My name is Michael Thompson, and I’m from New York City. As a tall, white Canadian man married to a caramel-skinned Latina from Colombia, my journey into salsa dancing has been quite an adventure. After 17 years together, my wife and I realized we had never really danced salsa. Living in Cali for six months, a city known as the “Salsa Capital of the World,” we decided it was time to learn.
Why Salsa Lessons in Cali, Colombia?
In Cali, salsa is everywhere—on the streets, in shops, and even in the dentist’s office. It’s a huge part of the culture here. When I first arrived, I felt the energy, and I knew I had to dive in. I found Cali Salsa Experience, which offers flexible, private lessons that fit our busy lives.
Finding Salsa Lessons near me
Choosing the right salsa school can be overwhelming due to the many options available. Do you want group classes or private lessons? For quick learning, private lessons are ideal. But if you’re looking to meet locals, group classes are the way to go.
Cali Salsa Experience connected me with Lucia, an excellent teacher. I also learned that other popular schools, like Sabor Manicero and Joy Dance, cater to different needs. While Sabor Manicero is great for group classes, Joy Dance focuses on social dancing skills.
My Salsa Experience
After booking 10 hours with Lucia, we jumped right into our first lesson. The warm-up was eye-opening; I quickly learned that posture and musical timing are crucial. By the end of the sessions, I had picked up some basic salsa steps and felt more confident.
Lucia was patient as I learned. We worked hard, and by lesson four, my wife joined in. This is where things got interesting—we had very different dance styles. I focused on counting, while she danced more instinctively. Thanks to Lucia’s guidance, we began to find our rhythm together.
Embrace the Salsa Culture
Cali is vibrant with salsa events year-round, including the Festival Mundial de Salsa and La Feria de Cali. These festivals showcase local talent and provide a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the culture.
A Challenge in Dance
Learning to dance together showed us how important connection is. After some practice, we finally managed to dance well together. My wife said the classes were worth every peso!
Practice Makes Perfect
Taking classes is just the beginning. To really improve, you need to hit the salsa clubs. Cali has over 1,500 bars and clubs, but some of the best ones for practicing include La Topa Tolondra and El Rincón de Hebert. Weeknights are great for practice since you’ll find many skilled dancers there.
Join the Salsa Movement!
Whether you’re a beginner or want to sharpen your skills, salsa lessons can make your time in Colombia special. If you’re in Cali, Bogotá, or Medellín, check out Cali Salsa Experience and enjoy the fun of dancing together!