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by LAUREN BRIGMAN
Intern Lifestyles Reporter
Other than offering a way to get in shape, salsa dancing provides insight into the Latin culture, while partner interaction poses an opportunity for socialization.
Known worldwide, salsa is one of the most popular dances in both Cuba and Puerto Rico. According to Carlo Baldari, a basic salsa dance instructor, the sound was brought to America from the people of Africa and Brazil.
Varying styles include Cuban and Puerto Rican, along with styles found exclusively in Los Angeles and New York.
Salsa dancing is
now evident at many nightclubs and restaurants, and along with
creativity, combines multiple roots and cultures.
Each style differs in the amount of hip movement, turns and structure of the dance.
Competitions
are held in many state capitals and Central America, Alexandra R.
Drebitko, freshman athletic training major said.
At Cuban competitions, men dress in white and women wear short dresses, pants or skirts.
Already
familiar with the Costa Rican and Mexican styles, Drebitko said, “I’ve
been introduced to a whole new type of salsa.” She enjoys salsa dancing
at Latin dance parties and participating in festivals held in Raleigh.
Anyone interested in learning how to salsa can attend a free three-week workshop.
Basic
classes are being held from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday in
the Life Fitness Center Studio on the third floor of Plemmons Student
Union.
An additional class will be taught Sept. 23.
At the
classes, participants will learn positos, the basic steps of salsa, and
Baldari said anyone can “learn to dance salsa in the basic capacity.”
Alan C.
Utter, director of the Office of Student Research, said each salsa
dance class “is a unique opportunity for students to be exposed to an
expert in salsa dancing.”
The
Hispanic Student Association will hold a Latin Dance Night Oct. 2,
where students will be able to put their dancing to the test.
Michele
D. Rippey, assistant director of university recreation and organizer of
the workshop, hopes students will understand more about Latin culture.
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