Vicki Barbera

I went to my first Latin club in St. Martin of all places, I think it was 2001. I had no idea how they were able to move their hips and bodies like they did – it was so beautiful and sensual - but knew I had to learn! Immediately after I got home, I found Red Brick and took lessons for a couple of months with Tee and Jessica. But there weren’t as many opportunities to dance back then, and I soon dropped out. Then last year I found out a friend was taking lessons at the Red Room and remembered Yang and Erin, so I decided to check it out again. The rest is history. Now I’m a certified addict!!!

There are so many reasons I love salsa. First, I can go to class or a club with a million things on my mind and leave with my head clear again. It is a total de-stresser since you have to focus both your mind and body totally on dancing and just let go. Second, it offers a great opportunity to get out into a fun night life with great music where you know everyone is going to be respectful and reasonably sober. Third, it pushes me to get out of my shell in terms of shyness with meeting others and being self-conscious. And most importantly, I’ve never run into another medium where you can meet and associate with such a diverse group of people in terms of race, culture, age and professions. Salsa definitely enriches my life!

I still have so much to learn and every dance partner offers something unique. I enjoy each experience, so I hope you’ll ask me to dance!