The traditional formal dance performed at a quinceañera is called a vals.
Vals is the Spanish word for waltz, and the dance is commonly presented as a carefully rehearsed routine involving the quinceañera and her court. The music may be a classical waltz, a contemporary song arranged in triple meter, or a popular piece choreographed in a waltz-like style.
The dance often forms the visual centerpiece of the reception. The celebrant may begin with a partner, frequently her father or another important family member, before joining the court. In many celebrations, the participants rehearse steps and formations for weeks or months.
A vals is a tradition rather than a universal requirement. Some families replace it with a modern group routine, a culturally specific dance, or several dances. Salsa, merengue, and tango can appear at quinceañera parties, especially during open dancing, but they are different dance forms and are not the formal waltz itself.