One, two, three, and four! Turn, step, kick, and ball change!
Ha, it's been a while since I've danced, feeling the rhythm and movement. So, when Sydney's Latin Junction's $15 7-day pass promotion ads popped up on Facebook, my curiosity was piqued. Salsa? Bachata? Why not give it a shot?
Amidst my weekday meditation sessions, the only day that fit was Sunday. As I perused their class timetable, a multitude of Bachata and Salsa classes winked at me. So there I was, participating in four consecutive classes, attempting to follow and replicate steps that they had likely been perfecting for the past few weeks. One, two, three, and four! It was fun!
Latin Junction
Address: 1b/10 Durdans Ave,
Rosebery, NSW, 2018
Open 7 days [check timetable on their website for different classes]
Contact: 0414 751 655
Email: salsa@latinjunction.com.au
Website: latinjunction.com.au
Instagram: @latinjunction
Latin Junction is a dance studio in Sydney that specializes in Latin dance styles, such as salsa, bachata, kizomba, and samba. It has two locations: one in Rosebery and one in Bondi Junction. It offers classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced, and has a friendly and welcoming community of dancers.
According to its website, Latin Junction's mission is to "show the people of Sydney the fantastic experiences that can be had" through Latin dance and music.
It also organizes parties, events, and socials where students can practice their skills and have fun. Latin Junction has received hundreds of positive reviews from its customers, who praise its expert instructors, well-structured programs, and supportive atmosphere.
Latin Junction: Studios
With two locations in Sydney, I had the pleasure of visiting their main studio situated in Rosebery.
The Rosebery location boasts a total of four spacious studios—two generously sized ones, alongside a medium-sized and a smaller space, likely reserved for private lessons. Each studio is thoughtfully equipped with a nice wooden floor, a good-quality sound system, a mirrored wall, and efficient air conditioning.
The significance of these amenities becomes evident when a multitude of dancers converge, emphasizing the importance of excellent sound quality and proper ventilation. It's clear that they've devoted considerable effort to crafting an ideal dancing environment.
Furthermore, Latin Junction offers an ample number of on-site parking spots, complemented by abundant street parking options in the vicinity. While my personal preference leans toward public transport in bustling Sydney (just because I don't drive in Sydney, lol) I acknowledge that accessibility by car is a primary consideration for many individuals.
Latin Junction's commitment to a well-equipped and accommodating space, both in terms of facilities and accessibility, undoubtedly contributes to its status as a premier destination for dance enthusiasts.
Latin Junction: Dance classes and Instructors
As I participated in multiple classes, I had the opportunity to interact with different instructors in each session. Every instructor I encountered was not only welcoming but also displayed genuine enthusiasm for teaching. Their collective sense of humor added a delightful dimension to the learning experience, making the process all the more enjoyable.
Each class began with a series of simple warm-up steps designed to prepare the body for the dance ahead, followed by engaging partner work. A unique feature of the classes involved rotating partners in a circle, allowing everyone to practice the class material with different individuals. So, you don't have to come with a partner. You could simply join on your own and embark on the journey of learning.
I thoroughly enjoyed every class I attended, each one led by a different instructor. Without reservation, I wholeheartedly recommend Latin Junction to anyone aspiring to learn Latin dances such as Salsa and Bachata.
Interestingly, after engaging with their Facebook ads, the platform's AI has inundated my feed with a continuous list of dance-related promotions. While I am intrigued by these new possibilities, I remain firm in my belief that Latin Junction is indeed a prime destination for dance enthusiasts.
It's worth noting that they also host social nights every other Saturday—a prospect I've yet to explore, but one that undoubtedly holds promise. I'm eager to seize the opportunity and explore these events firsthand in the near future!
What is Salsa and Bachata?
My AI assistant says...
Salsa
Salsa is a popular Latin dance that originated from Cuba and Puerto Rico in the 1960s. It is danced to music with a tempo of 150 to 250 beats per minute, and involves a series of spins and turns for the partners. Salsa is influenced by other Cuban dances such as mambo, pachanga, and rumba, as well as American dances such as swing and tap.
Bachata
Bachata is a popular social dance from the Dominican Republic that is now danced all over the world. It is based on an eight-count side-to-side movement, with a tap on the fourth and eighth beats. Bachata can be danced in open, semi-closed or closed position, depending on the style and preference of the dancers. Bachata music is usually romantic and bitter, expressing themes of heartbreak, loss and cheating. Bachata has evolved over time, incorporating elements from other dances such as salsa, tango and modern dance.
One, two, three, and four! Now, are you ready to dance?
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