Salsa Nights offer Everyone a chance to Step Out
By Jennifer Allen - Staff Reporter, Daily Helmsman, April 14, 2005

If you're interested in finding friends, finding a significant other or just need some exercise, check out The University of Memphis' Salsa Night sponsored by the Hispanic Student Association.

"Many people come into Salsa Night just looking for friends, but after the end of a couple of dance sessions they want to become the greatest dancer in the world. It's fun, contagious and addictive," said U of M graduate Alex Labrador who has been teaching Salsa lessons for four years.

Friday night at 8 p.m. U of M students have the opportunity to check out Latino moves under Labrador's instruction at the Wesley Foundation. Salsa Night offers free admission, food and lessons covering Salsa, Merengue, Bachata and Reggaeton steps.

When he moved from Los Angeles to Memphis in 2000, Labrador noticed a lack of Salsa dancing interest. So with 10 friends, a garage converted to a dance floor and some upbeat music, Labrador helped establish a new Memphis dance craze.

Five years later Salsa Memphis teaches over a hundred dance fans, provides sultry music and sets up at High Point Caf very Saturday night.

One U of M student said she goes to High Point whenever she can. "I used to go every week, but with my school schedule I just have to go whenever I can. The atmosphere is great because it's non-smoking.

Also people that come are there to dance and not just to sit at the bar," said Robyn Wolfe, junior communications major.

She loves the sophisticated aura and great exercise Salsa provides. "Salsa dancing is one of the first experiences I've had with partner dancing. I enjoyed the partner aspect because all the girl has to do is follow the guy," she said. "You can definitely go by yourself. I've never gone with anybody, but I always end up with a partner. You'll be dancing all night."

Students who lack confidence or possess those infamous two left feet should not be intimidated, Labrador said.

"I've seen men and women who were completely shy when they first began, be transformed into a completely different person filled with confidence," he said. "Everyone starts off with two left feet, but if you put forth a little effort then you can do it. If you can place one foot in front of the other, then you can dance."

Since he has been dancing in Memphis, Labrador said at least three couples have met and married through Salsa lessons.

Don't let a dateless Friday night hinder you from venturing out to this dance. "We partner everyone up together and then have them switch partners during the lesson, so it's a good way to meet new people," he said. In other words, no awkward middle school replays will color your face red.

Outside of the Memphis area, Labrador said Salsa claims an international audience. In the South he said the dance is "catching on quickly because it acts as a common ground to ease racial tensions." Everyone can dance, he said, regardless of age, race or where you are located. The Salsa rhythm moves to an eight-count pattern of music with the feet dancing a six-step pattern, but don't let the numbers intimidate you. "It's great for those who want to try something different,"

Labrador said. "You just never know if you're going to like it unless you at least give it a try."