, guest DJs and a buzzing atmosphere it’s the perfect venue to twirl and dip. For an earlier start, La Bodeguita del Medio, a popular Cuban bar on La Quinta and 34th also provides free classes on Mondays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. Last but certainly not least, Zenzi Beach Bar & Restaurant, Calle 10 and the beach, hosts free salsa classes upon their picturesque, ocean front stage on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9.30.
For those serious about improving their technique (and perhaps physique), dance studios such as DanceClub Playa and Coppelia’s Ballet offer a range of classes. Choose from hip-hop, street-dance, break-dancing, rhythmic gymnastics, jazz, ballet, contemporary and flamenco. If you prefer freestyle dance be sure to check out GROOVE Playa del Carmen, held most Saturday nights at 6:45 p.m. Inti – Centro Holistico, on the beach between Calle 4 and 6.
Playa del Carmen has seen the addition of several, upscale rooftop bars in recent years, none making quite the entrance, however, as the Thompson Playa del Carmen, 12th street with La Quinta. With spectacular Christmas and New Year’s Eve events, this ocean view setting quickly made it onto everyone’s must-see list. Those who love to dance won’t be disappointed with the weekend line-up; at Thursday’s ‘Work Hard, Playa Hard’, dance and swim to DJ beats at Cinco. Friday’s feature is ‘Come Playa with Us’, old school funk and hip hop party located on the pool deck at Catch, and Saturday Night Swim Club where you are encouraged to bring your neon, the black light’s on!
