By Isle of Wight Observer
With a new season of Strictly Come Dancing, starting in mid-September, it’s a great time to consider the dance options available here on the Island.
Learning to dance can be a lot of fun — it’s a brilliant way to build confidence, keep active, and meet new people. Even if you think dancing isn’t really your thing, with the right teacher and a bit of practice, you might be surprised at just how much you can pick up.
Salsa dancing originated in Cuba around the early 20th century, and was later refined and popularised in the USA. It blends diverse cultural influences, including American jazz, to create the vibrant, upbeat dance style we know today.
Isle of Wight Salsa has been running weekly classes in Ryde for over fifteen years, catering to all levels – from complete beginners to advanced dancers. They primarily teach a style called crossbody salsa, but also offer Cuban salsa rueda and bachata – a dance from the Dominican Republic.
With a core team of Island-based instructors and regular guest teachers from the mainland, Isle of Wight Salsa offers both high-quality tuition and a strong sense of community. In addition to weekly classes, they host regular social events and organise group trips to salsa clubs in Southampton and Portsmouth.
Their next beginner course starts on October 14. For more information, visit isleofwightsalsa.co.uk.
Isle of Wight Observer