Quinceanera Surprise Dances

Okay, so the other day I accidentally stumbled upon a video on YouTube.  The video was of a "baile de sopresa" (surprise dance) at this young girl's "quinceanera."

For those who may not know....  A quinceanera is the celebration of a girl's 15th birthday.  It marks the transition from childhood into young womanhood.  Think of it as a "latin sweet 16 celebration".... just a year earlier.


I've never actually been to a quinceanera although I've always wanted to go to one.  Hubby has DJed for several quinces many years ago.  I never heard him mention un baile de sopresa (surprise dance).  Is this something new?

After stumbling upon this video, my curiosity was peaked.  I started watching video after video of these "surprise dances".

I've learned quite a bit.  This may be old news to everyone out there, but it was new news to me.... therefore I am sharing.

Apparently, surprise dances are quite popular.  You can choreograph your own dance, hire a choreographer, or even hire a dance team to dance with you!  WOW!

How much does something like this cost? I can only imagine.  From what I've read, a choreographer can be $400-$500 and a dance team anywhere between $1000-$2000.  A lot of it depends on the type of dances you want and how many people are in your court.
(Omg! Then you have to pay for the venue, food, cake, DJ, dress, and everything else that goes along with a quinceanera.  Boy am I glad I have a son!  You might as well be paying for a wedding...)

Below are some of the videos I watched of the bailes de sopresas.  Check them out.  You really have to give props to these kids for putting such hard work into learning these routines. What a fabulous job they all did!