Dance instructor Nathan Hook dances with 20-year-old Alisa Hadden, a junior English major, on Tuesday during the beginning salsa class held at Wesley Chapel. Hook has been teaching salsa dancing for Ritmos Latinos for 3 years. (CU Independent/Sara Fossum)
The beginning of class started with five couples swinging each other around in the middle of a circle. Shouting things like “Guapea” and “Guarrachea,” names for different salsa steps, the group stomped their feet and strategically switched partners.
“Ritmos Latinos,” Spanish for “Latin rhythm,” is the name of CU’s salsa club, which began in 2006 with goals of bringing together the community in a fun and friendly atmosphere, according to their Web site.
Meetings for Ritmos Latinos are every Tuesday night at Wesley Chapel, and Sundays at the Lower Carlson Gym.
Ritmos Latinos does a style of salsa called “Rueda De Casino.” During this type of salsa, dancers frequently switch partners while moving in a circular motion. Although it might seem complicated at first, instructor Nathan Hook goes through each step slowly, giving first time salsa dancers a chance to improve.
Maria Diment, a 20-year-old junior English major, said she learned about the group from a friend.
“I had never done salsa before, but did ballet for about five years,” Diment said. “The instructors were very welcoming. They made it really fun.”
Kara Gordon, a 19-year-old sophomore and anthropology major, is also the president of Ritmos Latinos.
Gordon said she started dancing with the club last year after her roommate invited her and she hasn’t stopped going since.
“Salsa music has got bounce, because of the beat of the music it can get really sexy if you want it to,” Gordon said.
For some students, salsa dancing has become a great way to meet new people in a welcoming environment.
Alyssa Wiener, a 19-year-old sophomore and biochemistry major, said she has been dancing with the club for two semesters.
Wiener said the dance itself is fun, and joining the club is a great way to meet people.
“I wouldn’t worry if you don’t have a partner, and if you mess up its fine, the people are very helpful,” Wiener said. “People just want to dance!”
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Amanda Dovel at Amanda.dovel@colorado.edu
