How Salsa Brought Hollywood to Accra

In September, Lesego and I entered the world of salsa… and it really is a world of its own. It first started with a class at the Sports Directorate on campus. We met countless new friends, learned sassy flips and turns and spins, and began seeing more of Accra by dancing at new venues. Spending time with what we call our “salsa family” has been a defining part of our experience here. 

This past weekend was the final round of a salsa competition hosted by the toothpaste brand, Close-Up. The first round was in January and Francis and his group made it to the final.  Hosted at the International Conference Center in Downtown Accra and filmed for TV, the event was breath taking. It was complete with red carpet, paparazzi, and decked-out stage, lights, and music. In fact, on our way out of the show, I was pulled over and asked (4 times after 3 refusals) to be interviewed for TV.  Ralph and Mike, (Francis' cousin, right) thought that if they escorted me I would do it. I find this picture just too funny:

The stage was magnificent. There were also famous Ghanaian singers that came and performed their current pop songs. 

This is Francis' group. He is on the right with his dance partner, Memuna, a friend of ours:

 Unfortunately, Francis’ group did not win the competition, which was surprising to us as well as, I’m sure, much of the crowd.  We were confused why the winning group seemed to be extremely amateur.  Yesterday I learned that Francis had talked to one of the judges and it turns out that the winner’s uncle worked for Close-Up. Ha. Oh, Ghana. Francis’ group however won best choreography and best costume, which I’m pretty sure usually equates to best dance. Oh well.

I am so grateful to have such a wonderful activity to fill my time outside of the classroom. Over the past 5 years, I have forgotten what it is like to be around non-academics; when reading journal article after journal article, it is a breath of fresh air.

 Here are a few more pictures from the event: 

Things I’ve learned from salsa:

1) Following is a skill. You can’t always lead. Besides, following can be fun :) 

2) The more practice you get, the less dizzy you’ll be.

3) It’s okay for a girl to ask a guy to dance. If you wait around and get bored, it’s your own fault.

4) Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but backwards and in high heels.

5) Flair makes everything look nicer. 

6) Smile. Always. There’s no reason not to.