Going from the shore of the Caribbean to the mountains of Colorado is quite a change. Douglas firs, Rocky Mountain oysters and ski parkas replace palm trees, roasting spits and sun-kissed beachgoers. Yet, salsa dancing, the long-time rhythmic heartbeat of the tropics, enjoys a comfortable second home a mile above sea level.

As DU enters winter quarter, students looking to beat the winter blues and heat up the dance floor, whether novice or veteran, need not look farther than the school’s Latin Dance Club.

Kaitlyn Culliton, club president, and other salsa enthusiasts founded the club in 2008. However, this is the first year the club has received student organization funding.

“We are bringing salsa to DU and can now develop a full program,” said Culliton.  “We can support our members with more chances to learn and most importantly, have fun dancing.”

Brand new to salsa?  Under the tutelage of instructor Fafa Bee, newcomers are introduced to salsa and its varied components. Students grasp slides, twists and steps within minutes, said Culliton, and even those with the proverbial second left foot will enjoy themselves. That extra leftie is quickly lost to the conga’s percussion and that first perfectly-timed step is made.   

Seasoned dancers will find something to learn as well. Culliton herself boasts five years’ salsa experience besides a history of ballet, figure skating and tango, yet says she broadens her skill set with every Latin Dance Club meeting. 

“No matter your skill level, salsa fuels that need to dance,” she said.

Salsa demands a tuned ear and musical opportunism. When the pace quickens, the better dancers respond with svelte foot taps or shimmies. More than anything else, salsa  demands a fun-loving spirit, Culliton believes. For those who can’t cut a rug as well, the club offers another appeal.

“One of my favorite parts is the social aspect,” said junior Kyle Nesslein. “It’s a fantastic way to meet people.”

True, more women participate than men. But, as junior Kachi Pray points out, this might be the greatest incentive for those who can’t move their feet over that Y chromosome as gracefully. 

“I can’t think of a better way for guys to meet girls,” Pray said.

Introductions are inescapable. Men commiserate while women laugh with each other over impromptu flourishes. Following some solo practice, Bee then tears down the last wall of modesty by partnering everyone up.

“Salsa has many individual elements,” said Bee, “but it is always a two-person dance.”

Two heads may be better than one, but twice the number of feet does not always equate to double the success. Cycling through partners, I got to expose my knack at missing steps many times over. But everyone is patient; they’re mostly beginners too. Miscues abound at first, but by the end of the hour, there is some improvement, if not entirely on my part.

“It’s a great atmosphere,” said Culliton.  “Everyone’s having fun.”

The Latin Dance Club meets every Thursday 7-8 p.m. in the Driscoll Ballroom.  Those interested in participating should e-mail Culliton at Kaitlyn.Culliton@du.edu.