In a Despacito state of mind!

The most streamed song of all time, this Luis Fonsi track is not just known for its peppy beat, but is now catching up in the city for its dance moves too 

While it won’t come as a surprise to find the chart-topping Despacito being played on the loop, looks like the buzz surrounding the most streamed Latin track is unlikely to fizzle out anytime soon —  for the right and wrong reasons. However, digressing from the Justin Bieber version’s controversy and taking a lighter spin on the song, Bengaluru Chronicle chats up with ardent dance enthusiasts in the city to give us their take on the number and what makes it tick... 

“It’s a good video as it has an interesting feel to it and it makes you want to know what’s coming up ahead. I have a flair for Spanish music and the people, this tune and beat has certainly got my feet tapping and my shoulders swaying,” opines Simrann Sabharwaal, a trained Bollywood and hip hop dancer and trainer.  

Being exposed to multiple genres of music offers room for versatility. Adding how the mix-up of genres is the way forward, she adds, “I think its a lovely Spanish song with a twinge of Latino squeezed in. For instance, mixing up a bit of reggaeton with Bollywood has started to show up and it’s pretty much catching up across the globe.” 

While the trend of emulating dance steps from popular numbers is seeing a rise,  that shouldn’t dominate one’s creativity believes Gagan Somiah, a freelance choreographer. “I’ve seen the original track, and I loved how it’s been put together. It’s sensual and every dance genre that requires a partner is eye catchy.  The moves are structured and yet free-flowing, and as a professional dancer, I liked how due emphasis was given to the detail. But again, I would suggest people, especially professionals in the field to not be fixated on the style shown in a video per se. Trying it out at a fun evening gathering with a smattering of your own element of styles and sequence is more my thing,” he says.

Echoing similar lines, dancer Divya Easwaran believes the obsession around the summer hit is legit, as partner dancers are catching up in the city. “Latino pop dances have had a major moment since long. I think if there’s one thing that it shows us, it’s got to be how ‘partner dances’ reign supreme in the West. There’s more co-ordination and I feel they move to the music in just about the right pace. That’s one thing I’ve always wanted to bring on stage. Timing is everything, and this dance is no different. I’ve watched both the original track and Justin Bieber’s version and I loved the  former. I think we must respect the fact that the video offers room to groove away with a hint of versatility and grooving away without going by a handbook. That, according to me, is what makes Despacito the rage that is already is!” concludes the dancer.