Looking for a new hobby? You have already heard something about Salsa but want to know if it’s something for you? Or can you already dance Salsa but don’t yet realise what a positive effect it has on your life? Then this blog post is relevant for you. What are the 7 reasons to learn salsa dancing.
1. Social life
Salsa is one of the best ways to meet new people, make new friends and improve your social life. In the weekly dance classes you have contact with everyone, because you frequently switch partners during the classes. This way you get to know people quickly and you can meet new friends who have the same interest as you do: Salsa dancing!
2. Staying healthy and active
Do you find going to the gym boring, or don’t you really enjoy going for a run? Salsa dancing is a fun way to stay active. In a 60-minute class you can easily burn 400 calories (and in an enjoyable way). That is roughly equal to 45 minutes of running at a speed of 10 kilometres per hour! On top of that, dancing stimulates your coordination, posture and balance. What you often hear is: “I can’t dance, I’m so stiff”, “My muscles aren’t very flexible”, “I was born with two left feet”. Yet 10 weeks later you see those same people on the dance floor with lots of fun and confidence. When you dance Salsa you use your whole body. The dance is very graceful, energetic and full of movement. This makes you move more smoothly, gives you better control of your body and builds your fitness.
3. Self-confidence
As you keep learning new dance figures and get better control of your movements, you will also gain more self-confidence. This is because you get the feeling that you are achieving something (that you probably thought you couldn’t do). But also because Salsa dancing is graceful and sensual. You can express the feminine/masculine side of yourself without feeling that you are going too far or that someone is judging you. Because of this you will also start to feel attractive.
4. You are equal to everyone
Whether you are a doctor, lawyer or carpenter, Dutch, Latino or Chinese, it doesn’t matter at all. In the Salsa scene everyone is equal, and you notice that from day 1 when you start taking classes/dancing. You meet all kinds of people with different backgrounds. You don’t have to feel out of place or weird. It’s part of the culture of Salsa dancing that people are open-minded and love to get to know other people. We are halfway through the 7 reasons to learn salsa dancing. Most people can’t guess the last 3!
5. Salsa dancing makes you happy
What every dance school, salsa party or salsa club has in common: you see happy people dancing (or chatting) everywhere. It is truly impossible to dance angrily. Almost everyone is happy and cheerful. In fact, people with depression or stress are (regularly) encouraged by their therapist to go (salsa) dancing.
6. A fun way to go out
Don’t want to sit on the couch watching television (again) tonight. But don’t feel like going to the pub either? Then Salsa dancing is definitely worth a try. In the Netherlands you can go to a salsa party or social dance night every weekend (and during the week too). Especially if you can already dance a little, it’s a fun way to go out and maybe find your next date. You can easily start a conversation with your dance partner without having to prove or achieve anything. You also don’t have to worry about running into someone who is completely drunk: they aren’t there. Most Salseros and Salseras drink water or non-alcoholic drinks. Alcohol isn’t good for dancing, after all, and the atmosphere doesn’t encourage it either.
7. Salsa is worldwide
Salsa is danced all over the world. Are you on a business trip in Japan? Then you can surely find a salsa club somewhere nearby. Want to go somewhere sunny this summer and also do a bit of dancing? There is plenty of choice. You can see Salsa dancing as a language that will get you anywhere, and people will always welcome you with a smile. Hopefully this blog post has given you useful information and you want to start salsa dancing as soon as tomorrow! The 7 reasons to learn salsa dancing: Improving your social life, Staying active, Building self-confidence, You are equal to the rest, Salsa dancing makes you happy, You can go out in a fun way and Salsa dancing is worldwide. Other points worth mentioning: - Salsa is not an expensive hobby (relatively speaking, of course), in principle all you need is classes and dance shoes. The average salsa party costs €15 entry and most people spend little on drinks. - Salsa music is super fun to listen to and it helps you learn a bit of Spanish in advance (for example if you want to travel to Cuba) - What’s more fun than giving your guests a salsa demonstration at your wedding *The figures mentioned in this blog post are indicative and based on other websites (such as www.calorieenverbranden.nl). *
