Salsa Dancing

Posted by Marci on Dec 2, 2010 in | 0 comments

“Start on your right foot – step back, front, together. Now step with your left foot – forward, back, together,” the instructor said. “Now we’re going to try it with music.”

I looked at my partner. He moved his feet, his lips silently counting the steps. His face became a mask of terror as the music started. The teacher counted the beat and I took my partner’s hands as we began to dance. He didn’t lead, but stumbled through the movements. “I’m sorry,” he said.

I smiled. “It’s okay. It’s easier for women and I’ve done this before. You’ll get it.”

The first time I went to a salsa club I had no familiarity with the dance or the music. When a young man pulled me onto the floor I tried to stop him as I said, “But I don’t know how.”

“I’ll show you,” he said. He counted out the steps and I tried to follow. Within moments, his lead strong, he had me twirling, dipping, and moving around the floor.

I was hooked. When I made my list of dreams, I’d only danced salsa three or four times. After making the list I began to salsa three times a week and found a community who shared my love. Each partner taught me something new. As I became accustomed to their leads, I found myself listening to the music instead of trying to anticipate the steps. The dance became like a ride at an amusement park as I spun around the room.

Dancing is a way to free the spirit, to become present in the moment, and to express the joy of life. Many people are afraid to dance for fear of looking stupid or being mocked. One of the best partners I’ve danced with constantly tells others, “It took me a long time. I had two left feet, no rhythm, and no coordination, but now the women ask me to dance.”

Free yourself. Turn on music and move. It doesn’t have to be salsa. There are millions of people out there dancing the old ballroom styles and you don’t need a partner to learn. In the process you’ll get great exercise and you might meet a group of friends as I did.