Natasha Capler

I've got rhythm and I love music, so it's no surprise that dancing would play a part of my life. I stumbled upon Salsa while conversing with a co- worker. My co-worker (Ryan) told me he knew how to Salsa Dance and I told him that I wanted to learn. Never backing down from a challenge and always willing to learn and try new things, I had my first schooling on the basic 123-567 right in the group exercise room at work. Once I saw the basic moves and heard the intoxicating rhythms I was easily hooked. After practicing on and off at work and on my kitchen floor with Salsa videos. I wanted to go Salsa dancing. I immediately hit the internet and found the intosalsa web site.

I remember the first time I stepped foot in the Blue Cactus. I was mesmerized and impressed by all of the turns, dips, and spinning. I had the look true, but all the videos and practicing could not prepare me for that night of dancing. Once the music slowed down a bit I asked, "What are those two slow dances, they look like something I've seen before ?" Right there on the dance floor, I learned the basics of Merengue and Bachata.

After that experience I realized two things. The first was if I wanted to be a good dancer I should seek professional help. The second was that I really needed to hit the gym. In March of 2005, I enrolled in Salsa classes with Yang and Erin, and I have also taken the Merengue and Bachata class with Cynthia and Yang and the Styling classes from Erin and Shayne. Each class has been a joy and a wonderful learning experience. I would encourage everyone to take the IntoSalsa classes (shameless plug). The classes are a great way to met new people and to learn good technique. And yes, Salsa all by itself is a great workout.

Salsa dancing is a great form of release. It allows you to escape from whatever problems and stresses that you have. It's hard to think about anything else when you are concentrating on following your lead, executing multiple combinations, and looking good while doing it. I can not put into words the satisfaction and sense of accomplishment that you receive from dancing effortlessly with someone who you consider to be a much better dancer than yourself. What I enjoy most is the diverse group of people that I have meet, danced with, and formed friendships with. The dancers inspire me to dance better, encourage me to try new things, and make me laugh when I take life too seriously.