#salsa4life

SALSA IN RICHMOND

Salsa Thursdays At Havana '59

By Carlos Stewart and Helina Fasil

Havana 59 throws salsa dance parties on Thursday evenings.

Richmond, Va. – Many people tie Salsa dancing primarily to the Hispanic culture, but the RVA Salsa Diversity group, Salsa4Life, proves otherwise.

 The group consists of several people from different cultural backgrounds who all show their passion on the dance floor at Club Havana 59 located in Downtown Richmond on North 17th St. every Thursday night.

            The founder and organizer of Salsa4Life, Clara Toro, moved to Richmond from New York City in 1998. Toro is of Puerto Rican descent and has had a growing passion for salsa since 1993. When she arrived in Richmond, there was little to no salsa among the Richmond community.  Her love for salsa spread when she started teaching classes in local clubs and studios in 2006.

            “In terms of diversity, Richmond is definitely coming around, which is nice,” said Toro, “through music and salsa, we are opening eyes.”

            Salsa4Life caters towards diversity by participating in a variety of cultural events, such as the Indian and Philipino festivals, and hosting dinner meet-ups at various restaurants. The group also organizes fundraisers for causes such as breast cancer research and makes donations to the Children’s Hospital in Virginia Beach.

            A member of Salsa4Life, Catherine Webb, has been attending classes and events for over two years. Webb said the group had a major impact on her life.

“I always wanted to take salsa lessons. I started out with my first four lessons with Clara and I was hooked ever since,” said Webb.

Webb also said salsa brought her out of her shell and allowed her to be more social and friendly with other people.

“I’m always dancing with someone different and always having to adjust to my partner,” said Webb, “it has taught me to be more flexible. No pressure, no drama, just open fun.”

According to Webb Salsa4Life has brought people from all walks of life to come out to have fun and socialize at events such as Salsa Thursdays at Havana 59. She stated that diversity is the key to the group. 

“Salsa has helped break down barriers that people don’t even realize. You are learning from all types of people with different jobs and different cultural backgrounds,” said Webb, “sometimes even the Mayor of Richmond is here!”

Webb and other members of Salsa4Life enjoy bringing new people to lessons and events. For Gelila Zewdie, her first time at Salsa Thursdays was a great experience.

            “I have never heard of Salsa Thursdays at Havana 59 until a friend mentioned it,” said Zewdie, “I love the atmosphere, the energy and the hospitality of the people. I’m going to come back, for sure.”

            Salsa4Life is continuing to grow culturally. Through events and activities, more people are becoming drawn to the fun that salsa has to offer.

“I live for my Thursday nights at Havana 59!” said Catherine Webb.

            The event is open to anyone who is interested in learning salsa and meeting new people from various cultural backgrounds. The event takes place Thursdays 9 p.m. till midnight. For more information go to www.salsa4life.com

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AUDIO SLIDESHOW

The Salsa 4 Life Dance Space

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PODCAST: Salsa Classes at VCU Cary Street Gym 

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Related Links:

Salsa 4 Life Website 

Havana '59 Website