After a self-imposed 3-month hiatus from salsa, I decided to make my "comeback" last Friday at the LAI Salsa social. It's been a while since I last attended an LAI event but I already knew what to expect and I wasn't disappointed.
What can one expect at this social?
- Packed House --- 280 guests (and counting?) --- although even with the crowd, there was plenty of room to dance.
- Great Lessons --- Peter and his crew delivered a wonderful class...infused not only with clean technique, but also proper etiquette.
- Awesome Music --- DJ Mambo T made it hard to sit still churning out one great song after another.
- Delicious Food --- All that dancing can make a person ravenous and the plate of $1 tacos I had disappeared very quickly.
- Exceptional Performance --- The LAI team, which doesn't always perform at the social, looked sharp and on-point during their exciting routine. Peter and Ciara did a great job choreographing this piece with touches of rueda, salsa, intricate transitions, and tricks. This team will definitely stand out at future festivals and competitions.
- Welcoming Atmosphere & Vibe --- When I walked in, I was greeted with smiles and hugs. It felt like I was coming home. The vibe at this social is never pretentious or cliquish. I managed to dance so many times, I lost count...and I was able to get dances in with people I'd never met before. I stayed so long, we closed the place down --- "You don't have to go home, but you gotta get the hell up outta here!!" LOL
All in all, what I found that night (and in the nights I'd attended since February) is that for Peter, Ciara and their team, CONSISTENCY is their key to success. I had an amazing time --- I already knew I would --- and I can hardly wait until next month.
Until then...
