Salsathon

Just got back from taxi dancing duties at the salsathon. It was touch and go whether I would get there as I went down with a sore throat on Friday. Plenty of Ibuprofen and water kept me going through the event (though my dancing wasn't exactly inspired) but I'm completely wiped out now. The time went remarkably quickly: it was broken up with plenty of lineups and ruedas which helped. A bonus for me was discovering a really funky, stylish dancer who I'd never partnered before (except in rueda).

Most people managed the whole six hours, which ended with a completely mad finale led by Andy. It was very well organised: congratulations to Kate - and, of course, well done to everyone who took part.

I think O'Neills may be a bit quieter than usual tomorrow.

Inspired...

...is how I'm feeling about dancing at the moment. At the beginning of the year I thought of packing in the blog because, although I was still enjoying dancing, I seemed to be doing a lot of the same old stuff. Finding a talented and enthusiastic dance partner has made a huge difference and got me thinking that I really could raise my game if I put my mind to it.

We did Andy's taster Intermediate and Advanced workshops yesterday. They were exactly how salsa ought to be taught: concentrating on getting the basics right as the foundation for everything else, rather than trying to learn yet another new sequence with a succession of partners of varying ability.

But I don't think I was the only person to get a bit of a shock from looking in the mirrors at the beginning of the Intermediate class: the way I thought I was dancing, and the reality staring back at me, were rather more different than they should have been after six years of salsa.

I wasn't going to do the Advanced workshop as I was tired and hungover, but I felt inspired after the Intermediate workshop. I'm glad I stayed. It was really interesting with lots of emphasis on control and clear leading. Patricia and I not only learnt a lovely new move but worked out how to make it even niftier - let's see if it works on Thursday...

Salsa course

At last Andy's offering structured salsa courses in Cardiff. Starting on 4th March, he's running four to five week modules at each of four levels from beginners to advanced in a proper dance studio. This seems to me like a much better way of getting a thorough grounding than the traditional 'just turn up' lessons. There's a taster this Sunday (17th), after which you have to book for the courses. More details on the Dancalatina site.

Valentine's

I thought last night might be quiet due to the date but it wasn't bad - and the absence of several of my favourite dancers made me dance with new people. Including a woman who I think may be the best dancer I've ever danced with: incredibly stylish, fast and fluid (she's the tall woman who was doing ballet spins and dancing with the most advanced dancers).

It also meant that I had to practise my new improved moves with people other than Ms X, which is the way to find out if the lead really works. I couldn't quite believe just how much smoother and easier one sequence was since Saturday's private lesson. All in all a good night.

Andy's private lessons

These are the way to go if you really want to improve. We had one on Saturday which started by looking at a move that I do quite a lot but that never quite works, and Andy showed me in a lot of detail how to make it more comfortable and clearer for the follower, showed another way to get into the move and showed her how to tidy up and control her spins. Instant improvement, and we learnt another cool new move as well. Andy's ability to instantly read exactly what needs sorting out with your dancing, and to give feedback at the right level, is very impressive.

Risa last night

Apart from Kate's teaching the other good thing about Barocco is that it's the night before Risa. My dancing is much better if I've had a dance the night before. I had lots of fun in Risa last night, even though I had to leave early (early start in the morning). Cracking warmdown from Andy, and then I called a couple of ruedas before Kate took over. Funny how it varies from week to week - last week was too loud, too crowded, too hot and not enough of the people I wanted to dance with. This week I had a great time.

Barocco

Barocco was great. Surprisingly full, with quite a few good LA-style dancers in the beginners' class. Kate's teaching was very structured with plenty of repetition and gradual progression, just what beginners need. It was my daughter Lowri's first ever salsa lesson and she enjoyed herself. I did as well, but I was quite shocked to discover just how much I have to learn about Cuban salsa.

Kate's Cuban night (2)

Don't forget it starts this week - 7.30 Wednesday. Looking forward to it, and I think I may have persuaded my younger daughter that she should come along as well.

Unfortunately I had to miss Cristina's last night in Cardiff a week ago Monday - hope it goes well in Madrid, we'll miss you in Cardiff.

The previous week O'Neills saw a flying visit from Gail (former Cardiff salsa stalwart and now Oz inhabitant). Some of my best dances ever were with Gail in the Toad, and even though she hasn't danced for a long time she's still got the magic.

Too much Aqua means no Aqua

Aqua on a Sunday night has now ended - people weren't drinking enough. Andy will shortly be starting a new Sunday night at a dance studio in Rumney where it won't matter if you just drink water.

I don't know whether Risa is under threat as well - they've stopped putting water out and they've turned the air conditioning down.

Personally I'd rather pay more on the door and drink tap water, rather than buying soft drinks which I don't actually want.