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Everybody Salsa Want to get fit, meet people and have a great time? Dancing Queen Christine Penhall on why she's become a 'salsa-holic' like so many others If you want to try something new in 2003 but the thought of a treadmill leaves you cold, and you can't work up any enthusiasm for an evening class, why not give salsa a whirl? You don't have to be J-Lo or Ricky Martin to enjoy the exuberant dance craze sweeping the country. A mixture of Afro-Caribbean rhythms, North American jazz and styles such as mambo and cha cha cha, salsa music is vibrant, spontaneous and intricate, and the dancing spicy, lively, and above all, fun. Walk into any class or club and you will find a room full of people of all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities enjoying themselves. So what's the appeal? Terry Lewis of Salsa Chillout who along with partner Yolande runs classes in Southend, Chelmsford, Lawford (nr Colchester), Billericay, Brentwood and Marks Tey says: "Once you've got a basic step you can dance with anyone, anywhere around the world. It's very sociable and you don't have to bring a partner: during the lessons you dance with different people so you get to know everyone very quickly. And the music is great too." Before you start, you don't have to rush out and buy a flouncy skirt or special shoes. |
Terry and Rachael Says Terry "for classes you need cool, comfortable clothes. And as for footwear: no trainers, just shoes with a non-grip sole, and for ladies a medium heel. It's an excellent way to keep fit - dancing to a medium to fast track can work up quite a sweat. As Anka, a teacher from Billericay says "It's good exercise, but not boring, and a great stress release after a hard day's work." For Sam, a customer services manager from Maldon, moving to a new area prompted her to take the plunge. "It's a good way of meeting people and I always wanted to learn to dance with a partner. When it works its quite exhilarating! I find the gym soulless, whereas salsa certainly isn't." Salsa Chillout: Terry Lewis 07974 123 567 or Yolande Lewis 07815 123 567. www.salsachillout.com |
