On those nights when you just want to dance, some good ol’ clubbing pretty much does the trick. But if you’re eager for something more than the usual devil-may-care dancing, a group of devoted salseros called Salsa Fanatics Entertainment holds Salsa Nights for those who are willing to learn salsa, get fit, and party at the same time.

By Tish Ong

“Salsa Fanatics Entertainment is the premier promoter of salsa in the Philippines," says Danny Pintacasi, one of the group’s founders, together with Luis Araneta, Jonathan Picayo, and Raena Sy.

These four are salsa enthusiasts brought together by sheer love for the art of salsa dancing. They have devoted their Thursday and Saturday nights to bringing like-minded people together in the name of this world-renowned dancing style. Salsa fanatics in the truest sense, the group offers free lessons to salsa newbies to spread the love and help build the local salsa-dancing community.

“We cater to people who would love to dance and provide them a venue that is free of charge to them. All they have to spend is whatever they consume," says Jonathan, a professional salsa instructor and designated DJ at Salsa Fanatics events. The group’s Salsa Thursdays and Salsa Saturdays are currently held weekly at La Dolce Vita in Bel-Air, Makati. Salsa Thursdays will return to Temple Bar at Greenbelt 2 in late September 2009.

An Alternative Workout

Salsa’s upbeat nature lends to its popularity as a fun way to stay fit and lose excess weight. According to BBC Sport, just 30 minutes of salsa dancing can burn up 200 to 400 calories, about the same amount you burn while swimming, walking, or biking!

“It gets your heart rate going and your blood moving. By dancing salsa, even for 30 minutes or one hour, it promotes weight loss and helps release toxins," says Jonathan.



And why is it better than your usual workout? “Dancing is a fun way to get fit and stay young," says Danny. “We even have themed events, like 70s theme or wear white parties [for Salsa Nights]."

Melting Pot of Sorts

On Salsa Nights, you have the chance to meet different people of all ages and from all walks of life. The promoters themselves are from different fields. On one Salsa Thursday, in attendance were the French chef from Canada, the popcorn guy who brings orders to fellow salseros, and the professional samba and salsa dancers who went there straight from a stage performance. And these people were just some of the regulars. Raena says Salsa Saturdays attract more diverse crowds; they’d have mostly teens and yuppies one Saturday, and mostly foreigners on another. Some of the regulars bring family members, too. Apart from getting her salsa fix, she finds meeting a diverse crowd exciting as well.

“We’re trying to break down some cultural barriers," adds Jonathan. “Salsa is just one common thing that brings everybody here. Dancing itself is awesome, but for some people, salsa music captivates them; it keeps them coming back."

Becoming a Salsero

If finding a new fitness routine and meeting new friends are both in your night-out agenda, the group makes salsa very easy to get into. The only time it would be unwise to participate is when your doctor tells you not to dance or engage in physical activities. Otherwise, you’re good to go.

All you have to do is show up on Salsa Night at Temple Bar or La Dolce Vita in comfy clothes-jeans are fine, as long as you’re able to move freely in them. For shoes, low heels or flats would be ideal as you’d probably be up on your feet all night.

The dance floor opens at 9PM, and free lessons start at 9:30PM. Look for Danny, Luis, Jonathan or Raena, and they’ll get you started with the basics. Even some of the regulars would be willing to teach you a little bit of what they know.

For the Love of Salsa

Salsa newbies may find the dance floor a little intimidating, but unlike what you see on Dancing with the Stars where every move is critiqued, Salsa Nights are all about fun and passion. Even pro dancers started by learning the basics, too, and they just got better with practice. “A lot of the regulars are really fanatic about the dance," says Luis. “Some of them, even after their parties, they would come here even at around two in the morning, just to squeeze in one or two rounds of dancing before they go home."

So, why not let this group of salsa enthusiasts take you for a spin? You just might find that thing about salsa that makes you look forward to an otherwise drab Thursday or Saturday night. Bring your friends or your partner, or go alone. Salsa Fanatics’ only reminder is to “bring yourself and be ready to have fun."