Samba classes may be something that you’ve never thought about, I know I never have. Samba reminds me of Salsa, and Salsa classes to me – are for the mid-life crisis sufferers. But, I have changed my mind.
Bar Salsa in London is offering free Samba lessons a Tuesday night – and I took full advantage. It’s a great way to enjoy yourself with friends, colleagues or a partner – and (!) a fun way to get fit.
As you descend into the bar, a huge plasma screen projects live images from the dance floor. Dancers whirl in heels and kick their legs to unimaginable heights – and intimidating introduction to the world of South American dance. But, don’t be put off. Most of the class are beginners and those who are more experienced are woven into the group, and are willing to lend a hand. Many have come down after work with colleagues, although some remain at the bar sipping cheap cocktails or slugging beer.
The class begins with a few stretches, which may leave you feeling silly in as you lunge in a pencil skirt. I opted for the whole jean and boot combo – thank God I didn’t feel like to much of a numpty. There was about 40 people in the class, mainly women; only a few of the men leave the bar to experiment with the Samba beat. Strewn along the sides are people’s belongings, so you have to keep an eye out.
Ella Peck, the instructor – moves into the basic Samba movements, beginning at a slow pace. Forward, back, together or something – feet get muddled quickly as she quickly progresses to faster movements, alternating feet (which is probably the worst thing you think she could do to you!). Above the class on stage, Ella shouts instructions – but, it’s soon evident she won’t be correctly your Samba individually. She calls her assistants and they show you how the perfect feet should move. (Don’t worry – huge amounts of jealousy is to be expected – they are fantastic.)
Basic Samba (Part 1) - Click on the link to watch some basic moves
Most of us had smiles on our faces during a brief break – other grasped for their waiting cocktails. The more experienced whip off their trainers and wack on a pair of killer heels – women, mostly – ready for the next dance. This is when I realised I should brace myself for something….although, I wasn’t sure what more she could throw at us.
As she moved into the next routine, she relies 0n demonstration without music. We tried it out a couple of times, in a formation similar to line-dancing. Watch out who you choose to stand behind – an over-enthusiast and it could be game over. Us girls are encouraged to make huge motions with our hips, sashaying left and right. Trying to combine leg movements with arms can be challenging – especially for the uncoordinated. I got by, with a huge amount of concentration! But, there’s no point being self-conscious; as most people are in the same situation.
With my newly acquired skills – or not – the class was then split into two, and we were asked to perform our best backwards shimmy to the other end of the room. “Great.” I thought, thinking of all those spectators. But, I sucked it in and got over it – remembering I couldn’t back out without being noticed. This exercise clearly seperates the bad and the good. The embarrassment is eked out to what I have dubbed ‘The Circle of Shame’. Ella asks everyone to perform the same routine in a circle which encompasses the whole dance floor. It only lasts a few minutes, but by this time, you either have it or you don’t. Arms folded protectively around bodies marks out the self-conscious, as do the curling of hair around the ears. To my surprise, I didn’t get it – overwhelming stage fright got the better of me.
But, when the lesson ended most of us were sweating and thirsty, but this didn’t deter the urge to keep on dancing. Bar Salsa is a nightclub and is open late, so you can keep on practising your moves, probably after you’ve had a drink or two. The live music is good, a mixture of salsa, lambada and samba. South Americans frequent the venue, and are willing to give you a twirl on the dance floor, as I found out to my surprise. Be warned – they are very very good! And, could have you smiling for days.
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