Hot Salsa Wednesdays
Why not dance the stress of school or the blues of the recession away? It's a healthy alternative!
On Wednesday nights in Santa Monica, things get spiced up with Hot Salsa Wednesday Nights at Club Main with locally renowned dance teacher Isabelle Salsa.
Starting at 7:15 p.m. a 90-minute dance lesson begins for $15 a person. Drink specials are offered during the lesson as well. Following the session, from 9:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. you can dance freely and show off your salsa moves. Club Main is located at 2941 Main St., directly next door to O'Brien's Irish Pub.
Club Main is a small nightclub and venue. The ambiance is dark with purple and red lights flashing on the dance floor. On Wednesday nights, couples are spinning and and moving their hips across the floor.
All levels, starting from beginner to advanced, are seen shaking things up and enjoying themselves while smiling, laughing and engaging in the famous Latin cultured
dance. Salsa dancing falls in the family
of Latin-themed ballroom dances. It originated from Cuba and is danced mostly with a partner, however having a partner is not necessary. Salsa can be improvised or a set routine. It is described by Salsa as a very physical, sexy, happy-go-lucky dance that is very addicting.
Dancing in general is a great cardio workout; a physical art form that has been around for hundreds of years it is also very therapeutic, making it a great way to release stress from work or school or our economical hardships. "If it weren't for dancing I don't know if I would still be alive. It cleans out your mind like a white sheet of paper," said Salsa.
Salsa is originally from Argentina where she was a famed fitness instructor and picked up Salsa dancing during a trip to Panama. She fell in love with the dance style and has been teaching Salsa for 11 years. She also teaches lessons at different locations including through Santa Monica College's Community Services Program.
"It is fast-paced, very cardio and works your core. It has changed my life," said Salsa. According to Glamour Heath and Fitness, for the average person Salsa dancing burns approximately 370 calories an hour. Working mostly the legs and core of your body, Salsa is also a great way to tone your legs and thighs.
In fact, it's a rarity to find a Salsa dancer that doesn't have a nice set of sexy, toned legs. It also makes for a great excuse to wear a skirt or dress with high heels.
"Salsa is for exhibitionists," said Salsa.
Constantly moving to energizing beats and rhythms of Latin music, you can't help but smile and break a sweat. It is not only useful for the workout benefits, but a great way to enjoy the culture, express yourself and to meet new people, especially if you're new to the area.
If you're not able to make Wednesday nights at Club Main, you can check out the website www.isabellesalsa.com. On the site you can find out more information about dance classes, locations and times in the Santa Monica Area.
You can also learn more about the multi-talented Isabella Salsa. She also teaches Tango and pole dancing, which are all very fun and physical stuff.