This week, we are excited to introduce to you one of our dancer who has been doing both Salsa and Bachata partner dance classes!
Meet Jackie :)
How did you get into learning Salsa and Bachata?
4 months ago, I came across Caliente Dance Studio post on my Facebook newsfeed. It was about conducting a trial class for complete beginners with no dance background and to help build confidence. Due to my permanent physical disability after an accident when I was 6 years old, I lack confidence and have never tried dancing before, nor have interest in latin dance.
But now I am a person who likes to try new skill. I thought this was a good opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone to try it. So I decided to give it a try and signed up for the trial classes for both solo and partner dance in salsa and bachata by myself.
After attending the trial classes, I started to get interested in Salsa and Bachata dance. And I told myself to just go for it and don't just stop there despite knowing that there will be many challenges for me to dance with a partner. I went on to sign up for salsa and bachata partner dance classes.
What’s your favorite Dance class so far and why?
My favourite dance is Bachata. The dance footwork looks more elegant and requires more connection with partner. Bachata dance movement is slower and easier to learn compared to Salsa. But I also like Salsa :)
What do you enjoy the most from Dancing?
What I enjoy most from dancing is that it really helps me to build up my confidence and overcoming shyness to dance with a partner. Learning how to lead my dance partner well. Practising hard on every dance footwork with my dance partner outside of dance classes.
After being able to master it well after countless of practises and attempts, it gives me a great sense of satisfaction. Seeing myself go from someone who cannot dance at first to being able to dance well now. Thanks to dance instructor Ali for guiding me on how to lead my partner using one hand for some dance moves.
What reasons would you give to someone to start learning Dancing?
Dancing is a great way to release stress from work. A good opportunity to make new friends and dance together.
A good way to build up self confidence to interact with opposite gender. As a guy, you will learn how to lead. For lady, you will learn how to follow and coordinate with the guy movement. Thus, learning partner dance can helps you build good communication with your partner to understand him/her better.
Dancing is a wonderful form of art. You will feel a great sense of satisfaction when you see yourself dancing elegantly in video. If I can dance well despite my disability, anyone can do it too. Don't be afraid to start to learn a new skill.
The first step is always the hardest. I have no dancing background at all before I join Caliente Dance. But now I even teach my own primary school students how to do latin dance. Impart my knowledge to younger generation. Dancing is very fun. I should have started earlier to learn latin dance.
What Salsa or Bachata song do you like the most?
Currently, my most favourite dance song is Calma - Kewin Cosmos ft Ataca y La Alemana. Very addictive song to listen. My dance partner and I always play this song when we practice dancing outside.
Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Jackie!
Caliente Team.
Visit us if you want to try one of our Salsa and/or Bachata Trial Class.