A surprisingly sunny welcome to regular readers and new members from all of us at London Salsa.
I know most of you scroll down to our picks of the best salsa in the capital this weekend but today I hope you take a few moments to remember that we can only fit a fraction of the information on the site into this missive, so would urge you to hop back onto the site and perhaps give some feedback on one of the lessons, parties or courses you have enjoyed. It is your feedback that other dancers appreciate, we are simply the conduit.
Easter, although a wonderful opportunity to enjoy eating chocolate eggs (I had my fair share) does mess up course timetables, but all should be back to normal. If you have a friend, colleague or family member who deserves to share the joy of dance, please point them in the right direction.
There are many reasons for taking up dance. Certainly the chance to meet new friends, which can be somewhat difficult for many in London. I know that once the bug bites you want to dance every track but why not just chill for a few minutes and strike up a conversation. I count my salsa friends as some of the closest I've ever had. They come from all walks of life and from so many different countries. Try it.
Another valid reason to dance is for health. You can burn up to 600 calories in an hour of salsa and we all know that a healthy exercise routine combined with sensible eating habits are a recipe to well being. Of course you also get that feelgood factor simply from the release of endorphins. As I just said, why not share the benefits with friends or perhaps just double your dose this week by taking a midweek lesson and then partying away the weekend.
Putney Salsa Club is a lovely club, freestyle dancing with popular classes for all standards focusing on technique and learning new skills. Please note that first time beginners get a free lesson, so tell friends.
Members, like you, can claim £2 off this week's live salsa band night on Friday on Kingston, where lessons start at 7.30pm in bachata and salsa and run into the live band that continues till midnight.
Friday is also the monthly Salsa/Kizomba/Bachata party night in Southampton.
In North London, Salsatricity offer 3 rooms of lessons and parties to span salsa, bachata and kizomba.
Options for Saturday include Salsa Fusion in Great Portland St or Salsa D'Lite in Bourne End.
Second Sunday in Ilford sees DJ Hughie on the decks for salsa from 2-6pm.
I can wax lyrical about the quantity and quality of salsa lessons in and around London that take place every day of the week. My advice is to try one or two, pick your favourite and go up through the levels at your own speed. Get the basics and then add the new moves and styling. If you don't get on with a style or teacher, try another. Every one is different but that is one of the beauties of salsa. There isn't a right way or wrong way, just different styles.
Whether you are in North, South, East, West or even Central London, there is a class close to home or work.
For instance in Wimbledon on Monday there is the new salsa and bachata night with Incognito.
Todo Latino is the late night salsa and bachata party each Tuesday in Bar Salsa Temple, but with salsa lessons in Camden, Charlton, Wandsworth and so many others to choose from, we urge you to enjpy the whole of LondonSalsa.co.uk.
Wednesday salsa is equally all over London, offerings include Hammersmith, Bar Salsa in Soho, Balham and plenty of others.
Normally I look just one week ahead however, I'd urge you to book early for the Thames Salsa Cruise on Sunday May 13th, before spaces run out. This is truly fun, whether you get extra discount by booking as a group or going solo.
Happy dancing,
Leigh and the London Salsa team