“Once someone learns to dance there’s no turning back. It stays with you for a lifetime.” – Lucy Karakas, Lucille’s Ball, Burlington
You’ve heard the music on beaches, seen twirling skirts on park pavilions. From Niagara to Toronto there’s a whole community of people who know how to have a good time. It’s impossible not to smile when you waltz or bachata, because nothing says unadulterated joy like dancing in perfect rhythm with other happy souls.
Everyone needs human connection. The psychological and physical effects are so significant, scientists say that social contact can boost life expectancy. Dancing instantly provides these benefits. For couples, moving in unison to music reignites romance every time. For singles, an evening of dance is the ultimate feel-good indulgence.
The workout isn’t just physical, it’s cerebral and improves coordination. “Dancing improves your brain health by getting you out of your left brain thinking and into your body,” says Lucy Karakas, owner of Lucille’s Ball dance studio in Burlington.
Karakas teaches many styles of couples dance. “Ballroom is more structured and gives an impression of gliding along the floor,” she says. “Latin has more hip movements, spins, arm movements. It requires more coordination and takes a bit longer to master, but you’ll have fun right away when you start learning.”
Every style is great for morale and self-confidence. Dancers learn how to move gracefully and stand with perfect posture. They have a built-in social outlet and are a well-dressed, energetic breed. “Once someone learns to dance there’s no turning back,” Karakas says. “It stays with you for a lifetime.”
GIVE IT A WHIRL
Latin music has always been integral to the ambiance at Taste of Colombia Fair Trade Coffee in Bronte. By popular demand from clients, the cafe began hosting dance lessons and socials twelve years ago and expanded to add a dance floor, El Salon. “Salsa Night in Oakville” became an established event that happens every Saturday from 6 to 11 p.m. No previous experience is required, and attendees can show up with or without a partner.
“It’s less intimidating than a club,” says Yury We-Parra, founder of Taste of Colombia. “Movement through dance is very healing.
“Salsa dancing, as a form of physical conversation, fosters deep connections between people,” says Melanie Gillis, Founder of Studio-G Dance in Hamilton, which is both a dance school and a gorgeous venue for a night of social dancing.
Gillis started frequenting Latin clubs several years ago and immersed herself in the vibrant and growing community. “We are lucky to have so many great spots where we can dance and make friends in this area,” she says. “I feel blessed to be part of it all!”
PICK YOUR PASSION
There are dances for all tastes, personalities, and fitness levels. Swing and Lindy Hop involve playfully bopping to fast-paced, swingin’ tunes, typically from the hot jazz and big band eras. Ballroom dances like the waltz, cha cha and fox trot feature elegant, timeless moves to a range of classical or jazzy music. Latin dances involve more improvisational hip motions and foot work, to rhythmic roots music of various origins.
And then there’s Argentine tango. “Passionate, romantic and intense” is how Miguel Coppini, maestro de tango argentino and owner of Miguel y Michelle Tango, describes it. “A couples dance steeped in the culture, Argentine tango originated in Buenos Aires and features a close but flexible embrace, basic steps, figures and patterns.”
The term “Argentine tango” also refers to a musical repertoire spanning many eras, even back to the early 1900s. It’s commonly described as something you feel in the heart, not just in the feet.
To observers, tango is lovely to watch. And the outfits! In classes and workshops anything goes – dance shoes with smooth soles being the only requirement – but at milongas (dance parties), women wear heels up to 11 cm high and sexy, unique designs.
“Skirts, dresses and flowing pants allow and show off the follower’s leg movements,” Coppini says. “Men usually wear a shirt and dress pants in more casual situations and a full suit if they want to impress. Wearing black is very popular.”
Get off the couch, turn off your devices, and get dolled up. The music’s starting.
By Michelle Morra
Local Dance Lessons & Socials:
ARGENTINE TANGO
Miguel y Michelle Coppini
33 Shepherd Road, Oakville
miguelymichelletango.com
SALSA & BACHATA
Olé to Dance
594 Chartwell Road, Oakville
oletodance.ca
Studio-G Dance Hamilton
126 James Street North, 3rd Floor, Hamilton
studioghamilton.com
Taste of Colombia Fair Trade Coffee
67 Bronte Road, Oakville
tasteofcolombia.ca
SWING
Ancaster (Burlington)
West Coast Swing
3323 Mainway, Burlington
towestcoast.com/ancaster
Steel City Swing
steelcityswingdance.ca
VARIOUS
Boleo, Oakville
284 Church Street, Oakville
boleodancestudio.com
danceScape
2077 Pine Street, Burlington
dancescape.com
Lucille’s Ball Dance Club
4375 Mainway, 2nd Floor,
Burlington
lucillesball.dance
