Fast beats, quick steps and loads of flair … never mind the unique blend of passion, rhythm and culture, Latin dancing makes for a fun night out. And is a great way to get fit!
From the sultry moves of salsa to the romantic sway of bachata, Latin dance is a captivating and lively art form that has taken the world by storm. It boasts a wealth of benefits for your self-confidence, fitness and social life, as we discovered from Pa Mi Corazon Dance Studio’s talented Faheem Gharafory and Trushka Soni, who are taking Latin dancing to a whole new street level.
Determined to change the narrative around this expressive collection of dance styles, this passionate dancing duo are hosting monthly Latin Nights Under the Stars at the Neighbourhood Café and Bar in La Lucia. And believe us, the experience is great. These nights are all about having fun, making friends and getting your fitness on … just think vacillating hips, swinging arms and thumping Latin music … in a safe space and under gorgeous open skies!
Both Faheem and Trushka come from dancing backgrounds. From hip hop to flamenco to Latin street dancing, they say their love for dance is both a therapeutic escape and a means of meaningful connection with others. It also offers them the freedom to express themselves creatively, without inhibition.
Faheem, who has been teaching dance for almost eight years, originally founded his studio Corazon Salvaje – Wild at Heart – in 2019. In spite of his own stress and struggles through a brutal Covid, he saw opportunity.
“People were depressed by always being at home with nothing to do. They needed something to bring them joy. So I gave them that. It was a small studio – just 12 square metres, with a tagline room to dance. There were no limitations. Just a low-key, private space where enthusiastic people could enjoy learning to dance.”
And with time and lessening of the lockdown, there eventually came the need to expand.
“So, we – by now Trushka had teamed up with him – renamed ourselves Pa Mi Corazon, which means For My Heart, giving people a chance to do something for their own heart as well as those of their dance partners. Our main focus was to lose the stigma of Latin dance being a ball room type of dance. We wanted to share the street style version we’d grown to love, that is easy for people to learn, enjoy and have fun through connecting with others.”
And then began their hunt for a space where their current students (and new comers) could enjoy what they had learned in class, in an open air space.
“We found the perfect place in Neighbourhood SA. The atmosphere, the vibe, the ambiance … it was so conducive to a Latin-themed dance event, and they were happy to collaborate with us to create an eventful night that combined delicious food and Latin dancing. We wanted to give people the opportunity to experience the joy of dance, as it has the ability to disconnect us from the busy digital world and reconnect us with ourselves and others in a more meaningful way.”
Classes begin at 5.30pm and finish at 8.30pm, and you’ll get the chance to learn (they teach a new style every month) Salsa, Bachata, Merengue or Kizomba – all of which are awesome dance styles with infectious rhythm that’ll get you moving, but also destressing and having fun in this beautiful and warm atmosphere.
“Taking Latin dance classes has health benefits that last a lifetime. These include improved cardiovascular health, increased calorie burn (an hour of salsa dancing can burn up to 400 calories) and improved flexibility. The upbeat music and the physical exertion of Latin dance can also help to improve your mood, reduce your stress levels, improve memory and co-ordination, not forgetting the social side of things and the bonding experience it offers couples.”
Faheem and Trushka say their biggest wish is for participants to enjoy an eventful night out while supporting local establishments.
So, if you’re keen, put on your dancing shoes and get ready to dive into the vibrant world of Latin dance. The next class is on Saturday, August 26 and costs R150 per person per class. Bookings essential.
Details: 083 376 0283 or e-mail [email protected], social media @pamicorazon
Best dance style for fitness
Salsa, Bachata and Merengue. It all depends on the intensity level and how many classes you take.
Best dance style for burning calories
It depends on the beats per minute, but Salsa is best known for its fast pace.
Best dance style for improving mood
Bachata. It can change your mood after the very first dance because it’s fun and a lot easier to learn. Salsa can also be quite rigorous and need to activate your mind with its stark movements. To fully enjoy it, try Salsa for a period of three to six months.
Best dance style for improving focus
Bachata and Salsa. In fact, a parent specifically requested dance classes for their child for this reason. Their daughter’s focus and coordination improved dramatically, which helps our understanding for youth development, which includes for sports.
Best dance style for making new friends
Merengue, with its simple steps and turns, you’ll be laughing so hard you’ll be tangled up in each other like a pretzel! This is the perfect dance for friends or couples who want to let loose and have some fun.
