With Strictly Come Dancing’s recent return to our screens, ballroom dancing is once again a hot topic of conversation. From graceful waltzing to sexy salsa, the dancing craze has taken over the nation, so it only seemed right to jump on the bandwagon. With the Latin, Ballroom and Salsa Society offering fabulous free taster sessions, who am I to say no? After all, if Peter Andre can learn the cha-cha, why can’t I?
With visions of Dirty Dancing glory in my head, I hurried along to the session in Trent Building with a couple of willing housemates in tow. I say hurrying as, in typical professional style, I was running late. A great Top Tip for this taster session: do not do this. Get there early. Arriving huffing and puffing at the back, with the session clearly already off to a great start, I found the Great Hall packed out with fellow eager ballroom novices. Whilst there were several teachers, they were all at the front and, being 5’2 and unable to reach most high shelves, this was not an ideal situation to be in.
However, to my luck, members of the society were dotted around the hall and very willing to help out those of us who were having a little difficulty. Another result of arriving late meant I did not have a partner, and so, like that weedy kid in P.E class, I was partnered with a teacher for the first section of the taster. After I got over weeping inwardly at my lack of friends, however, this proved to be to my advantage, as, although we are only learning a basic salsa step, I still managed to trip over myself a few times. The lovely, very patient member of the society then found me another partner with whom I could trip over, and we continued to learn some more salsa steps, incorporating a twirl and a spin into the mix.
It was here I learnt that, while the teachers were great and learning the steps was fun; salsa is really not my speed. Having the rhythm and co-ordination of a slug myself, and my partner not being much more accomplished (sorry random guy), the experience then boiled down to me staring at my partner’s shoes with a pained expression, desperately counting the steps in my head while maintaining small talk. Dirty Dancing dreams having been smashed to pieces, it is safe to say that neither of us were sad when we were released from each other’s clammy grip to watch the society’s demonstration.
Here some real talent was shown that put my awkward shuffling steps to shame. With a demonstration from several pairs, from the Beginners level to the Advanced, they put on a great show, and emphasised how, no matter how much or little experience you had, you were welcome to join and learn. Plus the glittery dresses were fabulous.
The ballroom dancing section of the taster then began. I hastily re-joined my housemate, who had thankfully had a similarly awkward salsa experience and we began to learn the waltz. At this point I wasn’t expecting great things of myself, but to my surprise, we managed this dance fairly well. Maybe I won’t be the next Ginger Rogers, Jennifer Grey, or even Peter Andre, but the fact that I managed a simple waltz with something approaching grace, is an achievement that I am happy to accept.
Overall, I would definitely recommend checking out the Latin, Ballroom and Salsa Society! Whether you are a pro or a beginner there is something for everyone to try and, for even the most inept, it is still good fun to throw yourself into the mix. However, for the taster session, if you are wishing to avoid an awkward sweaty-palmed encounter – bring a friend! Meeting Prince Charming at the ball is a nice idea, but faced with the clammy reality of the situation, trust me – waltzing with a friend is definitely the better option.
For more on the Latin, Ballroom and Salsa Society:
https://www.facebook.com/nottinghamlbss?fref=ts
Edited by Georgina Varley
Image sources:
http://www.mtv.com/news/2150063/royal-baby-princess-diaries-lessons/
http://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/Best-Fresh-Prince-Bel-Air-Dancing-…
http://rebloggy.com/post/gif-love-tangled-disney-dancing-kiss-rapunzel-p…
http://variety.com/2015/film/news/disney-lands-prince-charming-script-fo…