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Salsa Dancing at Ixtapa in Old Town Pasadena

Ixtapa
Ixtapa
Courtesy of Ixtapa Cantina

Just a typical Tuesday afternoon at work and my co-worker asks me, 'hey, you want to go salsa?' Salsa dancing on a Tuesday night? Definitely! We worked late and then headed straight to Ixtapa in Old Town Pasadena; after we checked in,  we went upstairs to the beginners class where we were taught the basic steps to the famous salsa dance. The class is from 8 pm until 9 pm followed by salsa dancing on the main floor. The dance is taught rotation style, meaning you rotate partners after learning a few moves. Bobby, the instructor explained that rotation style teaches the dancer to be able to dance with anyone as opposed to just one partner.

Learning to dance any type of dancing is awkward especially when the person leading is learning right along with you! However, it was fun even though we all feel awkward and uncomfortable because we have no idea what we are doing, and none of us know each other, it is a great shift after a long day at the office.

 Bobby, the instructor, was very funny when he jokingly teased the ladies saying, "All of you CEOs, owners of fortune 500 companies, time for you to leave that at the office and let the man lead!" My co-worker glanced and me and laughed! The nerve!

After the class we all headed downstairs to mix with the more advanced dancers and it is so much fun to see everyone twirling around the dance floor! Dancing to the music also gives such a feel of what the dance is really like; that it is easy to incorporate the steps learned in the beginners class with the music and advanced dance partners!

Ixtapa serves food and drinks so this is a great alternative or add on to happy hour! Plus, on Tuesdays, Ixtapa has Taco Tuesdays ($2 per taco) for happy hour and this goes from 4 pm until close and then the dance class begins at 8! Great way to spend a Tuesday evening!

You can find more information here

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Pasadena Examiner

Valerie Faltas grew up in the San Gabriel Valley adjacent to Pasadena and has lived and worked in the City for over ten years. Faltas is a graduate...

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