When you think about it dance is actually one of the most natural forms of exercise around. Your legs are toned, your fitness is generally improved and you feel amazing....and dancing  Salsa, excels at this.

 

I first started Salsa dancing in 2010, only because I love dancing, nothing to do with getting fit but not only did I become addicted to it, (so much so that I even bought myself proper 'dancing shoes')I also noticed an overall feeling of better fitness.

Salsa is sexy, energetic and absolute fun and I can give you so many health reasons to do it, but I'll keep those short. Dancing Salsa is just pure, unadulterated  pleasure, with health benefits aplenty as an added bonus.

1. Dance off those calories

Dancing Salsa can burn off between 5-10 calories per minute depending on intensity and speed.

And yes,  you can get the same result on a treadmill but it won't be half as much fun.

 

2. Build strong bones and  lubricate them joints

Dancing strengthens muscles and bones. As well as aids in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and keeps our joints lubricated aiding in the prevention of arthritis.

 

3. Improve flexibility, agility and co-ordination

 You will find over time, that repeatedly performing certain dance movements has the effect of making you much more flexible and agile and makes you become a lot more co-ordinated

 

4. Lower your risk of coronary heart disease

Salsa dancing is a unique as an exercise because it provides the heart-healthy benefits of an aerobic exercise.

 

5. Boost Your Brain Power

A 21-year study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found dancing can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia in the elderly. Further, memorizing steps and working with a partner provides mental challenges that are crucial for brain health.

For me, the 'Feel Good' factor of Salsa is why I do it. Because Salsa is a social dance and yes, many gyms do offer a 'Salsa' class, there's nothing like joining a Salsa group. It's a great way to make new friends and you don't even need a partner. I must say though, joining with your partner adds an entirely different dimension to your relationship.

 

You start at 'beginners' and keep moving up in the classes until you're an accomplished Salsero. The warm ups, before class is a great way to practice your moves and get ready for your session. And best of all you don't need fancy gym clothes, just be comfortable and cool, because for sure, you will work up a sweat.

 

Personally, I love the "Rueda de Casino" (the wheel), it is where the group forms a circle and a 'caller' shouts out moves or steps. This style of Salsa was invented in Cuba and is great for creating a fun social environment. I went to a little club in Nice, called Havana, and boy oh boy, this was Salsa on another level...I was mesmerised, imagine what the dancing is like in Cuba?

Compared to many other dance styles there are few partner dances like Salsa that you can dance with anyone who has learnt that particular dance. You can go anywhere in the world make new friends and dance with anybody, because the lead and follow language of salsa is universal! 

 

Just master the basic step (Guapea),  learn to count, Salsa style..1,2,3 and 5,6,7 and as the word Salsa suggests, get 'saucy' on the dance floor.

 

 

 

 

For more info or to join a class:

DBN

Red Salsa

www.redsalsa.co.za

JHB

Salsa spirit

www.salsaspirit.net

CAPE TOWN

Que Pasa

www.quepasa.co.za