Step into the Latin Quarter

Salsa is a worldwide phenomenon and in Essex you can find a class every night of the week. Christine Penhall looks at why it's so popular and previews a special evening in Chelmsford

If Strictly Come Dancing has wet your appetite, you can experience for yourself the UK's most popular partner dance at Chelmsford's Waterfront Place on Friday, July 16, with a special Salsa Evening.

The evening brings together London's best Latin American band, Palenke, top salsa teachers from the capital, a professional dance display, and, of course,a sumptuous four-course Spanish-themed meal.

The evening is one of a series of Friday nights at the Waterfront special events for 2004, which so far have included opera, folk and an Evening with George Melly.

Salsa is a fusion of merengue, cha cha cha, Afro-Caribbean rhythms and North American jazz; the music is vibrant, spontaneous and intricate, and the dancing lively, exuberant and above all, fun.

Brought to prominence in the UK with a tour by the Fania All Stars in 1976 - Fania Records were the Latin Motown - followed by a wave of gigs by other bands at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in the 1980's, salsa's popularity has steadily grown.

Nurtured within Columbian, Cuban and other Latin American communities in cities around the globe, salsa has filtered out into the mainstream, and emerged as a worldwide phenomenon accessible to all.

Now there are classes and clubs all over the country on every night of the week, with special workshops, events and holidays here and abroad. In Essex alone, you can find somewhere to dance salsa on every night of the week.

So, what's the appeal? According to Sam Hopwell from Chelmsford, who's been dancing salsa for over two years, it's fun, exhilarating and puts you socially in step with others who share a passion for all things Latin.

“I will drive miles to go dancing,” she says, “it feeds my soul: it's challenging, interesting and when it works is absolutely exhilarating.”

Performing in Chelmsford for the first time is top Latin American five piece, Palenke. Formed in 1990, their music is an eclectic mix of Cuban salsa, Brazilian Lambada, the folk rhythms of Columbian cumba, Dominican merengue and Cuban reggae. They've performed for dignitaries such as Prince Charles and King Juan Carlos of Spain, and are in demand all over the UK and abroad.

According to The Waterfront's Chris Pearson, “There's an atmosphere that comes with real musicians that you don't get with a DJ, and we wanted a band that complements the quality and energy of the Waterfront and its cuisine.”

With pre-dinner tuition from top London salsa instructors, a menu that reflects the origins of the music, and an opportunity to put into practice what you've learned, it promises to be a lively night.

“We want the whole evening to be about enjoyment, ” says Chris. “We want people to have fun, and to let their hair down.”

So, whether you're an experienced Salsero or simply want to try your hand at a few dips and turns, head for the Waterfront on July 16 and step into the Latin Quarter.

- The Salsa evening is at The Waterfront Place on Friday, July 16 at 7.30pm for 8pm. Telephone 01245 252000 for details and booking or go to www.info@waterfrontplace.co.uk

Copyright Chris Penhall 2004

View Original