The Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton will host Latin Beats: Salsa dancing Saturday, March 23, 4 p.m.– 6 p.m. as part of a grant that supports community connections through dance.
Community members can spice up their month with fun Latin rhythms that will make you want to move!
Dr. Jeanna Matthews, organizer of the North Country Latin Dance community, will offer a beginners’ Salsa dancing lesson at the church. Community members do not need to have prior dance experience, or a partner.
“Like the salsa we eat, salsa dance is a spicy mix of many different ingredients including movement traditions from Africa, Europe and the Americas all combined together,” said Matthews.
During the Salsa dance session, Matthews will lead dancers through the fundamentals of leading and following, as well as a variety of Salsa moves from the basic step to a variety of turn patterns that can be incorporated into partner and individual dance.
“Dancing gives us cardio exercise that our heart needs, with improved circulation and increased respiration. It also strengthens a variety of muscles and bones, keeps our joints flexible and helps with balance and coordination. Dancing works on balance and is great for brain health too. There are so many benefits of Latin dancing and it’s a ton of fun,” said Matthews.
Matthews added, “You don’t need any special clothes or shoes. Just show up ready to have some fun moving to some great music.” Salsa dance attracts a friendly community where dancers help one another learn and make each other feel welcome.”
She added, “I’m so pleased to bring Salsa to the community with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council (SLC Arts).”
Salsa dancing will be hosted in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Canton social room. The church is located at 3 1/2 E. Main Street in Canton. There is a parking lot located at the back of the church building.
