HolleyinColorado,
Yes, the men I saw do dance the same way. The couple dances quite seductively around eachother, and your kind of go with what your partner comes up with. It's very free form. Once my husband and I got the hang of it, a local black woman with beaded hair asked my husband to dance. He had a wonderful time, and she helped him "perfect" the dance. Then an older Rasta fellow asked me to dance and we all had a blast!!!! "Wild abandon" would be the way I would define it.
I stand to be corrected here, but there is a local culture in Belize called the Garifuna people. They are decendants of marooned, and escaped African slaves. They have a VERY distinct culture, their own language, art and way of life. Garifuna is spoken by some in San Pedro, and some live there. Check out their history on the internet. I think you will find it fascinating. If I were to guess, I would say that Punta dancing came from this very unique culture. But like I said.... I could be wrong.... Any comment or further information out there???
Debbie
[This message has been edited by Debbie (edited 08-21-2000).]