Just Dance!
Salsa dancing is a melting pot of inspiration originating from the Caribbean. But it is so much more than that. Dancing bridges gaps between generation and gender, ethnicity and ability, while fostering kinship and a sense of community where all are welcome. It brings people out of their shells, challenging their feet, their fears and insecurities. As one student mentioned, it is nice to just feel a momentary connection to another person to share the enjoyment of a dance. For me, social dancing is an escape from the daily grind. It is a moment where I don’t have to think about anything but the music, and I can just enjoy the positive and infectious energy of the people in the room. Plug into the vibe and enjoy!
Each person experiences dance in their own unique way. The creative and intuitive energy that is generated while dancing is very personal and I think that is the reason why we have that inexplicable “click” with some dance partners, while we lack the magic or clash with others. I actually make it a point to dance with my “awkward” dance partners as a way to challenge myself. Some of them are now my favourite partners on the floor! We all learn the same basic steps, but what we do with them is very personal. We all bring our own emotions to the dance floor, and from that, there is no escape. But why would you want to? If dance was meant to be mechanical, I suppose we could just call it aerobics. But it isn’t. It’s a form of expression, and it has no words; it is fueled by feeling. And everyone brings their own unique sabor! So get on the dance floor, find a partner, and let yourself be whisked away by the music; release the passion and the rhythm in your soul.
I call on all the salseros and salseras, whether you are from the Baila family, or if you are just a friend of our dance family – come on out to our practices the first Friday of every month. Spend a few hours on our dance floor, and see for yourself just how uplifting it feels to move your feet, practice some old moves, learn some new ones, and have a laugh in the process. Pleasure is best when it’s shared.
Katherine – Teacher @ Baila Productions Salsa School
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