Austin Williams

I am from Nawlans (that's New Orleans, Louisiana). I have always been a fan of the Latino culture and music, but only at a distance. I've always wanted to learn more about the Latino culture, but was too afraid because I couldn 't speak the language. Well, I'm now taking Spanish lessons and learning as much as I can about the Latin/Spanish culture. At first I thought all Spanish people were Mexican and that salsa was a Mexican dance. Now I've come to learn of the many Spanish speaking people (and non-Spanish speaking people) who make up the Latino community and call salsa a dance that they love to do. I now feel more at home when I'm out in the salsa community.

I came to know salsa only six months ago. While in Germany, on vacation, a friend took me to the "Q-bar," a place very much like the Jazz Kitchen. Half way through some good pizza the DJ started playing salsa music while a salsa instructor taught some patterns for couples. He would teach for a minute and then let them practice for a minute. After about 10 minutes of instructions, the people were cut loose and allowed to dance continuously. It was now that I would fall in love with salsa. The energy was electrifying, the music was hypnotizing and I was mesmerized at how much fun I was having just watching these people intertwine with each other as they moved about the dance floor. There were French, Italian, German and Latin people jamming their butts off. At that moment I knew that I had to learn salsa. I wanted to experience that energy for myself.

Upon arriving back in Indianapolis, I went to a Mexican friend of mine, David MTC., and told him that I wanted to learn salsa. He invited me to the Jazz Kitchen and the rest is history. I started taking lessons with Intosalsa in November and have never looked back. It's exciting learning new moves to incorporate into my patterns. I love salsa. It is more than dancing in front of someone, it's dancing with someone. The one-on-one connection with another human being is one life's ultimate, natural highs for me. I would encourage anyone and everyone to try salsa. Special thanks to all those who danced with me when I knew nothing but the basic 1-2-3--5-6-7. Your patience and encouragement gave me the desire to want to get better. See U at the clubs.