Learning to Salsa in 8 Weeks

Salsa…a popular dance that originated from Cuba and has become a fun American tradition portrayed so beautifully on ABC’s Dancing With The Stars.

It’s celebrated every year at the Oxnard Salsa Festival, especially during their Dancing With Our Community Stars Competition.

6 local celebrities are paired with a professional dancer in their own version of the hit TV show.

This year’s competitors include Christina Albert and Jesse ‘Chuy’ Rodriguez, Jim Duran and Alethia Alvarez, Mary Jo Fuentes Leste and Oswaldo Balcaceres, Tyler Marie and Lovie Hernandez, Edgar Mohorko, Jr and Diana Tere, and Meteorologist Meredith Garofalo and Jesus Garcia Resendiz.

**CHECK OUT THEIR PROFILES AND VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE DANCER!**

“I’ve done a little bit of salsa dancing with my girlfriends, all that stuff,” said Garofalo. “But I’ve never done it professionally!”

The first practice Garofalo learned pretty quickly that the art of salsa dancing is not easy.

“The worst part? I ruined my pedicure!” Garofalo said laughing.

Her advice? Save the spa treatment until after your competition!

What does it take to learn a complete routine?

“Really good basic,” said 2011 Dance Salsa Champion and Salsa Instructor Jesus Garcia Resendiz. ” You learn the dance, and maybe in 1-2 weeks, the styling.”

Practicing simple steps, which get combined together to create the entire performance and then you put that to music.

Finally, toward the end, add a little personality and flair to your moves.

“One of the things that’s most difficult for women especially in the beginning for salsa dancing is learning to put their arms and their feet and everything together,” said salsa dancer Ashley Freeman.

Eventually, week after week, the muscle memory will kick in and the routine continues to progress with hard work and the determination to put on the best show possible.