University of Denver students have recently found a new way to spend their Wednesday nights: salsa dancing at the Denver Turnverein. It is a night of Latin music, salsa dancing (with the occasional Meringue), and socializing. Dancers and DU students alike spend the night learning and perfecting their dance moves.

“I’ve always been interested in learning [to dance], this just seems like my kind of thing,” says DU junior Kelly Whitcombe, who just discovered salsa at the turnverein for her first time last Wednesday.

The night of dancing officially starts at 6 p.m. with an informal lesson. Participants choose from three different levels of classes. At 7 p.m. all the class levels combine on the floor and rotate partners in a circle. Partners switch every couple of minutes, in what is called the ‘social dance.’

“The social dance is my favorite part of the night,” said freshman Kachi Pray. “Everyone dances differently so you get to see a lot of different styles.” In about 10 minutes the now indistinguishable circle explodes onto the floor, and everyone is allowed to free dance for the rest of the night.

It’s the time “you get to do whatever you want and dance with anyone,” Kyle Nesslein, freshman, explained. So, an $8 cover gets you dancing all night.

The Turnverein has worked hard to be a place open to everyone.

“It doesn’t have that night club vibe that a lot of salsa places do. So, it’s a perfect place for beginners and families,” said Roberta Farley, a dance instructor at the Turnverein.

Students say they love the friendly atmosphere and appreciate the kind attitude toward beginners.

“The people there are great. Even if you are terrible, they are willing to teach you something,” laughs Nesslein.

“Everyone is open and friendly and wants to dance,” agrees Pray

The turnverein building is located on Colfax and Clarkson, and is a well kept secret.

“The building is special because it is a historic building,” says Farley. It has been home to the Denver Turners, Colorado’s German club since 1922. The Tango Club was actually the first dance club to find the location and fall in love with the beautiful ballrooms, which are some of the biggest in Denver.

Shortly after the Tango Club, the Lindy-hop, salsa and West Coast swing clubs followed. Its doors open to dancers almost every night of the week.

“Its home for us” said Farley.

To learn more about the Turnverein and Salsa dancing, visit www.denverturnverein.org.