1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7. This is the rhythm marked by the congas, these fundamental Latin percussions to the tempo of salsa.
Deprived for many months because of the coronavirus pandemic, British salsa enthusiasts are renewing their passion on the dance floor.
"
Go out and dance while it's still allowed!"
», Launches Professor Dani K, to his students in a dance studio in the north of the British capital, where the 40-year-old Frenchman teaches with his partner Sarah Rowe, 32 years old.
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Students spin their partners around the floor, carefully count the steps, and clap each other's hands after each dance. Here no mask, but air conditioning. “
Being in the midst of people again is really good
,” says Vitaliy Zasadnyy, a 29-year-old engineer.
Salsa is a social dance.
"
Health restrictions on indoor gatherings were lifted in England on July 19. However, before that, Dani had to adapt, teaching students to learn basic steps, without contact with their partners, or even online. “
Dancing for two is more difficult, because we need to touch each other,
” he told AFP, recalling a difficult time because of “the
frustration of the students
”.
Joana Castro, a nurse from Portugal, finishes her first real salsa. “
This is my very first lesson with a contact with a partner
,” she smiles.
It's hard to let someone lead the dance, but it's a lot more fun, I really liked it.
"Despite the limitations of the exercise, distance learning has been"
a lifeline for us, mentally and of course financially,
"says Sarah Rowe. For the couple, who are expecting a child, the confinement of March 2020 was a real blow. “
You go from 100% to 5% of your income, at the same time neither your rent nor your expenses go down,
” says Dani.
His partner admitted a hint of apprehension at the resumption of face-to-face lessons.
But at the end of the session, she felt comfortable enough to show a few steps with Dani, but also with the students, delighted: "
it's really great to do what you love again
".
Two salsa professionals during a performance, March 2021. DPA / ABACA
