I am: A Salsa Teacher
I get inspired by: A Puerto Rican friend - Lionel Araya. The dance form was then booming in Singapore and friends in India were talking about it too. I requested Lionel to come to Chennai and conduct a workshop on the basics of Salsa.

I knew I had cracked it when: I learnt Salsa with a bunch of trainers in dance and was thoroughly enjoying the experience. Plus, as a dancer with a degree in Modern Dance, learning Salsa movements came easily to me.

My biggest hurdle: There were a bunch of South Americans who decided to probe into the way I was conducting Salsa classes. They seemed arrogant and picky and kept asking me questions about what I was teaching. Plus, being from the land where Salsa originates, they were full of churlish apprehension about the authenticity of Salsa in my school. Ten minutes after I finished my warm-ups, one of the South American women jumped up from her seat and said, "Voila! You are indeed doing the right thing!"

I wish: Very soon, I plan to introduce 'Salsa Rueda' also known as 'Salsa Casino' in the Academy of Modern Dance, the school that I run. It's a form of Salsa where you actually sway with multiple partners. I plan to call Lionel to introduce 'Salsa Rueda' to my students.

Salsa Trivia
• If Tango comes from Argentina, then Salsa comes from Cuba.
• People often tend to call Salsa a 'Street Dance' as there are no standards or competitions that determine the level of the dancers.
• Cuban Salsa has a pattern of six steps danced over eight counts of music.
• Four factors that typically characterise Salsa are - standardised rhythm, vibrant and smooth nature, space economy and stick-to-one spot. In that sense, Salsa is very space-economical and partners can work out quite a few patterns even on crowded dance floors.
• It incorporates erotic movements and has a striking romantic characteristic that one can't miss.
• Salsa is often a great option to unwind at a party.

A Few Tips:
• Looks and age are absolutely no determinants to who will become good Salsa dancers.
• Don't expect great results early on. The essential thing is not to give up.
• Practise your footwork and keep track of the rhythm.
• Salsa is most often equated with social dancing, so make sure you wear something attractive every time you go for your classes. High-heeled shoes, short skirts and club wear help boost your spirits and make you feel on top of the world too.
• Shed your inhibitions and get set to try out any step or movement. Mix around and pair up with each and everyone in the class.