In a parallel universe, possibly near you, there’s a bar full of couples immersed in ritualised sensual body movements and co-ordinated footwork to percussive music. They may not know each other’s names. They change partners to switch between salsa, bachata, kizomba, reggaeton and merengue. No strings attached, no sleaze, no complications. These and other Latin, Afro-Cuban and African social and street dances have been captivating Kiwis from all walks of life. Many have never danced before, let alone close up with a total stranger.
Does a form of foreign street dance offer a different paradigm for how we socialise – something that’s long been problematic with our binge-drinking culture and taboos around touching?
“It’s a real good feeling,” says 64-yearold Brett South, from Whanganui. “You forget about everything else. You’re in the moment. Since I’ve been dancing, my social life has exploded – I’ve got more and more friends through dancing.”
South, who quit hiking as a hobby to pursue salsa dancing 9 years ago, is among the 600 or so enthusiasts at the 18th New Zealand Salsa Congress. Held each King’s Birthday Weekend in Wellington, the
