Pictures, People, Places - Entry 12b - Columbia - So far, so Salsa

Pair up, feel the rhythm and Dance

A free salsa lesson in Santa Marta was not to be missed to with tentative and exciting steps we took to the dance floor. The dance team comprised of A (Our Instructor), Anna (our friendly Colombian hostel owner who knew all the songs), Mikhail (a half Russian ex-professional ballet dancer), Sally (an ex -professional Kayaker), Chantelle (A trained performing artist), and yours truly (A professional Dj and sports teacher). So we all brought quite different backgrounds to the salsa table, it went a little something like this. We limbered up with a whole range of classic stretches and a few weird ones too. The instructor was already bringing the style the table gracefully moving from position to the next. He introduced himself and led us through the wonderful world of dance from Salsa, Meringue and some crazy ragga erotica too. 

It started out with some simple counting and steps and got progressively harder but remained within the realms of what you imagine to be footwork included in a salsa class. It was then time to partner up. He grabbed Chantelle for a demo and kept on grabbing her for the whole hour. This was in no way sleazy although some of the dance move were pretty sensual but when we laughed he had an honest and puzzled expression that simply said that is the move and I am teaching it to you. One of the dances was a 4 stage story of a man coveting his partner. She had to be aloof and look away the whole time. A hat and a candle were involved too but as to the significance your guess is probably better than mine. After going through the steps it was time for show and dance. 

The instructor went first with Chan and it really was excellent. Not that dissimilar to Strictly Come Dancing in front of my very eyes. Chantelle really was a star and used all her performing talent to deliver and very convincing performance. There was a crowd of 7 young Colombians that had come to check out our moves and they all gave a round of applause as did we. Sally and I went next and although we did not have quite so much panache we got through it and had fun at the same time. The next section got rather weird, sweaty and close. It was hips together, with the girl leaning chest against the man chest and then some thrusting. This we all found hilarious as Chan had to keep doing it until she got it right. After the laughter had died down I looked at Chan and commented on the dark sweat mark on her front. It turned out to be his sweat from all the closeness. She even said she could smell his aftershave long after the class finished. The funky moves were not quite over yet as I had to assume a 1 handed bridge on the floor and then let Chan stand and grind on my legs. This did not last very long as is often the case with first timers. By the end we could dance to different instructions independently and were exhausted and happy after what had been a full hour of exercise. 

Hugs, gratitude, showers and cold beers quickly followed.