Looking for a society to boost your fitness and make friends? Stop reaching for the hockey sticks or football boots and have a go at joining the Sussex Cuban Salsa Society. Welcoming all people, no matter their experience with Salsa or any form of dancing, this society focuses on the community that comes with such an artistic form of self-expression.
The term ‘salsa’ originated in New York in the 60s. The style of dance is a combination of many other Latin American dance styles, such as mambo, son, and rumba, and was combined with American ‘swing dances’ to create an upbeat dance, primarily focused on the energy of the dancers’ movements.
Traditionally, the dance is done with a partner, although there are some moments in which one dancer will do a solo of sorts – known as a ‘shine’. The Sussex Cuban Salsa Society are passionate about it not being a reflection of typical gender roles, meaning any gender can take the lead in this energetic dance. Additionally, the format of Cuban Salsa Society is inherently social – don’t be afraid to attend alone, making friends on the dancefloor is highly encouraged!
The Cuban Salsa style that the society is known for is danced in a circular pattern, unlike many more regimented ballroom dances that newcomers may expect. The dance focuses on playfulness and connection to both your partner and the lively music. As the society often dances as a group, there will often be changes in partnership (sometimes even in the same dance) that allow for an easy integration of new members of the society, connected through dance. After the main dance class, there is the opportunity to stay in the hall for half an hour to socialise with fellow salseros.
The Salsa society at Sussex has been active since the early 2000s, making it one of the most long-standing and active societies at Sussex. The longevity of the society truly highlights the passion and love that so many past and present students have for this dance style and for the community it has fostered. “We don’t know why it was founded, but we imagine it is because of the same reason we are running it: to bring people together through teaching, social interactions and a sense of belonging to something,” said the president of the society, Silvia. Even some of the current teachers at the Salsa classes learnt to dance Salsa here at Sussex, making it a truly circular and community-based society.
The focus of the classes is always to have fun and learn a new skill in a comfortable, relaxed environment. With classes for every level of experience, and with the help of the excellent teachers and committee, new dancers can master moves they may never have heard of – hopefully leaving university with a new passion and skill.
If you are looking for a society that prioritises community and fun, whilst squeezing in a workout that you can look forward to, Cuban Salsa may just be the perfect society for you. The classes run every Monday, starting at 7 pm in Mandela Hall in Falmer House on campus. So get ready to spin, swing, and shimmy your way into this society!
Another article you may enjoy: https://thebadgeronline.com/2025/11/why-im-having-a-breast-reduction/
