In an unexpected twist, two women turned a street in La Corbata, a neighborhood in Havana, into an impromptu dance floor, grooving to the rhythm of the "reparto" genre. This lively scene was captured in a video shared on TikTok by the user @la_proferepa on June 18, which quickly garnered viral attention.
The brief 15-second clip showcases the two dancers—one sporting a mesh top with fuchsia shorts, the other in a white top and purple leggings—moving energetically on the worn-out pavement amid the colorful houses characteristic of this vibrant Havana community.
The overlay text in the video precisely locates the scene: "From La Corbata, a neighborhood in Havana," while the accompanying caption captures the essence of the moment: "The street is yours."
In just a few days, the video attracted over 113,000 views, nearly 4,850 likes, and was shared 223 times, joining a growing trend on TikTok.
Life in La Corbata
La Corbata is a peripheral area within the Playa municipality, part of the Cubanacán Popular Council, home to approximately 1,800 residents. Despite government-led revitalization efforts, which have included building a Cultural Technology Center and improving infrastructure, the neighborhood retains the visual identity of a typical Havana settlement, characterized by its modest architecture and deteriorated streets, as displayed in the video.
The Rise of Reparto Music
Reparto is an urban music genre that emerged in Havana's popular neighborhoods around 2006 and 2007, with roots in Arroyo Naranjo. It blends reggaeton with timba, rumba, and guaguancó, and its distinctive dance style is known as "chocolateo." By 2026, it has reached a peak of international recognition, fueled by collaborations with artists like Maluma and a significant presence on digital platforms.
Dancing Amidst Adversity
This video is part of a recurring viral trend documenting Cubans dancing reparto in the most unexpected places. Just recently, a video of Cubans dancing in the middle of the street captivated thousands on TikTok, and another clip from April, filmed at the Plaza de San Francisco de Asís in Old Havana, went viral with the same infectious rhythm.
The list of unusual dance settings is extensive: under heavy rain with bare feet, during power outages, at street weddings, or even grandmothers over 90 years old swaying to the chocolateo beat.
This phenomenon illustrates the Cuban people's ability to find collective joy in public spaces, even amidst the severe economic crisis, scarcity, and power cuts that define everyday life on the Island.
Understanding the Viral Dance Phenomenon in Havana
What is reparto music, and where did it originate?
Reparto is an urban music genre that originated in Havana's popular neighborhoods around 2006-2007, blending reggaeton with timba, rumba, and guaguancó. It is particularly associated with the Arroyo Naranjo area.
Why has reparto become so popular internationally?
Reparto's international popularity has surged due to collaborations with well-known artists like Maluma and its strong presence on digital platforms, which has helped the genre reach a wider audience.
How does the video reflect Cuban culture and resilience?
The video showcases Cubans' ability to create joy and community in public spaces despite facing economic hardships, shortages, and power cuts, highlighting their resilience and cultural richness.