1. How did your interest in salsa dancing begin? 

When I first moved to the USA about 9 years ago. Since then, I’ve been on and off dancing. Whenever I stopped dancing, I would still put on a salsa song and dance alone in the house in a hidden spot. Now I’m picking up again and, hopefully, won't stop anymore. 

2. What's your favorite song to dance salsa to, and what makes this song special to you? 

My favorite salsa song is “Que Locura Enamorarme de Ti" because the lyrics are so captivating and sad at the same time. I hope the amiga can give him a chance! I also love the musicality patterns of this song. There are so many creative moves you can do to match the musical aspects. I also love other songs such as “Lobo domesticado” by Tommy Olivencia, “Perdóname” by Chiquito Team Band, and “Vente Negra” by Habana Cola. 

3. How do you deal with mistakes while learning to dance salsa? 

I will not deny that I get frustrated. I strive to become the [one of the] best in everything I do- I never want to quit even if it seems an impossible task like the double spins. I put a lot of pressure on myself sometimes and I know this is not ideal. But that's just how I react to situations at first. Then after the frustration and pressure comes the realization that it's ok to commit mistakes and all I need is to remain resilient/focused like I always do. 

4. What’s a favorite memory bonding with your classmates outside of salsa class? What made it special? 

My favorite memory bonding outside class is when we make playful salsa/bachata videos in the parking lot or someone’s house or even while social dancing somewhere. My group even has a name: Blenfriends! We also have our own greeting that I invented. It’s as cool as “move shake dance!” 

5. What advice would you offer to someone considering taking salsa lessons? 

A few pieces of advice: 

• Be committed to learning; practice every single week whether alone or on Friday practices. 

• Go social dancing and dance with multiple partners. 

• Even if you think you have some experience dancing, there is just so much you can learn from taking the 101 class. Fundamentals are everything (even if you think you are already a good follow or lead). 

• Be resilient, disciplined, and humble. No matter how much you improve, there'll always be something you forget and you'll always keep learning just like everything else in life. 

• Have fun! Don't just focus on accuracy. Despite accuracy being the real fun, having fun with your dance community is what turns salsa/bachata into a genuine experience. 

• Don't feel upset if others try to lecture you during social dancing. There are some that are actually really good dancers, so take it as a learning opportunity. You might even learn a new epic pattern, a 360 flip, salsa on 2, or make a new friend! 

• Praise your peers (leads and follows) when they do cool moves or when they do the demo with the instructor. Tell them how awesome they were and send them their video afterward to the whole group if you have one. Support each other! It’s not a competition…yet. 

• Watch the demo videos; watch them a couple of times. Again and again and again. You will see how much stuff you pick up from doing this. 

• Get out of your comfort zone and don’t stop dancing. Just keep building what you learned and apply it to the dance floor. It’s fun and rewarding! 

• Be patient with yourself and with your partners. Everyone has their own pace and everyone is learning. Don’t give up on yourself and don’t give up on your friends- make them improve with you. We are a team! 

• Be polite with your partner…dance until the end of the song (unless the person is disrespectful). 

• Smile when dancing, even if you had a bad day! You will actually forget that you had a bad day by doing so. 

• Last but not least: move shake dance!