Team
Gareth
Salsa, Bachata
A musician by trade, my first introduction to salsa dancing was going to a salsa club in Mexico City whilst I was on tour there, and getting blown away by a 10 piece band and the amazing energy and vibe of all the dancers. I picked up the basic step and on my return to the UK I went out in London to salsa a few times with friends which was great fun. Living in Maidenhead, I went to some clubs in the area and was soon addicted, going at least 3 times a week. I love the music, the sociability of being able to dance with lots of different partners, and the mixture of learning proper technique and moves whilst having flexibility to be creative.
Having met Tracie whilst out social dancing in January 2013, we instantly connected on the dance floor, and I have been regularly teaching salsa at Tracie’s Latin Club ever since. As well as regular classes, I also teach musicality classes for salsa, as I firmly believe it is the music that drives everything else. At first, it is hard to concentrate on anything other than trying to stay in time with the music. In the end however, learning how to have fun playing with the music, anticipating and interpreting it with your own choice of moves in the moment, and sharing the connection with your partner as they do the same, is what creates a magical experience.
I have also performed in salsa shows throughout the UK (including international congresses), both in partnerwork routines and as part of a men’s team, Hombres en Clave, for which I did some of the choreography.
Amy
Salsa
I started dancing salsa in 2009 to give me something fun to do after work – mild mannered mathematician by day, dancing fiend by night! What started as one night a week rapidly spread to two, and then a few more….
As well as salsa I also dance ballroom and latin and have a great love of kizomba! So if you fancy a sneaky cha cha cha, samba, kizomba, salsa, rueda…..you get the picture… come and find me!
Dancing is great fun, very addictive and good for you. Plus you get the chance to make some really great new friends. So what are you waiting for?
Come and give it a whirl!
Looking forward to seeing you on the dance floor soon.
Debbie
Salsa & Bachata
I knew nothing about salsa until I attended one of Tracie’s classes in May 2003 and I became addicted from that moment on. I have always loved dancing but until then had only danced to RnB, disco, heavy metal and rock n roll! Salsa has unleashed in me a whole new level of self expression and I love it. I was soon attending 3-4 nights weekly plus weekend events and travelling miles to get my salsa fix and still do. It wasn’t long before I was helping out as an assistant and I told Tracie it was my ambition to become one of the team. In 2005 that ambition was fulfilled.
Helping people to develop the Salsa dancer within them fills me with great joy, and it’s just such great fun. I hope to continue to do so for many years to come.
Hannah
Salsa
Warning: Salsa is Extremely Addictive, Fun and Fabulous! I was hooked from my very first lesson. Once you start you will wonder how you ever lived without it!
Before I joined the team I was unbelievably shy. Salsa has given me the confidence I never thought I would have and has literally changed my life!
I absolutely love teaching Salsa and strive to give the dancers the same buzz and passion that I had from the moment I stepped onto the dance floor.
Salsa Southampton’s classes at Tracie’s Latin Club have a fun and friendly atmosphere, there is no better place to start your Salsa journey, so come and join the party – We all look forward to seeing you on the dance floor soon!
Jana
Salsa
Jezz
Salsa
Joanna
Bachata
Kim
Salsa
Marcus
Salsa, Bachata
Maxine
Salsa
Olga
Salsa, Rueda
Stephen
Salsa
I’ve been dancing since 1996 when salsa really got going in Southampton. I was pretty useless in my first lesson, but really enjoyed myself: I loved the rhythm and energy of the music, the fact that I had actually asked someone who I didn’t know to dance and I had a good laugh with my friends. Much later on I discovered I had hips and an upper-body that could move, so if you’re a slow starter then don’t worry!
Come along, don’t take things too seriously, and love the music! See my website for more info on Salsa rhythms.
Steve
Salsa, Kizomba
Tracie
Salsa
I inherited my love for dance from my Mum, who took me to dance lessons from the age of 3, first in Ballet and then Ballroom & Latin, completing all my medals as well as competing all around the country. After a break I returned to assist in teaching both children & adults until I moved to Southampton.
I love all styles of dance, and if asked to choose a favourite, I always say ‘”whatever music is playing at the time… I’d love to dance to that!”
My first exposure to Salsa was in 1993, when my aerobics instructor took me to a club in London where Elder Sanchez was teaching. Since that, I have never looked back: setting up Tracie’s Latin Club in Southampton in 1996, as well as guest teaching at international congresses.
My personal wish is for children and adults to learn to dance (any style) and to experience the many benefits – as, in my opinion, if everyone danced, the world would be a much better place.