Bon Journal

Learn to groove with Latin moves

During my three weeks in South America, I got to dance just one night. My partner kept whispering "Linda, Linda" to my ear. Later I learned that "linda" meant "pretty" in Spanish.

I learned that Latin Americans were born with rhythm in their blood. And dancing to the Latin beat was a night to remember.

This summer on the banks of the Thames in Richmond, I was reminded of that unforgettable night in Cartagena, Colombia. I was dancing to the salsa rhythm then. And since then, I've learned the merengue and lambada.

Tonight the church hall at Ridley Avenue was transformed. I invited my friend to guard the entrance as usher, bouncer, raffle-ticket issuer, and relaxation consultant. I invited London-based pianist Tim Sharp to teach us those Latin moves that most people who do salsa in London don't know about. He in turn invited his 18-member band from Richmond to accompany us.

Today three ladies cancelled after they had booked via e-mail. I learned something about male and female psychology tonight. No lady would turn up alone unless she knew someone else that was going to be there. Men, on the other hand, would show up by themselves. And they would rather not dance than dance with another man.

As much as I tried, through the booking system of e-mails, I ended up with more men than women. Not wanting the guys to feel left out, I took the initiative to ask them to dance. And so, I was busy on my feet for three hours.

Bolero. Vos. Milonga. Cha cha. Salsa. Merengue. Tango. There was no end in sight.

Next time, I'd be sure to do more publicity. There should be three times as many people on the floor than in the band. But then, this was a very large band!

23 December 2003 Tuesday

Dance like no one's watching

Photos at invitation page: learn to groove with Latin moves