“Everything changed when I discovered the hidden power in salsa dancing.” — Stephanie Jackson
I’ll never forget the day I met her. A tall, blonde woman with striking blue eyes approached me and asked, “Do you dance?” I replied confidently, “Of course!” I thought she was talking about salsa dancing. Moments later, we found ourselves in a whirlwind of chaotic dance moves—shin-kicking and arm-pulling included. Despite the awkwardness, I was captivated by her presence and the grace she exuded.
Fast forward a year, and I encountered her again. This time, she was transformed. She moved with confidence, connecting with everyone on the dance floor. Her energy was infectious, her steps fluid and full of joy. What had changed? She had discovered salsa dancing—specifically, the vibrant salsa caleña of Cali, Colombia.
She came in smiling with confidence, moving with grace, and dancing non-stop. She connected with everyone she met, from the first song until the last, each step full of sensuality, creativity, and joy. Sweat dripped from her as she danced from door to door, building new connections with each move.
The story of that night sparked something in me—a realization about the power of dance, music, and travel, all wrapped into one transformative experience. It inspired me to launch a project that brings all these elements together, because I, too, had experienced this life-changing energy.
One year later, Stephanie had completely transformed. She was no longer the same woman I had met on that dance floor.
What was her secret?
Stephanie had fallen in love with salsa—specifically, salsa caleña, the vibrant, electric style of salsa that originates in Cali, Colombia. She had spent months learning from the locals, exploring the streets of Cali, and immersing herself in the culture. What was supposed to be a three-day visit turned into 379 days.
By the time she left, she was fluent in the language of salsa, the heartbeat of the city. She told me, “When I leave, who’s going to call me ‘reina’, ‘princesa’, ‘amor’, ‘monita’? That’s what they say when you’ve made a connection with someone in Cali—the city that makes you feel like family.”
This is the magic of salsa dancing and travel—the transformation it brings. I’ve felt it myself, and it’s the reason I created this project. Let me share a little more about how dance can change everything.
There have been countless mornings when I’ve woken up feeling lost, disconnected, or just… down. And I’ve realized that all it takes to lift my spirit is dance. When the music starts, something shifts. We are all just energy, vibrating at different frequencies. Music amplifies this energy, moving through the air as waves that enter our bodies, awaken our souls, and elevate our emotions. Salsa dancing is where sound and movement collide to create something magical.
It doesn’t matter your age—whether you’re a baby or a 90-year-old—it’s never too late to find the joy of dance. When you experience that state of flow, time disappears. All that matters is the moment. It’s a kind of magic that connects you to your true self, to the people around you, and to the world.
And when the song ends, you’re left with a sense of renewal, as if you’ve woken up to a new day—joyful, relaxed, creative, and completely alive.
Where Did Salsa Dance Originate?
You might be wondering: where did salsa dancing originate? The roots of salsa dancing can be traced back to the Caribbean, specifically Cuba, but the vibrant, energetic style we love today evolved in cities like New York and Cali, Colombia, where salsa was truly perfected and embraced by millions.
The Salsa Capital of the World
Now, I’m back in Cali—my home, the heart of salsa. Here, the energy of salsa dance courses through the streets. Cali is home to 72 salsa schools, 80 salsa orchestras, world-class performances, and a Guinness World Record for the most people dancing “online” at the same time.
This is where I found the salsa that makes my soul vibrate—salsa caleña—and where I continue to uncover hidden gems in this magical city.
The best part? I’m happy. Truly happy.
And the incredible thing is, you can do this too.
If you’re wondering how to dance salsa, there’s no better place to start than right here. Salsa dance lessons near me are easy to find, especially if you’re in a big city, but you can always start online to learn some basic moves. Whether you’re looking for salsa dance classes near me or just want to know how to salsa dance, there’s a world of opportunity waiting for you. Salsa dancing is not just a hobby; it’s a way of life that connects people, brings joy, and transforms your world.
Why not join the dance travel revolution? Click below to get a 5-minute salsa tutorial and my personal guide to exploring Cali safely.
Join over 700 travel dancers who have experienced the magic of Cali with me. Your transformation starts here.
