Journey of a Dream

The salsera gets bored of the question, "How did you get into salsa?" It's a conversation that goes on behind the wheels when the salsero is fetching the salsera. Sometimes a salsera gets this question repeatedly by the same salsero. In the salsera's mind, she was thinking, "How many versions of the truth do you want me to tell you?" In the end, she came up with a standard answer for this standard question.

One day in 2007, Amy Wong, Jolene and I decided to drop by Qba at Westin Hotel where salsa music was playing. I was intriqued by the dance and the music, it made me feel like I was in another world so I became enlightened to learn salsa. When I typed "salsa" on Google, Havana Estudio at TTDI popped up. Then I recalled that I had a friend who told me there's this famous studio at TTDI. Immediately, I jumped into conclusion that this was the one I was looking for. Indeed, that was the right one I was looking for.


Only a few months later, I set my foot on the steps leading to Havana Estudio. But then, I didn't actually gather enough courage to go up. I backed out. I figured that I had to find a guy friend who could learn with me. It was my perception then that every girl needs a partner to dance with.

So in June 2009, after 2 years, I finally set my foot on Havana Estudio ground with Selvan. After 4 beginner lessons, my classmates and I decided to hit the clubs. It started with Little Havana, then Salsa Havana. When these 2 eventually closed down, we went to Paradize and Modesto's @ Capsquare. And the friends who came with me, the number became lesser and lesser. Of course, by the time I finished Beginner 1, I took up Bachata too. It was rather tiring attending 2 lessons on a Saturday evening, so soon my attendance at the clubs dropped (coupled by other reasons).

However, by the time I finished Improver 2, I know I had to make a decision. If I wanted to go on to Intermediate, I had to practise. Then I recalled that there was this guy named Jim from my bachata class who told me about practices on Wednesday. I didn't really know him, but I took up my phone and SMSed him. I abandoned my other commitment, and I chose to commit myself into the practice. I guess it worked. What Jim calls me, the practice object partner.