Spicin' it up!
By Kevin Smith and Orli Ben-Dor
Arizona Summer Wildcat
Wednesday July 23, 2003
Ben-Dor: We arrived 10 minutes early for our salsa dancing adventure, but we were sternly told to wait outside. Contrary to our first impression, the salsa instructor, Summer Sando, taught enthusiastically and ran the class with a great sense of humor.
Smith: Yeah, she didn't take things too seriously and she made everyone feel very comfortable. Sando is part of the Tucson-based "Salsa Soulseros," which is a Latin-flavored instructional team that doesn't perform or compete. She's been dancing for two and a half years and teaching for two.
Before we danced we signed a waiver of liability. We basically signed a contract saying that we knew what we were doing and that we knew what we were getting ourselves into. Any injuries were our responsibility, left feet and all.
Ben-Dor: Salsa Soulseros's policy is that no previous training or partners are necessary. There isn't a dress code either. People were dressed anywhere from sweatpants or unitards (yes, unitards) to business casual. I suggest that you spice up your wardrobe (flowing skirts are fun to spin in) or come in sweats and dance for the exercise like regular Priscilla Bejar does. Like the outfits, the group was pretty diverse in age as well.
This fits Salsa Soulseros' "vision" statement: "To create an environment of respect and happiness for people of all ages who wish to increase their quality of life via the specific arts of Latin music and mind." Ole!
Smith: Soulsero's mission statement is, "To serve the community by facilitating the use of Latin music and dance as an educational and inspirational venue to empower them and their well-being of body, mind, and spirit."
Well, for my first swing at Latin dancing, I think I performed well below average. I don't know if I feel empowered in mind, body and spirit, but I had fun. Warning: This is definitely harder than it looks. But after warming up with some merengue steps and combinations, Orli and I started to loosen up and get into the rhythm.
Ben-Dor: After the 20-minute merengue session (a less complicated and slightly slower version of salsa), we moved into salsa itself. Quick-quick slow, 5-6-7. Add the arms, pump up the music and, well, Kevin and I weren't exactly the smoothest pair of the 10 or so pairs, but we never felt uncomfortable or awkward and we never really stopped smiling and twirling.
Smith: Sando took time to demonstrate the detailed salsa combinations by having everyone stand in a big circle to watch the instructors. Then we practiced the moves with a partner. She even took Orli and I aside, had us switch partners, and showed us the exact methods. She was very attentive and patient and never made anyone seem out of place no matter how stupid we felt or thought we looked at certain times. It was "all good" in there.
I would definitely recommend these courses for couples or anybody who wants to take up a new active hobby. Just keep an open mind. Guys: there are lots of girls there with no partners - lots. Read: this could be a great way to meet women!
Ben-Dor: One hour later, we were a little sweatier, a little more coordinated and plenty relieved that we didn't brave it and take the intermediate class right off the bat. All you need to check it out for yourself is $6 and your dancing zapatos!
By Kevin Smith and Orli Ben-Dor
Arizona Summer Wildcat
Wednesday July 23, 2003
Ben-Dor: We arrived 10 minutes early for our salsa dancing adventure, but we were sternly told to wait outside. Contrary to our first impression, the salsa instructor, Summer Sando, taught enthusiastically and ran the class with a great sense of humor.
Smith: Yeah, she didn't take things too seriously and she made everyone feel very comfortable. Sando is part of the Tucson-based "Salsa Soulseros," which is a Latin-flavored instructional team that doesn't perform or compete. She's been dancing for two and a half years and teaching for two.
Before we danced we signed a waiver of liability. We basically signed a contract saying that we knew what we were doing and that we knew what we were getting ourselves into. Any injuries were our responsibility, left feet and all.
Ben-Dor: Salsa Soulseros's policy is that no previous training or partners are necessary. There isn't a dress code either. People were dressed anywhere from sweatpants or unitards (yes, unitards) to business casual. I suggest that you spice up your wardrobe (flowing skirts are fun to spin in) or come in sweats and dance for the exercise like regular Priscilla Bejar does. Like the outfits, the group was pretty diverse in age as well.
This fits Salsa Soulseros' "vision" statement: "To create an environment of respect and happiness for people of all ages who wish to increase their quality of life via the specific arts of Latin music and mind." Ole!
Smith: Soulsero's mission statement is, "To serve the community by facilitating the use of Latin music and dance as an educational and inspirational venue to empower them and their well-being of body, mind, and spirit."
Well, for my first swing at Latin dancing, I think I performed well below average. I don't know if I feel empowered in mind, body and spirit, but I had fun. Warning: This is definitely harder than it looks. But after warming up with some merengue steps and combinations, Orli and I started to loosen up and get into the rhythm.
Ben-Dor: After the 20-minute merengue session (a less complicated and slightly slower version of salsa), we moved into salsa itself. Quick-quick slow, 5-6-7. Add the arms, pump up the music and, well, Kevin and I weren't exactly the smoothest pair of the 10 or so pairs, but we never felt uncomfortable or awkward and we never really stopped smiling and twirling.
Smith: Sando took time to demonstrate the detailed salsa combinations by having everyone stand in a big circle to watch the instructors. Then we practiced the moves with a partner. She even took Orli and I aside, had us switch partners, and showed us the exact methods. She was very attentive and patient and never made anyone seem out of place no matter how stupid we felt or thought we looked at certain times. It was "all good" in there.
I would definitely recommend these courses for couples or anybody who wants to take up a new active hobby. Just keep an open mind. Guys: there are lots of girls there with no partners - lots. Read: this could be a great way to meet women!
Ben-Dor: One hour later, we were a little sweatier, a little more coordinated and plenty relieved that we didn't brave it and take the intermediate class right off the bat. All you need to check it out for yourself is $6 and your dancing zapatos!
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