The traditional formal dance performed at many quinceañera celebrations is a waltz. It is often called the vals, the Spanish word for waltz.
A quinceañera may rehearse a choreographed waltz with members of her court of honor. The dance can be part of the formal entrance or the central presentation of the honoree. Families may also add a second, more contemporary dance to show a different style and personality.
The waltz tradition reflects the influence of European formal-dance customs on Latin American celebrations. It does not mean every quinceañera follows an identical program. Some families choose regional dances, popular music, or no formal choreography at all.
A common mix-up is treating salsa or tango as the defining quinceañera dance. Those are important Latin dance forms, but the classic ceremonial dance associated with the event is the waltz, or vals. Modern celebrations frequently blend the vals with other genres.