|
Salsa In't North!!
|
| (Tuesday, 08 January 2008) Written by Cathjex |
As this is my first blog I'd best introduce myself.... My name is Catherine or Cat for short and up until Christmas I was living in Birmingham, doing a PhD and salsa wise, training with Mel C and Carpe Diem Dance Company. For January and February I've moved back to my home town (or village) of Arnside in south Cumbria to have some quiet to finish writing up my thesis and was a little worried that whilst I was here I would, god forbid, miss salsa. Sooooo many folks said to me "oh, you're going back up north... bet there's no salsa there" blah blah blah.... so I've decided whilst I'm here to let everyone south of Manchester know exactly what salsa there is up here! That way you Salseros can visit the Beautiful English Lake District in Cumbria (for instance) and shock horror, maybe dance some salsa too!!! 
To succeed in my mission I'm going to try to go to one or two salsa things a week in south Cumbria/ Lancashire region and report back about my experience! To help me I've enlisted fellow salsero James, to accompany me (i.e. taxi me! You don't get far without a car “up here in't fells”!) and make sure I don't make too big a goof out of myself as I usually do! James is a brand spanking new salsero, still wet behind the ears after having started learning just 3 months ago. I'll put a picture up soon so that the ladies can recognise him, grab him, and get him on the dance floor so he can practice his moves! Lol. My little sis Lizzie may also tag along from time to time, for some moral support for James, but mostly she thinks she’ll get her drinks paid for if she comes out with me! Tight fisted northerner! 
So my first outing was to an on2 class on Monday evening in Preston... yes that’s right folks... on2... in Preston! Actually maybe I should attach a map to show the location of Preston.... and Cumbria! ……..
 Ok see map for locations! The class was by Thanassi and Kasia of Sizzling Salsa in Preston (www.sizzlingsalsa.com ) and Salsology, Manchester. They run on2 classes on a Monday and a Thursday at the same venue (Roper Hall, Preston city centre) between 7 and 10pm. There are 3 levels; beginners, improvers and intermediate with social dancing until 10pm. James and I both did the beginners as leads. I’m working on my lead on1 so thought I’d try on2. I then did the other two classes as it was only £4 for all three classes with an NUS card, £5 without NUS, bargain! Meanwhile James went to get some chips instead of practicing his on2 timing for his basic steps and turns… tut tut tut!! Nice chips though!
The classes had a good turn out, but not so busy that Thanassi and Kasia couldn’t dance with everyone and give individual advice on technical aspects and styling, and the atmosphere was really great. Lots of laughs, people weren’t afraid to ask questions and all the steps were clearly broken down whilst keeping a swift pace to the class. My fellow class mates were all really friendly, everyone introducing themselves, which is a small thing, but nice! No egos anywhere in sight! After the classes there was time for social dancing before the venue turns back into a “normal” club. Shame it had to end really! Chatting to one guy after the class, he was surprised I’d come down from Arnside, and gone “south of the border” to Preston, but at a 30-35min drive, its really nothing. In fact it’s the sort of class that people form nearby towns/villages should really make the effort to drive to and support. There are larger cities with bigger salsa scenes that don’t have these kinds of classes with such good and friendly instructors available. Preston, Lancaster, Kendal etc get your asses there!! And anyone else from further a field, why not check it out your selves?
Ok, that’s enough of that…. Next blog will probably be for a social dancing thing in Lancaster, a little closer to home this time, and will try to get some pics for that one and for this class too as I’ll no doubt go back whilst I’m here! Tune in for more “Salsa in’t North”! Ta’rah for now and I leave you with a beautiful Cumbrian view to entice you! 
|
| [ Back ] |
