A classical dance duo—a Cuban man and a Japanese woman—has taken TikTok by storm with a video showcasing a unique blend of Cuban 'reparto' and ballet technique, sparking excitement among online viewers.
The video, shared on April 4 by the account @monkeys_1122, features the two dancers in a rehearsal studio complete with mirrors and a ballet barre, performing 'reparto' moves to the beat of "Tienes (Remix)" by Ya Ice Dilan, Rey Tony, and Helabusador.
In just 32 seconds, the clip encapsulates the fusion of seemingly opposing worlds: he is dressed in a black sweatshirt and gray pants with white sneakers; she wears a black crop top, a black tutu, and pink pointe shoes, the unmistakable attire of a classical ballerina.
Digitally superimposed flags of Cuba and Japan over each dancer emphasize the cultural exchange present in the video.
Viewers quickly responded with enthusiasm. Comments applauded both the technical skill and the versatility of the pair: "Everyone can dance 'reparto', but not everyone can dance classical!", one user exclaimed. Another summed up the general sentiment with a phrase that became widely repeated: "This is 'reparto' with elegance." A third comment praised the dancers' expertise: "Those who know, know, and these two know a lot!"
This isn't the first time the fusion of classical ballet and Cuban 'reparto' has been explored. Back in January 2026, a group of Cuban ballet dancers amazed TikTok with a 'reparto' choreography set to the same song "Tienes Remix", filmed in the Viñales Valley, Pinar del Río.
The song selection by the duo is no coincidence. "Tienes (Remix)", released on November 19, 2025, under the JipMusic Global label and produced by DJ Honda, has become a popular choice for viral fusion videos on TikTok, merging cultural and dance styles.
The trend of foreigners dancing to Cuban 'reparto' has been creating viral moments on social media for over a year. In May 2025, Ugandan youths went viral for dancing 'reparto' while waving the Cuban flag. Later that year, a Cuban in Florida got a Japanese person to dance to "Biónica" by Bebeshito, achieving similar success. Mexicans and Germans have also featured in such clips, turning 'reparto' into a form of informal cultural diplomacy.
The Cultural Impact of 'Reparto'
'Reparto' is an urban music genre that originated around 2007 in the Havana neighborhood of Arroyo Naranjo, initially propelled by Elvis Manuel. It combines reggaeton with traditional Cuban music elements such as timba, rumba, and guaguancó, characterized by highly danceable rhythms and synchronized group choreography.
Since 2025, the viral spread of 'reparto' via TikTok has introduced the genre to corners of the globe far beyond the creators' original Havana neighborhoods, and videos like that of this dance duo prove its strength in engaging with any dance tradition, even the most demanding.
Exploring the 'Reparto' Phenomenon
What is the origin of 'reparto' music?
'Reparto' originated in the Havana neighborhood of Arroyo Naranjo around 2007, combining reggaeton with traditional Cuban music elements.
Why has 'reparto' become popular globally?
'Reparto' has gained global popularity due to its catchy rhythms and the viral spread of videos on platforms like TikTok, showcasing its cultural and dance fusion capabilities.
How are cultural exchanges represented in 'reparto' videos?
Cultural exchanges in 'reparto' videos are often highlighted through collaborations between dancers of different nationalities and the use of symbols like national flags.