My experience learning salsa

To be honest, Salsa was probably the last thing I thought I would be doing at my age. So when my wife booked us in for some lessons I wasn’t exactly too keen on the idea, but I like to keep her happy and so I agreed. The old saying “Happy wife, happy life” reigns true, as I have learned on many occasions!

The lessons only went for an hour, a small price to pay to keep the old girl happy. I was a little apprehensive due to my two left feet. I had never danced before – well maybe at the disco when I was a lot younger and even then, I was terrible. I had a severe case of two left feet. I didn’t tell any of my friends that I was going, as I thought they might make fun of me. Not that I cared too much, I just wanted to spare myself a little ridicule and talk of being under the thumb.

So, the day had arrived for our first lesson. I put on some comfy shoes and loose pants and we rolled on up to the bar where they were holding the lessons. The turnout was bigger than I imagined and there were people of all ages. I had no idea salsa dancing was so popular! We sat down and had a drink to take the edge off and loosen up a little. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Greg, one of my mates from down the pub. At first, he tried to hide, then we both made eye contact and laughed about it. Here I was trying to keep a secret! I guess his wife roped him into salsa as well.

The social atmosphere was great. Everyone was in such high spirits, talking, laughing and having a drink or two. Finally, the time had come to get on the dancefloor and learn some moves. I was a little nervous but the instructor was funny and charismatic and made us all feel comfortable. I had a little bit of trouble grasping the steps, but the instructor was patient, he observed the class and anyone who was having trouble received a little more attention. After about ten minutes I had a few steps down and I loosened up and started enjoying myself. I knew I had a long way to go before I could sweep my wife off her feet with a rose in my mouth but half the fun is the journey, not the destination – something I only learned in the latter stage of my life.

After the first class, everyone stuck around and socialised. We all laughed at how clumsy we were on the dancefloor. Then I realised it wasn’t so much about the dancing, but the comradery of doing something that you find difficult together. It really brings people together, as you all go through the process of learning something new, something that puts you out of your comfort zone. I hadn’t felt this feeling in a long time and it really got my blood pumping.

So after a great first experience, we went back week after week after week. My skills gradually improved so much that I didn’t have to think about the steps and I would let the music take me. This also brought me and the missus closer together and really sparked a fire in our personal affairs. I managed to convince one of my apprehensive friends to come along. He really enjoyed the social aspect. Next week two more of my friends were there and so on until everyone was doing it!

My experience learning salsa has been nothing but positive. It’s a great way to stay active and make new friends along the way. I would definitely recommend it to everyone.