In many Latin-American countries, it is normal for girls to celebrate their 15th birthday. This party, commonly referred to as quinceanera celebration, is usually celebrated in a lavish manner and is meant to mark a girl’s transition from childhood to adulthood.
After this party, a girl is considered mature and ready to assume serious family and communal responsibilities. Continue reading to learn more about quinceanera songs for the surprise dance and celebration.
What Is Quinceanera?
In Latin America, quinceanera refers to a girl who’s celebrating her 15th birthday. This term is a combination of two Spanish words: quince (fifteen) and anos (years). It can also be used to refer to a girl’s 15th birthday party. However, some people refer to this party as fiesta de quinceanera.
The History of Quinceanera
The origin of quinceanera celebrations dates back many centuries ago when teenagers (both boys and girls) underwent the rite of passage. During these celebrations, girls were separated from other children and counseled by older women on how to assume family and communal responsibilities. This counsel helped to prepare girls for womanhood.
At the end of the rite of passage, the community celebrated these girls and thanked God for the future wives and mothers. But the missionaries later turned this rite of passage into an individual’s affirmation of faith, thus making it a church affair. Today, a quinceanera party starts with a church service to thank God for allowing the girl to, safely, transition to womanhood.
On this day, the girl wears a white ball gown in her preferred color and holds a matching bouquet. After the church service, the quests retreat to a banquet hall for the official birthday party. In rural areas, the party is held in a tent that is set up outside the girl’s house. The venue is usually decorated with flowers, balloons, and other décor elements that match the girl’s gown.
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The quinceanera party is quite extravagant and can go on for hours. It consists of a full course banquet and dancing. However, there are special traditions involving the girl’s parents, godparents, and other family members. The girl must also have a surprise quinceanera dance.
Quinceanera Dance and Celebration
The quinceanera celebration consists of various dances and celebrations, with each member of the family and community having a special role to play. Here are some of the elements of the quinceanera dance and celebration:
1. Chambelanes: Translated to mean chamberlains, chambelanes are young men who escort the quinceanera and perform a special dance with her. This dance is commonly referred to as the waltz. However, it includes many other dance styles.
2. La ultima munera: This term would be translated to the last doll. It means that quinceanera should be presented with her last doll since she will be seen as too old to play a doll after her fifteenth birthday. So, she is expected to pass the doll on to her younger sister or any other younger member of the family as part of the celebration’s ritual.
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3. El primer ramo de flowers: These words mean “the first flower bouquet”. On this big day, the quinceanera must be given a bouquet to signify the flowers she is given as a young woman.
4. Fifteen piñatas: The birthday girl must break 15 piñatas as part of the ritual. Each piñata signifies each year of the girl’s life.
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5. Cutting birthday cake: The climax of a quinceanera party is the cutting of a multi-tiered birthday cake while the guests sing the traditional birthday song (Las Mananitas) to quinceanera.
Since a quinceanera party can end up being costly, extended family members, family friends, and the community make contributions to make the party a success. These contributions can either be in cash or kind.
Top 45 Quinceanera Surprise Dance Songs
Popular Quinceañera Latin Dance Songs
#1. “Quinceñera” by Musica Telenovela 05
#2. “La Vaca” by Mala Fe
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Gow_mzRTO4
#3. “El Baile del Beeper” by Oro Solido
#4. “Píntame” by Elvis Crespo
#5. “El Baile del Perrito” by Wilfrido Vargas
#6. “La Dueña del Swing” by Los Hermanos Rosario
#7. “Oye Abre Tus Ojos” by July Mateo Rasputín
#8. “No Me Digas Que No” by La Makina
#9. “Mil Horas” by La Sonora Dinamita
#10. “La Pollera Colora” by Los Inmortales
#11. “Todo Me Gusta de Ti” by Aaron y Su Grupo Ilusión
#12. “Tiene Espinas el Rosal” by Grupo Cañaveral
#13. “Vivir Mi Vida” by Marc Anthony
#14. “Quimbara” by Celia Cruz
#15. “Sopa de Caracol” Banda Blanca
#16. “1, 2, 3” by Grupo Kazzabe
#17. “La Morenita” by Oro Solido
#18. “Tu Sonrisa” by Elvis Crespo
#19. “Se Me Perdio la Cadenita” by La Sonora Dinimita
#20. “Guantanamera” by Celia Cruz
#21. “Fiesta” by Banda Blanca
#22. “Maria Se Fue” by Oro Solido
#23. “Suavemente” by Elvis Crespo
#24. “Oye” by La Sonora Dimimita
#25. “La Negra Tiene Tumbao” Celia Cruz
#26. “Latino Swing” Banda Blanca
#27. “La Cortina” La Sonora Dinamita
Best Quinceañera Waltz Dance Songs
#28. “Balada Para Adelina” by Piano solo
#29. “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle
#30. “Chiquitita” ABBA
#31. “Dance with My Father” by Celine Dion
#32. “Tiempo De Vals” by Chayanne
#33. “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack
#34. “My Girl” by The Temptations
#35. “El Vals de las Mariposas” by Jose Guardiola
#36. “Mi Viejo” by Vicente Fernández
#37. “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole
#38. “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler
Best Quinceañera Surprise Dance Songs
#39. “Single Ladies” by Beyonce
#40. “Shake it Off” by Taylor Swift
#41. “Lose Control” by Missy Elliot
#42. “Scream and Shout” by Britney Spears
#43. “On the Floor” by Jennifer Lopez
#44. “Sigueme y te sigo” Daddy Yankee
#45. “Bailando” by Enrique Iglesias
Frequently Asked Questions About Quinceanera
· What is the importance of the dance in quinceanera?
Dancing is an important part of a quinceanera party because it literally signifies a transition from childhood to womanhood. Traditionally in Latin America, girls were prohibited from dancing with their fathers or young men before their 15th birthday.
· How many dances should a quinceanera have?
Traditionally, three special dances were needed for a quinceanera party: Waltz dance, father and daughter dance, and the group fun dance.
· What is the first dance at a quinceanera party?
The first dance at a quinceanera party is the father and daughter dance, which signifies a girl’s first dance with her dad as a young woman.
In Summary
If you are preparing for a quinceanera party for your girl, this article should make your preparations stress-free. Make sure you choose the perfect quinceanera songs for the surprise dance and the overall party.
