THE UK SALSA SCENE

What's It All About Then?

Essentially, it's partner dancing but which is taught, and danced, in a club environment. Forget the precision footwork, competitions, fixed facial expressions and the rigid format of a ballroom dance lesson. Salsa is all about learning to dance in relaxed, friendly way and not getting too hung up on the technicalities. There are the odd competitions at major events, but for the majority it's all about dancing for FUN.

You turn up and pay the entrance fee, you don't need to arrive with a partner, or to have booked. Everyone just pairs up with whom they happen to be stood next to on the dance floor when the lesson begins. After a couple of minutes, or so, everyone will be asked to rotate around, usually in a fairly orderly fashion, clockwise or something. Anybody who didn't pair up the first time will now be able to dance.

Most dance nights across the Country have a beginners lesson, and typically new people start every week. Don't think people will know that you are new, as there are new faces all the time. You'll blend in no problem, assuming you leave your pet goat at home.

The various dance moves are shown by breaking them down into their component parts, e.g. put your left hand out to the left... turn the woman anti-clockwise... etc. Everyone will be asked to try it with their current partner, all at the same time - you won't be singled out. Eventually, you'll dance the move to music. After the beginners lesson there is normally a harder class for people who have been going for awhile. Finally, the evening usually finishes off with some free dancing where you can ask anyone to dance, and give it a go for real.

The bottom line is these nights are relaxed, friendly, good fun, where your ability to laugh is more important than your ability to dance. Two left feet is okay, and is only bad news for shoe shop owners.

Finally, once your confidence has built up a bit then there are loads of special events to go to across the Country, often with live bands.

Salsa

Salsa is a street dance originating from Cuba, and is danced over there by the masses. There is a bit of footwork, but it's not too extensive. Usually, the lesson will start with a warm-up where people aren't in pairs and are shown the footwork element together.

You do have to move your hips but not in some ridiculous artificial fashion - this misinformation put me off Salsa for a whole year. The hip movement is natural and comes from having to shift your weight from one leg to the other and bending your knee slightly - a bit like walking on the spot.

Another major aspect of Salsa is the music. This now comes not just form Cuba, but from Columbia, Venezuela, New York, and a whole bunch of other places. Even the UK has some great Salsa bands. The music has a distinctive Latin beat and you may find it a welcome change to the UK's marketed band offering.

What do I Wear?

In keeping with the club environment, just wear what you would normally go out in. Try to choose something that is comfortable. Perhaps avoid long skirts (guys especially).

In terms of shoes, most footwear will be fine, although try to avoid trainers and clogs. As a beginner you won't need any demanding footwear.

Summary

Give this Salsa thing a try. It's a superb night out, a good way of keeping fit and meeting new people. You can still have a drink, you can still have a chat, and the venue might even be able to find you a dartboard at a push. What you get adds on to all of this.

Jigging on the spot at a nightclub is fine, and your John Travolta impression may be good for a laugh, but I've not met anyone who has tried Salsa and not liked it.

Written by Mark. Feel free to email me with any questions, but not on pensions please!
Credit to Neil Townsend for the photographs and are copyright © Neil Townsend 2000 -2001.