First Steps

Thursday, after Japanese class, I stopped by Nazca, a salsa-dancing bar in Nago. A few of my friends have been going there for quite a while now, and my interest was piqued enough to check the place out for myself.

I first visited Nazca about a month ago, to meet Cliff, who was hanging out there for a night. There were several people practicing for an upcoming (and now passed) salsa-dancing event. As I watched them practice, I would notice things that were similar to swing-dancing; the step is not similar at all, but basic moves, such as turns and passes, looked familiar.

A few weeks after that first visit, Cliff, David and I tagged along with a few ladies to the aforementioned salsa-dancing event. Eight groups performed that night, amidst an open floor for those in attendance. While I was not at all in the mood to step on to the floor without knowing how to dance, I was convinced after practically being shamed for resisting.

So last night, I had my first lesson, given by none other than the owner (he's a good dancer) of the bar. We practiced three basic steps and the two basic turns - right and left. I also got a chance to practice the moves with an ALT friend of mine who was there. I'm happy to announce I can lead two simple turns and have a good feel for the bachatta, a simple left-right step. I'm heading to another lesson on Sunday and I feel good about it, knowing what to expect.