Overjoyed salsa lovers return to dancefloor after classes shut down for 18 months

The salsa community was one of many torn apart by the pandemic, with the coronavirus lockdown robbing teachers and dancers alike of the joy, interaction and fitness benefits that weekly classes can provide.

Stellan Jara, who runs Salsa Souls - Bristol and Bath Latin Dance School on Whiteladies Road, has now spoken of his delight at being able to welcome back dance lovers after an 18 month break.

Stellan said: “People were more than happy to get back onto the dancefloor.

“Before the pandemic, I had been running classes since 2007 without much of a break until 2020.

“Then suddenly, after 13 years, my business had to shut down.

“Not only did it impact me in that way, but people forget that salsa is such a social community and it meant that suddenly people couldn’t come to classes or our parties, exercise and meet their friends.

“Social isolation was a problem, especially for people in small bubbles or living on their own.

“Many people do come to the classes to learn how to dance, but for others it’s about meeting people.

“I think we’ve had about eight couples meet at our classes who’ve gone on to get married and have children!”

Stellan said he had also missed watching his students blossom during classes, which run twice a week for everyone from absolute beginners to seasoned professionals.

He strives to make sure people dance with someone new each time, further instilling a sense of bond and community.

Stellan added: “Salsa has so many benefits - it keeps you fit and you learn a new skill, but importantly a lot of it is about confidence.

“Young women in particular will come through the door timid with poor posture and leave taller and brimming with confidence.

“The best part is getting to watch people - quite literally - grow.”

With many of us coming out of hibernation after being stuck in our homes for months, Stellan has a message for would-be dancers who’ve been ogling this year’s Strictly Come Dancing but are too nervous to give it all a whirl.

“Honestly, people surprise themselves,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if you have two left feet or you don’t have a partner.

“Many will come in thinking they can’t dance but they absolutely can - they’ve just never tried. They often leave a salsa addict.

“We welcome everybody. Give it a go.”

For more information, visit: https://www.salsasouls.co.uk/classes/