Salsa Class Number 1.

Finally, the waiting is over. I have attended my first Salsa class and it was goooood !

The venue was Bohio Florencia, a semi-enclosed, thatched roof Bar the size of a decent tennis court. Hidden behind the Florencia Tile warehouse! On Thursday nights, the tables and chairs are shoved aside and 4 clearly dedicated Salsa teachers attend a packed crowd of Panamanians all wanting to become "Salseros". 3 groups, 4 lessons, lasting 45 minutes each with 15 minute breaks in between, for 3 Bucks. All good fun.

At first, us beginners were taken aside for a very firm talking to, I didn´t get all of it but it was along the lines of "Salsa is a way of life......ask questions but don´t contradict us cos we know everything........we will break you and build you back up from the ground). I felt a bit like one those young recruits at the beginning of "An Officer and A Gentleman" (.....where you from boy?....).

I went from being a willing exponent of "Basico" (the basic forward-backward 1-2-3/5-6-7) to the "lateral", the "L" , spinning to the left and the right, and in the final session, finally paired off in to couples, I took a young girl in my arms and successfully mangaed to "twirl" her in perfect timing (my own twirling is some way off perfect). The "buzz" in the room from 70+ people is so loud that the beginners teacher (the biggest group) uses a microphone to shout instructions. Its a relief to here the word "Basico" signalling the return to the first steps following an initially bewildering new move.

The 15 minute "rest" breaks are in fact opportunities for students to have a drink at the bar and (for the really dedicated) a chance to practice what you have just been taught. No greater spur to get back to your lesson than to see so many men and women getting on down with such huge smiles on their faces.

Several people arrived (or changed in to) sports gear before the class started. A very wise move. I left after the class at 10.30pm, and like everyone else, shirt soaked through with sweat, various mucles aching, but very pleased with my efforts.

Can´t wait for next Thursday.