Salseando

Music is part of my everyday life, and so is dancing. I have always liked dancing.  Never danced professionally, I'd tackle anything though. As a child, I did some ballet. During my teenager period, I danced traditional Basque dances. Then, in College, I dare to dance ballroom dances. Samba, Waltz, Tango, Bolero, ChaChaCha... a little bit of everything. I had an exceptional teacher who transmitted his passion for dancing to me. I also competed. 2013 though, is the year of Salsa.

At the beginning of January, probably as a new years resolution, I joined the salsa classes in Bristol. I convinced a friend to come with me and we are pretty good at it. ;) 

There are several places in Bristol where you can learn some salsa. In the city centre, there is Salsa Souls, in the Slug and Lettuce (BS1 1UB). There are other two dance schools in Clifton; Abanico Salsa (BS8 2LT) and Salsa Sabrosa (BS1 5JG), and yet another forth one in the south of Bristol called Salsa Bristol (BS14 9EA). Prices are quite similar for all clases: 6-8 pounds per class (usually around 2 hours per class).

It doesn't matter if you are a rookie, everybody is in the same boat. All of them offer lessons for absolute beginners and you can join any time you want. Mondays in Salsa Sabrosa, Tuesdays in Salsa Souls, Wednesdays in Salsa Souls (again) and Thursdays in Salsa Bristol. You could go to one class almost every week day if you'd like!

Remember, you do not need to bring your own partner. Classes are structured so that people rotate throughout. It allows you to meet new people and improve your leading or following skills with different partners.  Most of the times there are more girls than guys, which encourages guys even more to start dancing. However, lately the amount of girls in my class has decreased.

You don't need to wear anything special. If you have dancing shoes, bring them. If you don't, it is alright as well. Just wear comfortable clothes and avoid tight fitting skirts.

Lessons usually start with a warm-up, and the groups is either divided in two (beginners and intermediates) or the beginners class comes first followed by an intermediates class. There is a break in the middle and freestyle dancing at the end. 

Most dance schools also organise "Monthly Party" and "Special Classes" every now and then, where you can bring your friends, meet other dancers from town and have some fun.

More information
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Salsa Bristol (http://www.salsabristol.co.uk/)
Salsa Sabrosa (http://www.bristolsalsa.co.uk/)
Salsa Mania (http://www.salsa-mania.co.uk/)
Abanico Salsa (http://www.abanicosalsa.com/Classes/Bristol-Clifton/)
Salsa Soul Bristol (http://www.salsasouls.co.uk/)