Latin dance evolving in SVG

by Shana Jones

As October draws to a close and Independence activities wind down, SVG’s Latin dance scene is gearing up for big things and fresh starts.

Still somewhat of a novelty, Latin dancing has been around SVG since the 70’s, from Venezuelan/Trinidadian brass band performances, to dance groups offering salsa lessons in Bequia, to partygoers enjoying St Vincent’s early Latin Nights at Iguana Nightclub, Rush, and Shark Bar.

From these early Latin nights emerged a small group of enthusiastic dancers who, in 2013, decided to take dancing to the next level. After a very motivating trip to a Latin dance convention in Trinidad, St Vincent’s first official Latin dance school, Latin Passion SVG (LPSVG), was born.

In the following years, LPSVG’s membership grew to roughly 60 people learning salsa, bachata, merengue, kizomba, and the hustle. Members performed at various events, participated in competitions, and showed off their skills at weekly parties, including the evolved and now popular Presidente Latin Night at Flow Wine Bar.

As time went on, however, the winds of change swept through LPSVG and with them an inevitable shift: earlier this month, LPSVG hosted one final Independence-themed party and bid the Latin dance community farewell, ushering in with its exit, some new and exciting alternatives for learning dance.

One new option for aspiring dancers is Euphoria Latin Dance Academy (ELDA), headed by Anton Jardine, ex-LPSVG chief instructor. Known for his strong passion for Latin dancing, Jardine wants ELDA to be a place where people come to enjoy dancing and relieve stress.

From November 1, dancers at all levels will be invited to learn salsa, bachata, merengue, kizomba, the hustle, cha cha, tango, and la rueda. Through ELDA, Jardine plans to help strengthen SVG’s tourism offering and “establish Latin dancing as an attractive entertainment alternative.”

Also launching on November 1 is iDanceLatinSVG, under the direction of Cuthbert Tucker, ex-LPSVG deputy chief instructor. Everyone, including children, will be invited to learn salsa, bachata, merengue, kizomba, cha cha, reggaeton, and a soca/zumba fusion. Anyone who knows Tucker knows to expect a fun and relaxing environment in which to learn dance, because “when you have fun, you dance better.” Through collaboration with other local dance groups, Tucker aims to bring Latin dance to every SVG community.

One person Tucker has already engaged with is Bequia counterpart La Fayette Johnson, who has received positive feedback from her efforts to start a Latin dance community there. In November, Johnson and her niece, Weizero Johnson, (both ex-LPSVG members), will offer salsa classes, with a focus on building a Latin dance community that locals can enjoy.

In creating “an avenue for persons to dance,” Johnson wants to spread the love of dance and welcomes collaboration with anyone willing to work with her. Look out for both local and regional instructors at her events!

If classes aren’t for you, private Latin dance lessons are available with Jose Núñez Fernandez of the Cuban Latin Dance Academy. This Cuban native has already been offering private lessons in salsa, casino, bachata, cha cha, pachanga, and rumba. He comes to your location and combines his own very expressive dance style with YouTube videos to ensure your understanding of rhythms and movements. Jose is very passionate about sharing his style, always emphasizing the need to “make the lady look good and for the two of you to make a good show together.”

For more information on each of these dance groups, go to https://roamingaviatrix.com/learn-latin-dance-svg/

Shana is a Barbados-based travel blogger. Check out the interesting people and places she discovers at www.roamingaviatrix.com. Leave your comments!