A TikTok video has stirred a heated controversy on social media, capturing three young Cuban students competing in a reggaeton dance contest. The clip, shared by user Ariel Manager (@ariel_manager), appears to be filmed in the courtyard of the October Revolution School in Jovellanos, Matanzas.
In the footage, the students, donned in their school uniforms, perform hip-swaying moves to the reggaeton beats, while a crowd of peers and onlookers cheer them on. Despite the festive atmosphere, the scene has sparked a fiery debate online, splitting opinions between those who applaud the spontaneity of the youth and those who criticize what they see as a lack of values in an educational setting.
Comments range from support, such as "Cuba moves forward and that hurts," defending the students' cultural expression, to sarcastic remarks like "The Cuban youth is ready for anything," lamenting the perceived superficiality of values being instilled in the younger generations.
Others, however, urge not to judge the teens out of context, emphasizing that dance is a legitimate form of artistic and cultural expression in Cuba. The video has reignited ongoing discussions about the impact of urban music on Cuban society, particularly among the youth, and the role of educational institutions in shaping values.
Critics have pointed fingers at the school staff for allowing such activities during school hours, while others argue that the adolescents are merely reflecting the popular culture surrounding them. Reggaeton, as a leading musical genre among young Cubans, has been a focal point of cultural and social debates on the island.
While many view it as an avenue of freedom and authenticity, others see it as a negative influence that perpetuates stereotypes and questionable behaviors. This incident at the Jovellanos school is yet another example of how urban music remains a contentious issue in contemporary Cuba, dividing opinions between those who celebrate its cultural impact and those who warn of its potential effects on the new generations.