Learn to Salsa

It’s been a while since I last wrote about this goal. So far I’ve completed 3 consecutive courses and I must say I’m not a bad dancer! I pick up new moves faster and faster each lesson and I really enjoy dancing with different partners, experiencing different styles/interpretations of salsa. I’m definitely going to enroll in the level 4 course! At our dance school, there are 7 courses in all which means that this time next year I’ll be really, really good. Can’t wait. In the meantime I’m just enjoying myself- it’s good for my fitness levels, too.

Quick update: after 10 weeks of salsa lessons, I decided to enroll for course #2. It’s terrific! Apart from the course, I try to go out dancing as often as I can and I’m learning quite fast. I can now do all kinds of body crosses, twists and turns. It’s not about the steps anymore; it’s about the DANCING. I’m loving it!!!

...I did. I had to cancel before because of a business trip, so I was really happy to be able to go last Monday. I learned a new move and the teacher asked me to dance after the lesson- apparently to see how adaptable I was: he swung me round and round and made moves we hadn’t learned yet- turns out I’m quite good at this thing! So when they asked me whether I wanted to enroll in another course, I said yes. Of course! Salsa nights always leave me happy and exhilarated. It’s good exercise- and I’m getting really good at it!

...not to wear pantyhose + jeans to salsa lesson again. Yesterday was COLD, so I dressed warmly, but this turned out not to be such a good plan for salsa: I was SO HOT. Other than that, my moves were hot too: I practiced at home, and my turns were really nice. Friday, my salsa-friend and I are planning to go to a salsa dance fest. It’s going to be wonderful!

Today I had my 3rd salsa lesson and we switched from the Merengue to the Salsa proper. I loved it! Took a while to get the new moves under control, but then I was off! I stayed a while after dance class, to practice some more with some more advanced dancers. It really helped me solidify my dancing, and I learned a new spin too. It was such fun, I cannot wait ‘till next week!

...it took me a while to learn not to think constantly about steps or moves, but rather go with the flow of the music and just move my legs and hips naturally. But tonight, I felt I finally nailed it. Sure, there are times when I start making too much of an effort and loose the rhythm/get out of sync, but it’s already going much more smoothly. I do have to get used to dancing with strangers all the time (we swap dance partners each dance), and looking into the eyes of men I’m not interested in… beyond dancing with them, of course. But this is good for me, as it will help me to loosen up more- I’m not a shy person but I can be a bit aloof sometimes. Salsa warms me up! :D

...and it rocks. The atmosphere was wonderfully relaxed and Caribbean, the teachers are a great mix of fun/swing and criticism, and the people in the class are fun, too. I’m really looking forward to the next lesson which is a good sign. Also, after our beginners’ class I stayed on a bit to watch the next class, which looked really good. I asked the teacher how far ahead this class was, and he told me that they were a level 4 class- a level I could attain in 40 weeks, aka approximately 1 year! I got so excited- if I can reach a salsa dance level that looks that good in only a year, imagine how great I will be 3 years on. Since I usually stick to what I start, this holds great potential. In one year, I will have learned to salsa. :D

...and loved it! Everything about it, the music, the moves, the rhythm… Yay! I went with a friend who also REALLY wants to learn but like me, hasn’t found a guy that’s willing/able to take dance classes with her. We’ve now decided that we’re going to take salsa lessons no matter what, and meet dance partners in class. Looking forward to another lesson!