KIZOMBA & BACHATA AFFAIR.
KBA FESTIVAL 2nd – 4th May 2025 At the Bay Heights Escape Rodney Bay
Reasons To be Cheerful
In my quest to try everything once. I signed up for the salsa dance class as part of the KBA Latin Dance Festival in beautiful, sassy St. Lucia. Let me tell you, it was one of the most illuminating, liberating, and limb-loosening things I’ve ever done.
I was a little nervous at first. With my unforgiving pelvis, two left feet, and ungainly hand-eye coordination. Not sure, I was ready to meet the challenge of the Latin beat. But then I looked at myself in the mirror, dusted off my lime green leg warmers (vintage darling!) I tightened my red, gold, and green bandana like a soldier going into battle, threw on my “whitey-tighty” singlet vest, and I was ready. Or at least I looked ready, I thought! My physically repressed form was going to be put to the test.
The classes were everything you could hope for: friendly, professional, and eagerly forgiving of rhythm-related art-crimes. The atmosphere was relaxed, the music infectious, and the instructors had just the right mix of patience and pity.
Gentlemen, where on earth are you? Seriously. I was surrounded by fabulous beautiful charming women, all asking the same thing: Where have all the men gone? The term endangered species came to mind?
My dance partner, a true hero. Faced me head-on, without steel toe-caps, a gum shield, head-gear, or any insurance policy, which frankly I thought was both brave and potentially reckless. She shall never, ever have to prove her valour again to anyone!
With excellent tuition, we managed to flow, fumble, and fall in vaguely the same direction. There were moments of grace, accidental synchronicity, and plenty of laughter mostly hers. I thank and salute you Sabina and later Suzanne, you were both heroic, and uber kind.
Later in the evening at the fabulous after party, the Latin rhythms stirred me. My hips started moving in ways I hadn’t authorised, like they were possessed by the ghost of a Havana speakeasy! Okay a bordello! My brain capitulated, letting my un-groovy pelvis take the wheel, driving me from self-consciousness to physical freedom.
In short: the salsa class was intoxicating. It’s therapy, fitness, comedy and drama rolled into one steamy, sweatband-soaked experience. If you’ve never tried it, I highly recommend throwing yourself into it. You’ll come out a little bruised, breathless and delighted with yourself. Most of all you’ll want to do it again.
Sex! Now I have your attention, there isn’t any, least not for me. But there is, the most sultry and seductive movements two bodies can make together. Maybe its love? Which is my point. Sex is for one, love is for two, and on every level these dances are better in synchronicity.
So next time fellas show up and throw yourselves in. The salsa world needs you. Leg warmers and head-bands are optional. “whitey-tighty” singlet vests can be provided.
I return to my balcony and charcoal fire, to the sound of “Mais Que Nada” by the king of Brazilian music Sergio Mendes. My feet and hips are still moving on their own, as I help myself to a rewarding Rum & Coconut water reflecting on a truly fabulous and unforgettable experience.
A special word of thanks goes to Natasha and her mum Elena, for all the hard work, love and dedication they put into making this a fantastic dance event and a highlight of the St. Lucian Jazz festival 2025.
Acknowledgments:
- Kwéyòl Dictionary Ministry of Education.
End of Reasons to be Cheerful Part Sixteen
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