One of the most basic needs a human being has is self-expression. For some, this comes through art or music while some just jump up and down when excited. For others though, it’s dance that allows them to express their emotions.
Dance has been around as long as human beings have been able to shake it8212;as exemplified by any number of professionals, amateurs, and those who just want to have fun. Dancing is easy8212;at least, so it seems when you look at the crowds gyrating to the music booming from loudspeakers at clubs everywhere. Gyrating is easy. Other dances8212;the waltz, tango, salsa8212;seem difficult, something nearly impossible to learn. The footwork is intricate and tricky, right? Wrong.
Salsa dancing, for instance, is not so much difficult as it is involved. It’s something that you have to take the time to learn, but once you know it, it sticks with you. The basic footwork is only seven steps. Anyone can do that, right? Right.
For those considering learning to dance salsa, keep in mind that you don’t need to be at the level of the contestants on “So You Think You Can Dance?” They have been taught and auditioned for years, and so have the amazing dancers performing here at the U every semester. It’s not necessary to have had a dance class before. All that you need is the desire to learn and a good pair of shoes (dress shoes for guys, heels for girls).
The DF Latin Dance Studio is here to teach you to dance salsa (or hip hop, or meringue, or tango, or ballroom or belly dancing). This might ring a bell because it’s advertised all over campus. The DF Latin Dance Studio is a social dance studio “dedicated to helping people meet their dancing goals.” If your goal is to learn basic salsa, this is the place for you. If you already know how to salsa and want to improve your technique, this is also the right place. Don’t think, “I can’t, I don’t have a partner!” That doesn’t matter because a partner is not required. Another lame excuse is, “I can’t dance. I don’t have any rhythm!” If you can walk, you can dance. Don’t let price be an issue, either. Classes are inexpensive, starting at $40 for an Intro to Salsa course, and sessions run for four to six weeks.
The Latin Dance Studio was founded by Eddie Santos from Veracruz, Mexico, and Maria Ivanova from St. Petersburg, Russia, to help raise awareness of Latin dancing in Utah. In addition to teaching dance, they also head the Drugaya Forma dance team, well-known in the area for their amazing shows. The pair has been dancing together for six years, and their flair and enthusiasm shows in both the way they dance and the way they teach. No student will feel stupid when dancing with one of them, no matter how inexperienced.
The DF Latin Dance Studio is located at 346 S. 500 East, Suite 200 C. It’s close to the U, so if you’re taking TRAX, get off at Trolley and walk a block east, past Walgreens, and turn right at the abandoned flower shop on the corner. You’ll see the sign almost immediately. Drop in, visit www.salsainutah.com or call 1-877-326-9233 to sign up for a class. The next session starts April 27.
If nothing else, salsa dancing will keep you in shape8212;dancing definitely qualifies as exercise8212;and it’ll teach the klutzes out there some coordination. Seriously, nothing is better for the grace-challenged than salsa dancing. It’s fun, it’s exciting, and you’ll be able to participate in Latin dancing nights at Studio 600. What more could you ask for?