Latin steps to fun social life

There is nothing more impressive than being able to get on the dance floor and wow everyone with a fast-paced, co-ordinated routine.
Unfortunately, most of us lack the confidence or skills to ever pull off such a feat but the Bay Salsa Club can help you overcome your dancing fears and show you a great time in the process.
Whether it is Salsa, Merengue, Rueda, Bachata, Cha-Cha, Lambada or Reggaeton, club members are able to teach you all the hottest moves by promoting and fostering street Latin dance in the Bay of Plenty.
The club runs weekly beginner and improver classes in Tauranga, as well as a regular social night at the Buddha Lounge every Thursday.
Bay Salsa Club committee member Amanda Leonardo showed up at The Strand bar one Thursday night about three years ago, minus her girlfriends who had chickened out.
"Everyone was just so friendly and it wasn't a threatening environment at all. I gave it a go and found it was really addictive. I've been doing it ever since!"
Between 30 and 70 people turn up most Thursday nights, which begins with an introductory lesson so everyone can get the hang of things.
"It's really a case of learning at your own pace. When you first start out you're just stepping. If you can walk, then you can do it."
Ms Leonardo says club members varied from teenagers through to people in their 70s, and the group was a wonderful way of making new friends. Many South American residents working in the Bay often attend, while other people travel from as far away as Rotorua and Hamilton.
"Salsa is like an international language. You can use it anywhere in the world and it's really social.
"Kiwis can be really shy, especially guys, and learning how to salsa helps conquer their fear of having two left feet and realising that everyone can do it.
"Zumba has become a worldwide phenomenon because of its hypnotic dance rhythms and easy to follow dance moves - salsa takes it to the next level."
Salsa is a fusion of informal dance styles which originated in Latin America, North America and the Caribbean.
"It's not as flashy as ballroom dancing," Ms Leonardo says. "It's a lot more casual and you learn how to dance with anyone, anywhere."
The club holds a number of different parties throughout the year as well as their annual Bay Salsa Festival at Labour Weekend.
The group is also often asked to perform at events in the region.
Club members enjoy discounted class rates at the Otumoetai Action Centre, VIP rates at other local establishments, a free half hour private dance lesson, access to the DVD library, preferential bookings and rate for club events and most importantly, the chance to be involved in a supportive and community-orientated group.
A 12-month membership costs $50 for a single person or $80 per couple. All new members who join in May will go into the draw to win their membership fee back. Club enquires to info@baysalsa.co.nz.
THE DETAILS
Name: Bay Salsa Club
Number of Members: Approximately 70
Established: 2005
Meeting times: Beginner and improver classes held every Monday at Otumoetai Action Centre at 6:45pm and 7:45pm respectively, followed by an open class teaching a specific dance style at 8:45pm.
Cost $12 per class for members, $15 for non-members.
New intake for next 6-week course begins 9th May.