SalsaJay First Open Day

SalsaJay recently hosted its first Open Day affair on 5th May 2007. After months of trying to fit in new salsa enthusiasts into the handful of classes that SalsaJay have .... the need for new classes became rather apparent.

What's an open-day you asked? Well it's an event to allow a gathering of people to try out and experience something totally out of their usual comfort zone. In this case, it was a means to sample some basic Salsa dancing as well as Latin Dance forms.

Latin Dance, by which we go by the flirtatious cha cha cha, to the ever passionate rumba, jive, samba, as well as the fiery paso doble ( see the movie Strictly Ballroom for more visual effects in which the male is the matador, and the women as ...get this, the matador's cape!.) Yes, after years of just salsa... Latin Dancing has finally arrived at SalsaJay.

Invitations were quickly issued and sent a few days before the BIG DAY. It was like a big family day production..... minus the kids. I have had Jayers volunteering to buy refreshments, ice, paper plates, and etc etc. It was all goooooooooooood!

The Open Day program started at 5pm and people were told to report in early. But true to Malaysian timing, being fashionably late is an understatement.

The people that were invited, came for different reasons. Some came to learn dancing, some were dragged by their spouses and the rest ...well, we'll soon find out. The classes went rather well , and were assisted by fellow SalsaJayers who in good spirit came to loan their bodies and hands. As usual, the ladies outnumbered the men ( lucky devils).

While the Salsa class attracted quite a good crowd, the later Latin class was overwhelmed ! Helps that the instructor himself, Darren Yee, is one of the most sought after Latin Instructors in town and has several championship titles under his belt. Anyways, the tryouts was so packed that students could hardly move !

In the midst of all the commotion, the existing Jayers still found time to post and preen for the cameras. Sadly... i didn't get any screen time at all!!!!!!! Next time, i better hire my own cameraman :)

All in all, SalsaJay's first open day was a success. Thanks to all who have participated and all who have contributed their time and efforts to share the joy of salsa ( and now latin) around. Let's all look forward to the next Open Day.