Alternative Leeds Salsa Leeds
Sarah Idle experiences some of the more off-centred activities available in Leeds – here, she gives salsa dancing a go
Alternative Leeds: Salsa Leeds
‘Strictly Come Dancing’ has a lot to answer for. The shiny, sequinned celebs make salsa look sexy – and sickeningly effortless. However, in the slightly less glamorous surroundings of bar room bar on Call Lane, the reality of Salsa Leeds becomes apparent. The only shiny things are the perspiring faces of the participants – with the exception of the smug glow of Salsa Leeds’ regular attendees.
The class starts off deceptively easily, with group tuition of the basic steps. With hips swaying seductively to salsa beats, it feels satisfyingly easy to grasp. This is followed by the reason why Salsa Leeds is perfect for those turning up with or without a partner – partner dancing. Although you start with the person you brought along and learn the first few partner moves together, you quickly move on around the group, swapping partners like it’s the 1970s again. It also gives you the chance (ladies only, mind) to dance with the instructor and find out how it should be done.
The great thing about Salsa Leeds is the variety of people it attracts, from students to older couples showing the young ones how it’s done, and everyone in between. As the class progresses through its incredibly quick hour, it starts to get a little more complex with the introduction of turns and spins. This is a bit of a struggle for people like me who are still trying to combine the basic steps with suitable rhythm and avoiding inflicting pain on a variety of partners’ feet while remembering to smile politely…
As it’s a large class, with dancers who come week on week, it’s all too easy to get a little lost and struggle to keep up with the pros. However, for those who were born with salsa sequins on, there’s also an improvers class if the beginners’ class is proving not enough of a challenge. Overall, this doesn’t detract from the simple pleasure of mastering some steps and being whirled around the room by friendly strangers, all for the price of one fancy drink (£5) – it certainly beats watching it on TV at any rate.
Check out www.salsaleeds.com for more information
Posted on Thursday 29th April 2010
bar room bar
37 Call Lane, Leeds, LS1 6DT
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