Embrace Your Rhythm

A Guide to Authenticity in Life and Latin Dancing

Today, I would like to be your guide on a particular dance journey where we explore not just the steps on the dance floor, but also the steps in life that make us who we are. As an African male dancer who dances Salsa not just with his feet, but also with his heart, I’ve learned that dancing and life share more in common than you might think. And it’s all about being true to yourself.

"Dance Your Dance": The First Step Towards Authenticity

Imagine you're on a crowded dance floor. The music sways, hips move, and the air is electric with rhythm. Now, in this sea of movements, there’s one thing that stands out - the courage to dance your dance. Oscar Wilde once said, "Be yourself; everyone else is already taken." In the world of Latin dancing, this couldn't be more true. Whether you're leading or following, Salsa invites you to express your unique rhythm.

Why does this matter? Because, my dance friends, just like in life, the dance floor is filled with expectations, judgments, and comparisons. But the magic? It lies in moving authentically to your own rhythm. Remember, the most memorable dances are those where you can see the dancer's soul shine through. Christina Grimmie poignantly expressed, "Confidence is not 'will they will like me.' Confidence is 'I'll be fine if they don't'." On the dance floor, this means dancing with such passion and confidence that even if you miss a step, your joy and authenticity enchant your audience and partner alike.

Now, let’s add some flair to our steps. The privilege of a lifetime, as C.G. Jung put it, is to become who you truly are. Translated into the language of Latin Dancing, this means letting each movement reflect your innermost self. Ever noticed how two people can do the same step but look entirely different? That's because the true essence of dancing lies not in the steps themselves, but in how you infuse them with your personality, emotions, and experiences.

Dancing, especially in styles as expressive and dynamic as Salsa and Bachata, involves moments of vulnerability. Brené Brown speaks to this, noting that "Daring greatly means the courage to be vulnerable." To dance greatly is to embrace these moments, to be seen trying new steps, making mistakes, and still stepping back onto the dance floor with even more determination. This resilience, this ability to rise after a misstep, mirrors the journey we all take in life. Nelson Mandela encapsulated this spirit perfectly, saying, "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." In dancing, each time we stumble and get back up, we're not just learning a new step; we're learning about who we are and what we're capable of.

Your dance is your legacy. It's a reflection of your spirit, your resilience, and your passion. Judy Garland's advice to "Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else" rings especially true here. In Latin Dancing, every movement, every gesture, is a chance to showcase the best version of yourself. Not the version that tries to perfectly mimic the moves seen on social media or dance competitions, but the version that moves with joy, authenticity, and heart.

At its core, Latin Dancing is about connection. Connection to the music, to our partners, and to the emotions that the dance evokes within us. Helen Keller reminded us that "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." When you dance, let the music guide you, let the rhythm move you, and let your emotions flow freely. This heartfelt connection is what turns a series of steps into a story, a story that is uniquely yours but resonates with everyone who witnesses it.

As we twirl and step through the rhythms of Salsa, Bachata, or Cha Cha Dance, let's not forget that the open floor offers us a microcosm of life itself. Each step, each movement, and each moment of vulnerability is an opportunity to learn more about ourselves, to express our innermost thoughts and feelings, and to connect with others on a deeply human level.

So, whether you're a seasoned dancer or someone stepping onto the dance floor for the first time, remember this: your dance, like your life, is a unique expression of your journey, your challenges, and your triumphs. Embrace it, cherish it, and most importantly, make it authentically yours.

WHAT IS LADIES STYLING IN LATIN DANCE?
Facial Expressions and Emotional Expression

Ladies’ styling is not just about physical movements but also about how a dancer conveys the music's emotion and her personality. Facial expressions play a crucial role in connecting with the audience and the dance partner.
Read more…..

Read more……

STUDIO UPDATES | UPCOMING DANCE LESSONS
In March ‘24

Are you thinking of continuing your next Salsa and Bachata dance journey with us? Our new series started this past Tuesday and Wednesday evening, March 5th and 6th, but it's not too late to join the rhythm for the next 8 weeks. The schedule is below, Sign Up Today!

Tuesday Evening
- 7:00 pm | Level 1 Salsa
* 7:00 pm | Level 2 Bachata
- 8:00 pm | Level 2 Salsa
* 8:00 pm | Level 1 Bachata

Wednesday Evening
- 6:00 pm | Ladies Styling in Bachata & Salsa Dancing | starts March 20th
- 7:00 pm | Level 4 Salsa Dancing
- 8:00 pm | Level 3 Bachata Dancing

DANCE-VENTURES
Where Can I Dance Tonight? 

• Tonight, Friday, March 8th: Friday Night Salsa Fix (FNSF) in Guelph
• Sunday, March 10th: Sunday Mid-Day Fix in Waterloo

DANCE-VENTURES
March Theme Party: Kizz Me, I am Irish

• Guest Instructors: Babs & Nyemu
• 1 hour lesson from 9pm to 10pm
• March 15th: Friday Night Salsa Fix (FNSF) in Guelph
• Below is a demo video of Kizomba Dancing by international dancers Isabelle and Felicien from France