Coming from a family where music and dance runs through our veins, I’ve always been surrounded by rhythm. But here’s the thing—despite growing up with music-loving relatives who practically had a PhD in getting down, it took me a shockingly long time to step onto a dance floor and truly let go. Like, seriously—way too long.
Let me take you back to my childhood for a minute. My late grandparents were the perfect mix of strict and chill (mostly strict, but hey, they had their moments). When it came to dancing? They threw the rulebook out the window. Their love for music wasn’t just about hearing it; it was about living it. And believe me, they lived it.
Picture this: family gatherings where the music would play, and suddenly, without warning, the furniture would start moving. Tables, chairs, whatever got in the way—gone. They were ready to dance, and nothing was stopping them. We would clear out the family room, make a dance floor, and just move it! And no, we didn’t care if we had two left feet or not; it was all about the joy of movement.
Now, fast forward to 2024. I found myself at a social event hosted by Salsa in Mombasa at English Point Marina. The vibe? Electric. The crowd? Full of energy. The music? Pure magic. And that night—oh, that night—I felt something shift inside me. In an instant, I fell in love with the person I became on that dance floor. Suddenly, I wasn’t someone anxiously sitting on the sidelines, worried about my two left feet or my awkwardness. I was part of the rhythm. I was part of the energy. And I was smiling—yes, smiling—while moving to the beat. If you ever catch me trying to balance my steps and smile at the same time, let’s just say you’ll get a good laugh. It’s like my body can’t quite decide whether it wants to dance or to giggle at how happy it feels. Either way, it’s a win!
Now, one year later, I can honestly say that Afro-Latin music has become the soundtrack to my life. Not only does it get my body moving, but it’s also done wonders for my mind. I never imagined that I could release so much pent-up tension just by shaking my hips. And the best part? It’s like the cheapest therapy session ever—no insurance needed. Seriously, there’s something about letting the rhythm take over that instantly melts away stress and fills you with a sense of joy that lingers long after the music stops. You walk away from each session not only feeling lighter but like you’ve just done something amazing for your soul. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
But wait—there’s more! One of the most unexpected joys has been the friendships I’ve built through dancing. You don’t just dance to the beat; you connect with people who share the same love for music and rhythm. It’s like finding your tribe, and let me tell you, my tribe is full of hilarious, colorful, and wildly talented characters who never fail to bring laughter and light into my life. These friendships are a beautiful reminder that, sometimes, the best memories are made not in the fanciest places, but on a sweaty dance floor, laughing and grooving to the music.
So, here I am, a year into my journey, still not quite a pro, but feeling more at home on that dance floor than I’ve ever felt in my life. Afro-Latin music has transformed me—not just in how I move, but in how I feel, connect, and experience life. If you’ve ever considered stepping out of your comfort zone and onto a dance floor, I say: do it. Let the music take you. You might just surprise yourself.
This experience is written by Rita, a Salsa in Mombasa dance student finding her way in the Afro-Latin world.
