Salsa classes have many on feet

Spiciness ruled Friday night as people hit the dance floor at Cafe Culture for Dancesalsa.

"Move your arms to balance your body," dance instructor Monika Ronquillo said as she showed guests the steps.

It wasn't until merengue kicked in that guests began to loosen up their feet and, after the lesson, guests were dancing with flair to the different styles without the need of alcohol to give them the extra courage.

Other dance styles were introduced along with salsa. Cumbia, merengue and bachata enticed patrons as their bodies moved to the rhythm of the sound.

Since several dance styles are taught, the title will be changed to "Chico Baile Latino: More Than Salsa," Ronquillo said.

Couples lined up side-by-side and held hands. They let their hips do the movement and arms do the turning to the beat of the music.

"Merengue are simpler movements and it's more playful, whereas salsa restricts people more,"

Ronquillo said.

There are three basic steps to salsa within a four-beat measure, and to observers the dance is very sensual.

It's hoped that crowds of students will come and explore the dances Friday nights, co-instructor and host Hassan Ghiassi said. Ghiassi, 24, received his master's in communications from Chico State.

"We want to get students to do something different than just bars," he said.

This Latino dance is something that brings the community together,

Ghiassi said.

"Is what drives me," he said, "makes me move my feet."

Dancesalsa is more than just a business for Ronquillo.

It's a motivation to share her knowledge of music, family, friends and fun, Ronquillo said. It's also meant to show that alcohol isn't necessary to have a good time.

It is a good deal for $5 since it's an hour of lessons and attendees can get in for free if they bring three people, Ghiassi said.

Gabriela Robles, a senior international relations major, went with her friends and liked that they welcomed different kinds of people, she said.

Randy Del Rosario, a freshman psychology major, was happy to have his dancing skills back, since he knew all the rhythms in his high school days, he said.

"Feels like home," he said.

Dancesalsa is a great way to get exercise, make new friends and no one is shy to ask for a dance. All ages are welcome to the event.

Recent hits are also played to please all styles, Ghiassi said.

"It's noche de diversion y fiesta," Ronquillo said.

Source Miguel Rocha

Posted in bachata , Cafe Culture for Dancesalsa , Chico Baile Latino , Cumbia , dancing salsa , Merengue , salsa dance steps , salsacircuit , salsadance