Today, I talked to a friend from the Latin dance community. We originally connected through a dance team, and she stayed in touch with my wife. We visited her, and she mentioned that she was also part of the PLUR community from the electronic dance scene.
Apparently, the PLUR (Peace, Love, Unity, Respect) community within the electronic dance world is a whole other experience, much like the Latin dance scene, with its own distinct culture and values. She explained that in the PLUR community, there’s a strong focus on open-mindedness, acceptance, and support. People look out for one another, and she’s often felt safe enough to let her guard down, knowing that others would care for her if needed. I’d always kept my distance from raves and the electronic dance scene, seeing myself as more conservative, but this sense of community and trust was intriguing. I wondered, was there something I could learn from this culture?
As we continued talking, I realized that people in the PLUR community seemed like they’d be great to hang out with. They’re open-minded, focused on having fun, and the music has its own appeal. But despite my interest, my heart is still in the Latin dance scene—I grew up with it, and it’s my foundation.
Curious, I asked my friend, “What’s the difference between both communities? What are the pros and cons?”
She responded right away. She loves how salsa and bachata make her feel—the deep sense of connection and rhythm that comes with it. But she finds the PLUR community to be far more inviting, less judgmental, and much more supportive.
She pointed out that there’s a kind of elitism in the Latin dance scene, where being a “good” dancer often leads to inflated egos. I agreed. We compared big events, like Latin dance congresses, to large gatherings in the electronic dance scene. We both love the feeling of dancing from midnight to 6 a.m., getting lost in the flow. But in the Latin dance world, it’s harder to truly connect with others on a casual, personal level—there’s a seriousness that can limit how freely people feel they can express themselves.
In the PLUR community, she felt comfortable enough to be vulnerable, whether that meant trying new dance moves or trusting people around her. In the Latin dance scene, though, she said she’d never feel safe enough to be vulnerable in that way. It wasn’t so much about drugs or partying; it was about feeling like the space was safe and judgment-free, something that’s often missing. She mentioned the egos and some men who approach women with less-than-respectful intentions, creating an environment where she has to stay guarded.
I totally agree. The Latin dance community could take a page from the PLUR community from the electronic dance scene by creating a culture that prioritizes connection, fun, and growth over elitism. While there’s a place for taking dance seriously, it shouldn’t be to the point where our identities become attached to how “good” someone is. That level of seriousness can make it hard for people to express themselves freely. Embracing more of the PLUR values—Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect—could make the Latin dance community a more welcoming and supportive space for everyone.