New Salsa and Bachata classes now offered at the REC

This quarter, new salsa/bachata classes are being offered at the Rec Center.

Cal Poly has offered styles similar to ballroom before in the Rec, but this is the first time they have offered specifically salsa and bachata.

Salsa is a mix of Latin rhythms, whereas bachata stems from the Dominican Republic.

“I want students to just be able to learn dance,” class instructor Horacio Heredia said. “Just for them to explore other dance styles. It’s just mainly for them to get them a little bit of exposure of both the bachata and the salsa.” 

Heredia started salsa dancing when he was a student at Cal Poly.

He quickly became connected to this style when he and his friends would attend classes with the CP Salsa Club.

“There’s just something within the music that just makes my body dance and move so that’s why I connect with it so much,” Heredia said.

So far, Heredia says there have been a lot of students who attend, but he is hoping more will start coming.

Interdisciplinary studies sixth-year, Hofer, thought it would be fun to try something new and it would be a great way to meet new people.

They have now taken the class four times.

“I feel a lot more confident with myself and the way I move my body,” says Hofer.  “I feel a lot more ready to talk to other people, just cause I’m a little vulnerable with the way I dance and I’m not a great dancer, but it’s okay. It’s really well accepted.”

Hofer has noticed a boost in their confidence when it comes to social dancing.

This class has also brought a new community to Cal Poly because it is open to non Cal Poly students.

“I would definitely recommend the class to anyone that wants to just step out of their comfort zone a little bit,” says Hofer.  “Like if you’re a complete beginner, totally join cause no matter where you’re at in life or what stage their glad to have you there and everyone else is really glad to have you there too.”

You can take these classes on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 PM in studio two.

For more information visit asi.calpoly.edu