Scott Speaks

Here’s the thing about salsa dancing: I’m a goddam pro.

I should be teaching this stuff.

The teacher was so impressed, she was all “you know what…you should just lead the class.”

“I don’t know, coach…do you really think I’m ready?”

“I believe in you, son. Now get in there and give me the best you’ve got.”

And as you can imagine, none of this happened. The thing about salsa dancing is…it’s kinda tricky.

We hit up La Rumba tonight for the free lesson and dancing afterward. I didn’t really want to go. At all. If nothing else, who teaches salsa at 9:30 on a work night? And furthermore…since when did I become such a pussy that 9:30 on a work night was literally an issue?!?

But alas, I went. I’ve told Jami for months I would go, and tonight it was for Katie’s birthday week, so I had to go. This thing was a hell of a lot more popular than I thought, I’ll tell you that. We got there a little early and the place was pretty much ours…but half an hour later, it was packed. There’s a free half-hour lesson, and then the rest of the night is dancing.

Now the lesson I killed. Smoked even. Some might even say…torched. I had “The Basic” and “The Turn” pretty much permanently engraved in my memory, and my feet were moving as if they were guided by a force much greater than my coordination.

That’s good and all, but what happens when you apply this knowledge?

Well, I’ll just say that Jami can’t feel her feet.

I stepped on her toes left and right. I’d be perfectly in rhythm, and then somehow on a turn get all kinds of messed up. I’d learn moves from a friend, go to apply this knowledge with Jami, and fail miserably. Needless to say, I’m gonna need another lesson.

But I gotta admit, it was fun. Aside from the 10 dollar mojitos (which were worth MAYBE 5, and I’m being generous), it was a fun night. We had to leave around 11:30 cause we’re old and were starting to fade, but it’s something I’d do again, and something I think you should all try at least once. And with enough practice, dedication and hard work…you’ll be breaking Jami’s toes in no time.