Keianna Harrison

Why do I salsa?

I came to Indianapolis from Ohio in August, 2004. An unexpected, devastating and sudden divorce later in the same year left me alone in a new city and desperate for an outlet.

I've always loved to dance; my dad's a musician, and I still remember the floors vibrating in our bi-level back in Ohio when he was creating his latest hit. But I was over the hip-hop club scene and wanted a place to not only dance, but to start building new, lasting friendships since I was making Indy my home. In November 2004, I Googled "Salsa-dancing Indianapolis," and found my way to a class downtown led by Mathias.

I have truly never experienced anything like the feeling I got once I entered the Salsa community here. During my life's lowest point, I felt accepted and valued because of the kindness, warmth and love shown to me in class. Even though I couldn't dance a step, Mathias, Kyle and Dwayne would dance with me IN PUBLIC despite my missed-steps, awkwardness and constant apologies. I also met Erin Austin at my first Salsa class and we've been inseparable ever since. Erin's calls and Mathias' constant encouragement during those countless Latin nights at the Savoy and other Indy Latin hot spots literally saved my life.

An introduction to Yang and Erin at the Red Room took my curiosity for the dance to a whole new level. Ryan's sexy style and Shayne's funky, hip-hop styling demonstrated "flava" and brought it all together for me. I fell in love with Yang's unassuming nature and Erin's always-positive, you-can-do-it attitude. I wanted to really learn to dance and watching them do it so effortlessly drew me in. I've stepped on Yang's toes so many times, I've had to add him to my health insurance policy to cover the damages!Haha! And Erin and I recently had a fall we still can't explain. Nonetheless, they forge ahead to teach me and Yang still dances with me. Yes, in public...

Now I'm hooked! A salsa-junkie in the worse way.

Those of you who are an integral part of this Salsa community have no idea how special you are to newcomers. Week after week, you create an almost euphoric environment where people can just be themselves and dance. In a time when people are focused on themselves and impressing others - you share your world without judgment or prejudice. It's been said that "learning to dance gives you the greatest freedom of all." Good or bad, lessons or not, you, Indy Salsa community, provide a freeing, safe haven for people to be accepted and have a great time sharing commonalities.

Dancing with you not only saved my sanity; you helped me rebuild my life - and that's why I salsa....