Today, let us introduce to you one of our Salsa and Bachata solo shines dancer šā¤ļøāš„
Meet Michelle!
Tell us a little about yourself!
Hello, my name is Michelle and I am a Principal Clinical Sleep Health Nurse managing patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Snoring issues. I run a medical device distribution business, a medical clinic in Novena, and a newly opened retail and therapy centre in Woodlands.
How did you get into learning Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba and/or Zouk dance in Singapore?
My work days start as early as 8am on some days and usually end at about 3am to 4am, which is part of the reason why I started myself on dance classes.
Dancinig is basically the only thing that I would block off my appointment slots for. Another reason for signing up for dance classes was the sedentary lifestyle that I was having. As busy as I was and still am, most of my work is done within the clinic, and does not require me to move around much. That resulted in extreme weight gain. Going to the gym was not an option as 5 mins on the treadmill feels like 5 years. It is sheer torture. Dancing is the exact opposite. I have done Salsa, Rumba and Samba previously (probably more than a decade ago) and I had thoroughly enjoyed myself.
The most challenging part, however, was finding a dance partner to practise with me. I signed up for Salsa Solo and Bachata Solo dance classes at Caliente Dance Studio in January this year, and I honestly cannot seem to get enough of it despite going for 4hrs of back to back dance classes on Saturdays, in addition to 2 hours on Wednesdays. The original plan was only 2 hours of dance lessons a week to force myself to get away from work. Well, time flies when you are having fun I suppose?
What is your favourite dance class and why?
Salsa and Bachata are just too different for me to pick a favourite amongst the two. I love both latin dance style. Salsa dance trains me to keep up with the speed of the latin music and forces me to be nimble on my feet (whilst trying my best not to look too awkward or contorted when I move). Bachata music is generally slower, which enables me to immerse myself deeper into the music, and express myself better.
What do you enjoy the most about dancing Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba and/or Zouk?
The self-confidence I get from watching myself dance and improve progressively. Dance is also the only activity that helps to preserve my sanity after a whole week of stressful work. It is also a good form of cardio exercise too.
What reasons will you give to someone to start learning how to dance Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba and/or Zouk?
For the older ones like myself, it is a good exercise not only physically, but cognitively as well. Having to remember dance routines and coordinating your body movement is probably a good way to lower the risk of dementia.
For the stressed-up ones (like myself again), it is also one of the best ways to keep your mind off work or things which you do not wish to think about. When your mind is focused on the steps and the coordination, you just wonāt be able to let your mind drift off to anywhere else.
Which Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba and/or Zouk song do you like the most?
To be honest, songs donāt matter too much to me. Any song that can be danced to is a good song.
Caliente Team.
Visit us and try our Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba and Zouk trial dance classes in Singapore ā¤ļø
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