I like Porto Alegre most for its pure identity. Almost
everything in the city exists for the locals and because the locals feel a
connection to it. Therefore it’s hard to find anything here that is not Rio
Grande do Sul.
However, lately I started taking salsa classes. While you
can find several teachers who can teach you to dance a rhythm that is not
Brazilian, there are very few places to actually go and practice.
So, I am taking it upon myself to introduce the two places
that I found that play Latin American music, such as salsa, merengue, bachata…
Sunday nights at Insano have become legendary for the salsa
schools and their students. Although you will find “normal people” (also known
as “beginners”) dancing there, it is usually packed with semi-professionals and
genuine dance gods and goddesses that will make you want to give up on your dancing
efforts in 5 minutes. They have a band and the music is truly good!
Sierra Maestra is a Cuban bar that has salsa playing every day of the
week. On Fridays and Saturdays they bring in a band, on other days the music
comes from a CD player. The owners are a Cuban-Brazilian couple who have the
most fascinating life stories to tell. When you go there, make sure you ask
them about how they ended up in Porto Alegre, and bar owners. This is my
favorite place to go out at night in Porto Alegre. Despite it being completely
charming, well-priced and in a convenient location, the place is almost always
empty. Which is a good opportunity to chat with the owners!
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