In 1994, when they were only two years older than I am today, my parents made the important, life-changing decision to get married. Harbouring dreams of law school and aviation training that seemed incompatible with married life, my parents had hit the mother-load of marital problems.
Growing up, I noticed that when my parents stringently adhered to the idea that marital happiness was meant to be consistent and unflinching, they were the most unhappy. But, as we’ve all aged, I’ve noticed that they treat happiness as a phenomenon that comes in doses - grumbling about the news together post 9 PM, having a late-night movie date on a weekday, driving to get the milkiest chai they can find on Sunday evening, and, most recently, attending a weekly Bachata dance class together.
An hour of dance a week has allowed them to reconnect as adults, be privy to each other’s vulnerabilities, and regrow a 25-year-old friendship that could have potentially lost its roots. The physicality of dance, especially Latin ballroom, pushed my parents to rediscover the excitement of touch and intimacy. In a dance studio, my parents added another dimension to their relationship, one that is protected from the demands of office work, children, and household chores – one that is only theirs.
With that sentiment, I have gathered doses of Latin dance-themed happiness for you, should you come to need it.
Note: Prices vary depending on the level, type of dance and group size.
Where: 511, 5th Floor, E Square Complex, Subhash Road, Vile Parle East
The Arpita Step Up Dance Academy is an award-winning studio that offers classes in Salsa and Bachata by instructors who are internationally trained. Most of their Latin Ballroom classes are over the weekend, which is convenient for those of us who have rigid and tiring work schedules during the week. Other than simply teaching dance, this studio hopes to bring more creativity and lessons of teamwork and perseverance into the lives of its students.
Pro tip: Should you discover a latent love for performance, check out their Competition Programme!
II. RaSa Dance
Where: Plot 160, Baitush-Sharaf, 29th Road, off Waterfield Road, Bandra
This studio gets its name from its two founder, Raoul Dsouza and Sangeeta Mehta, whose classes focus on Casino Rueda, Salsa, and Bachata. The studio offers instruction to dancers of all levels. But, what use is learning a skill if you cannot sometimes flaunt it? This studio even hosts Latin Dance Nights for its members to socialise and debut their freshly acquired dance moves.
Cost: Call 98191 20834 for more information.
III. Conrad Coelho Dance Company
Where: Multiple locations
The Conrad Coelho Dance Company caters to dancers of all skill levels with its huge variety of classes, from Rumba and Cha Cha to Foxtrot and Merengue. Believing in the concept of dance as a mode of self-expression, this academy’s internationally certified instructors are eager to spread their love of dance.
Pro tip: They offer trial classes for those who aren’t sure if they’re ready to commit.
Where: Multiple locations
This studio offers classes in Bachata, Rueda Salsa, and Salsa for beginner, intermediate, and advanced groups that are further divided into different skill levels. All their courses are mostly scheduled for the evening but are available at a host of locations such as Vile Parle, Dadar, and Thane.
Pro tip: They offer demo classes so you can get a taste of what a certain dance style entails before you take the plunge.
Where: Multiple locations
From educating their students about the history of Bachata, to teaching them choreography, this dance studio offers five different ways to dance the Bachata – Dominical, Tradition, Modern, Tango, and Sensual. It also offers classes in other Latin dance forms – Samba, Cha Cha, Rumba, and Salsa – in either a group setting or in the comfort of your home. This company welcomes beginners, even if they have two left feet.
Pro tip: Extra classes for practice are free! Call +919819950806 for queries and information.
Representational feature image via Apartment 613.
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