Damn. That Martine sure knows how to move his hips!
I like to think of myself as a very uninhibited and confident dancer. But during the salsa lesson we filmed tonight, I found keeping up with the 5'2" Guatemalan dancing machine quite the challenge. There we were, all lit up and on camera in the middle of a popular Antiguan club, trying to look natural while Martine marched us through a very demanding "Salsa For Dummies" boot camp. Every time I turned, he twisted. Every time I twisted, he turned. Every time I locked into a groove with him, he threw in an extra spin just to keep me on my toes.
Did it ever. Before I had time to notice I was "perspiring," I got lost in the rhythm, the hip swaying, and the liberation of sensual salsa dancing while the rest of the club and curious onlookers seemingly drifted away.
Like this? Martine: Jes, just like that.
Cheesy confession time! Tonight's dance lesson reminded me of my favorite movie, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights. Don't laugh. Especially if you've never seen it. In the movie, a blond American girl is schooled in the art of salsa by an attractive, free-spirited Cuban (re: Martine) who shows her how to break free from the shackles of society's repressions and unleash her inner passions through dance. Or something like that.
The exact moment I was liberated by the dance.
As Martine dipped me for the umpteenth time tonight, I couldn't help but replay scenes from the Dirty Dancing sequel in my mind, and realize I was acting out the real-life version of it, dancing passionately and connecting deeply with the music while a group of strangers watched on. My adrenaline pumped and my confidence soared. Our lesson is now just a memory (and a piece of footage!), but I will always cherish it and think back upon it every time I dance. I'm just sad Martine won't be there next time to encourage me with his wise words: "Come on, move your hips...sexy, sexy." Hopefully I can keep his spirit with me!
Sexy, sexy indeed!
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