12.03.2018
29 ¡Vamos a Latinoamérica! Latin Dance Society launch!
Ridin’ solo in Mexico
Nick Bloom talks salsa with co-President Naomi Myerson NB: Talking of timetabling, what have you guys got planned for the next few weeks?
NB: So you came back to Bristol and set up a society? NM: Pretty much! I got together with a group of Latin America enthusiasts and we were all keen. There are already a few dance societies at Bristol, but we wanted something new that was a bit more laid back, less competitive, and especially targeted at beginners. Latin Dance Soc offers a distraction from uni stresses, a sociable atmosphere and a great opportunity to learn about Latin American culture.
NM: So far, the response from students has been great! People like the fact the classes are open to beginners and no one feels embarrassed. We’re trying to work on getting a fixed dance class schedule – timetabling and room availability has been tricky – but we’re getting there. It may not be perfect by the end of the year, but we hope to build as strong of as base as we can for next year.
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Epigram / Nick Bloom
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a bit more laid back, less competitive, and especially targeted at beginners
NB: What would you say to Latin American students here? NM: Come along!! We would be over the moon to see you and learn a thing or two about your culture!
Epigram / Nick Bloom
NB: I’m proud to say I have two left feet, and six months in Colombia didn’t change that. Have you got any words of wisdom for students who can’t bear the thought of salsa classes, especially sober? NM: “Fake it til you make it!” You just have to get into the spirit... smile and look like you’re having a good time!
Nick Bloom Epigram Travel Editor
I never felt unsafe, but equally, I didn’t go out alone past 9pm
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Despite its notoriously high rate of criminal activity, Mexico City was probably the highlight of my trip. I had the chance to do everything I wanted to do (mainly exploring art galleries, architecture and food) at my own pace, completely self-indulgently. When I wanted company, there were interesting people to meet at hostels. I never felt unsafe, but equally, I didn’t go out alone past 9pm, and kept an eye on my valuables on the Metro. Latin America does tend to treat its women differently: that’s one thing I learnt the hard way. Mexicio’s culture holds an emphasis on machismo, and being a girl who values her independence, I found this quite hard to process. Having said that, I learnt very fast that I felt more comfortable in cities wearing longer clothes, and saving my shorts for the beaches. But every culture is different, and adjusting to that is part of the joy of travel.
Epigram / Sarah Roller
Fake it til you make it! You just have to get in the spirit
Epigram / Nick Bloom
Epigram / Nick Bloom
NB: Have you faced any challenges getting the society up and running?
NM: There’s a weekly Tuesday class from 5-6pm at the SU, led by Alain, our wonderful Cuban salsa teacher. We’ve learnt a lot in the last few weeks, but people can join whenever. We’re planning on starting rotating Thursday classes focusing on other styles, such as bachata and kizomba, to give people as much choice as possible. We’re also thinking of taking Society members to dance classes at the Cuban or Hamilton House so we can meet the local community and get involved with something outside of the university. If we go as a pack we’ll be fine! Finally, we are aiming for two nights out a month at some of Bristol’s best Latin bars… fun nights drowned in mojitos and caipirinhas!
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NM: Spending half a year in the salsa capital of the world! I had so much fun teaching in Bogotá on my year abroad, and did some dance classes in the evenings. I thought to myself that it would do us Brits a lot of good, and hoped to meet Colombians and make new friends. It was difficult at times – I kept going to parties and everyone was unbelievable at dancing – but I had a great time.
The perception of Latin America and solo female travel is that they don’t go together. ‘Mexico? What the hell d’you wanna go there for?’ asked Jeffrey from US Homeland Security when he read my immigration form at JFK Airport. To be fair, he had a point. Mexico isn’t top of most people’s bucket list, let alone as a 20 year-old girl, doing it solo. When I announced to my friends and family I’d be spending 2½ months there, most people thought I was barmy. Fortunately, other people’s opinions haven’t tended to put me off doing things, so hey – I arrived in Mexico speaking a few words of Spanish, and off I went. Being a 5’ 10, blonde English girl, I didn’t exactly blend in. Once I got past being stared at literally everywhere I went in central Mexico, it actually worked to my advantage. People seemed very puzzled and genuinely curious about what I was doing there, which meant wherever I went, there was always someone who wanted to chat, and I had no shortage of people offering to help.
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NB: First off, what sparked your interest in Latin Dance?
Sarah Roller braves solo travel
Solo travel has honestly been one of the best things I’ve done – it gave me the time to do exactly what I wanted, meet new people, improve my Spanish, and find the time during university for some reflection and planning. I had the time of my life in Mexico and Belize, so much so that I’m heading to Colombia – solo – this summer. I was surprised at every turn by how kind, helpful and hospitable people were, but perhaps that’s a result of the way western society paints Latin America.
Sarah Roller Online Food Editor
Foreign Affairs Deputy Travel Editor Evy Tang’s love life took a spicy turn when she met a Chilean exchange student on her year abroad “I did not know that one could move their hips like that and he was by far the best kiss I will probably ever have. He patiently taught me how to loosen my hips, let go and just dance. I ‘d better go along to the new Latin Dance Society and get practising!”