Colombia, as I think we’ve mentioned, is a captivating country to travel in, and the people’s warmth and zest for life is part of the magic. However, prospective travellers be warned: Colombians love to dance…so much so that, deep breath, they’ll expect you to dance as well! And by dance, I don’t just mean the classic gringo knee-bend and head-nod, I mean full-on, hip-shaking, foot-moving salsa. Scary, right? Luckily though, See Colombia hasn’t just got you covered when it comes to sailing through the jungle, climbing a mountain, or lazing on the beach; we’ve got your back on the dancefloor as well.
So, without further ado, allow me to proudly present See Colombia Travel’s top tips for dancing salsa (although, obviously this doesn’t involve teaching you the actual dance moves. What am I, a dance instructor?!).
Tip 1: Pick the right partner
This can be a tricky manoeuvre. Whilst Colombians love a good boogie, and will happily take a few turns with a foreigner, they like to dance with someone at a decent level. Take my friend Dave for instance, who, despite being a pretty good mover by English standards, managed, in Barranquilla last year, to leave two separate girls limping and clutching suspected broken toes…on the same night! Don’t run before you can walk. So, you see that girl twirling and shimmying like her life depends on it? Not her…
Tip 2: Eye contact?
I’ve always struggled with this one; it’s like staring at yourself in the mirror during a haircut: too much is creepy, not enough makes you look evasive or disinterested. Do what I do: try and smile, look your partner in the eye, and occasionally glance down at your feet to check that you’re remembering to actually move them…
Tip 3: Physical contact…
It’s time to get over that awkward aversion to physical contact right now, because if you’re dancing in Colombia, believe me, there will be plenty! Salsa is a sensual dance (don’t even get me started on reggaeton), so prepare to be pretty close to your partner. By English dancing standards, so close that you’re basically moving in together to a small cottage and raising a family. Try not to be too awkward, it’ll make your partner uncomfortable. Embrace it, it’s part of the fun.
Basically, the key is to enjoy yourself. So the final tip is: ignore these tips! Sure, give them a read for some advice, but don’t spend your whole evening running through them in your head like I’m some kind of pseudo Marc Anthony salsa spirit guide. Loosen up and enjoy the experience: dancing salsa in a club in Cali, or on the street in Barranquilla, is a unique part of any Colombian travel experience. So don’t let your two left feet, or complete lack of natural rhythm be a hindrance: get a smile of your face and have a go. You’ll learn fast enough, and, if you don’t, who cares, you’re dancing in Colombia surrounded by great people having the time of your life.
P.S. See Colombia Travel will not be held responsible for any broken toes sustained whilst following these tips. Like I said: take a dance class!
Chris
