Salsa students practicing their moves at Club 4-40. Photo by Kendal Montgomery.
One, two, three. One, two, three. One, two, three. One, two, three.
If only it were that simple.
Salsa, a dance originating in Cuba based around the Clave Rhythm; comprehensible, yet complex.
Learning salsa has its challenges, and for a gringa, even more so. You see, it seems that Hispanics are born with rhythm already in the hips, but us Westerners, we stumble a little more; however, salsa dancing has become popular all over the world, and it is quite fun, if nothing else, to make an attempt to learn.
Here in Santiago, there are ample amounts of opportunities to take lessons and to practice your skills; from dance academies to some really great salsa bars, you can get those hips moving in no time.
I was fortunate enough to live with a Cuban upon my arrival to Santiago, and therefore quickly got to know the salsa scene—and some free lessons!
For loud—and sometimes live—music, sweaty bodies and an overall great time, Maestra Vida is by far the place to go. Located on Pio Nono in Barrio Bellavista, this salsoteca is always packed with a variety of ages and races literally dancing the night away. Though their doors open at 9:00 p.m., things don´t heat up until midnight at the earliest, and the party doesn´t stop until 4:30 a.m. on the weekends, 3:30 a.m Sunday and Tuesday—Thursday. They´re closed on Mondays. They also offer classes, and have a good bar and tables if you´d rather just watch, which is fun in and of itself. Maestra Vida does not disappoint!
It´s good to have options though, and if you´re a quieter type, who´d rather sip on amazingly-made mojitos, and talk the barman, Alfredo, into teaching you some steps if he´s not tending customers, Mojito Cubano is your place. Less than a block from Maestra Vida, this restaurant/bar located on Santa Filomena is authentic Cuba and very chill. On the same street there is yet another place for salseros (salsa dancers) at Club 4-40. They offer excellent classes by instructor Juan Carlos Parada; however, despite what their website says, classes won´t start again until March. I´ve been there twice, and for dancing, both times were a bit dead, but for classes, it´s great.
Those are the ones I can personally speak for, but there are many others. I´ve heard that Havana Salsa on Dominica Street in Bellavista is fantastic. It´s on my list. There they have an entire spectacle: a performance, Cuban buffet and dancing after. It´s like a night in Havana. If you´re looking for formal training, the Latin Mambo Academy has a great reputation for offering superb classes in all styles of Latin dance.
There are so many more salsotecas all over the city, so put your dancing shoes on, set aside any self consciousness and feel the rhythm!
