Martin Ledwaba

I am an international citizen, a South African/Hungarian who came to the US for the dream and currently lives in Indianapolis when I am not on the road with my job living towards that dream. So when I am around I like to dance as a part of my hobbies.

Salsa was something I would dip my chips into until I moved to Brooklyn, New York when I was dragged to some of the Latin clubs by my Puerto Rican friends from my block over there. It was just incredible to see the intricate combos and the suave salseros/salseras that exists there. Of course I thought that this was beyond my abilities. But I have to be honest, and any guy would lie if it were not for the beautiful ladies that motivated me too at least try, or if nothing else, the African influence in the salsa beat surely moved my feet, involuntary. After, spending Christmas in Puerto Rico some years back and a visit to Cuba, recently I decided to take this art more serious. I am glad that I met Yang and Erin during my stay here in Naptown who have taught me the basics and essentials of salsa dancing and I must commend them for putting so much effort into throwing these lessons and events. I also appreciate all my peers in my class that have stuck with it thus far and who I can practice with. Ladies, I am still working on my lead, so be patient and if I broke your arm let me know, OK?

I must also confess, I actually enjoy sitting back, sippin' on a "Mojito" and watch people dance salsa more than actually dancing myself, (maybe I am lying, the more I learn the more interesting this here becomes). So now I am addicted just like you. Nevertheless, there is some beautiful dancing taking place here in Indy with some great dancers and I am glad to be part of it.

If there is anything that I can add of value here to someone who has recently started this art (someone may very well have already mentioned it here), I would say it is crucial that you count in the beginning for timing sake, then let the beat take over (this I struggled with) and ladies, do not anticipate and program yourself into what you think is the next move, anything is possible and you will find out very soon! That's why they call it Salsa! Just for the record, my flavor is Mango (slightly unripe)! What's yours? I guess we will find out on the floor.