Reading Roars!

New Year, new you. Some of us make a song and a dance about it. I’ve gone for the dance bit as, on Tuesday evening, upstairs at the Global Cafe, I had my first formal salsa sesson (I say formal as I had several informal ‘lessons’ during my Madrid student days).

Joining the other Absolute Beginners at 7pm (advanced pupils start later), I was hit by a sudden sense of fear. What if I fall flat on my rear? What if I trip up my partner? These concerns were quickly laid to rest as we were introduced to the basics.

It all seemed quite simple, really. A foot here, a foot there. Forward, back. Sideways. A swivel of the hips. After trying these solo, we were assigned partners. Boy, girl. Boy, girl. Girl, girl. The pace was suitably gentle, to begin with. I was a little clunky, however, and while I tried hard to look into my partner’s eyes (for effect, you see), I was glancing most of the time at my feet. In a way, it was like learning to drive again and looking down when changing gear. There was no nifty footwork here. Not yet.

We all received new partners and practised the same moves as the tempo picked up a little. Then a new partner once more… It was a super way to meet new people. We talked, we giggled. Better I think, than the raucous surroundings of a town centre bar.

It was great fun and a wonderful way to destress. One day, I believe, I will be a more confident dancer. Step by step, I’ll get there.

For more information on salsa classes at RISC, visit www.redhatsalsa.co.uk. Classes cost GB£ 6, but if you print off the Red Hat Salsa homepage, your first salsa class is FREE!

Are you doing anything different this month? Let us know by sending a comment!