The reasons people have for going out to dance salsa and other latin dances are varied. Here are some of them...

The reasons people have for going out to dance salsa and other latin dances are varied. Here are some of them...

1.  It's a great social opportunity.  What a great way to meet people!  Especially our salsa scene, as opposed to any other "club" out there.  People are so friendly, and the music makes us so happy.  This puts us in a great mood.  What better way to meet new people than starting with a great mood!

 2.  It's great exercise.  Sure, you could go running or go to the gym or do aerobics or sports.  But I can't think of a better way to burn calories and sweat than a whole bunch of salsas and fast merengues.  You have so much fun that you don't even realize you're working out! 

 3.  It's great for your mind as well as your body.  Especially if you take classes on how to dance salsa and cha cha cha correctly -- you have to concentrate, and discipline your mind like any other athletic activity.  Sure, one could get away with jumping around, improvising, and freestyling without any technique.  But be forewarned -- many dancers will not dance with you if you have no technique! (Or if you are off-beat).  This is what makes our scene so different from a regular club scene. One needs to learn the actual dances to really embrace the enjoyment of the salsa scene. It's worth learning! Trust me. 

 4.  The music.  Personally, this is my main reason for dancing salsa.  I love this music so much, that it's a way to interpret it.  For me, it's not enough just to listen to it.  I need to express it through dance.  I have always said that, if god-forbid I couldn't dance for some reason, I would have to play an instrument in the band.  Just to be a part of the music. 

There are exceptions, however.  Last weekend I attended the Chicago Salsa Festival.  The local band (Gilberto El Pulpo Colon Jr. & Angel Melendez) ended their set with such a smashin', smokin' rendition of Marc Anthony's "Aguanile" that I had to just stand there with my jaw dropped, in awe and respect! I was so impressed, I couldn't even dance to it! 

So, if you haven't already, get your booty out there, and I'll see you on the dance floor!  

--Mambo Marci