LivingBristol.co.uk

LivingBristol.co.uk recently interviewed Stellan of salsasouls.co.uk one of the hunks on the local Bristol Salsa scene. Read on to find out how to impress the ladies or feel the grip of a swarthy latin hunk.

 Q: Tell us about your salsa classes in Bristol. What happens?

A: We start the night with a warm up, usually another Latin dance that is nice an easy to do and fun, like Merengue or Bachata. We then spilt the classes into two groups, absolute beginners and improvers. We start the absolute beginners off from scratch to ease them into salsa nice and slowly. The improvers go with me to another dance area; we work from the core moves/footwork and concentrate on technique while adding in some cool moves to impress. We have two 45min classes with a break in-between, after we have freestyle dancing till late to practice the salsa steps and moves.

Q: So how did you get involved in Salsa? What is your background?

A: I always knew there was salsa dancing in Bristol, but it wasn’t until I went to Latin America that I saw salsa in all is glory. I became very frustrated that I could not do it and immediately decided on learning as soon as I got back to Bristol. I have been dancing now since 2001 and teaching since 2006, I have lots of enthusiasm for dancing and teaching salsa, I dance whenever and wherever I can.

Q: What kind of people come along to salsa?

A: The age range is vast, from young students upwards, there is no limit, and if they want to learn I will teach. Most people that go to salsa are looking to learn to dance in a fun way that’s not too rigid in structure. Salsa is this and more, people take what they want from it, from learning the basic steps to reaching for the more advanced moves, techniques and performance.

Q: What does it take to be a good salsa dancer? Can anyone enjoy themselves at salsa or does it take a certain level of ability?

A: To be a good salsa dancer you need to listen to the music and then move to it within the salsa steps and moves. Anyone can look very good doing the simplest of salsa moves as long as they are moving with the music. We help our students to interpret and use the music to maximise their salsa dancing ability. Anyone that can walk down the street can dance salsa, after the basic salsa steps people can get on the dance floor and have fun with it, after that it is up to them how far they go with salsa.