Go Tri-Cities: At salsa dance class, fun is on the schedule

Editor’s note: “There’s nothing to do in the Tri-Cities.” It’s a common complaint, but it’s just not true — and we’ll prove it. In a new series called Go Tri-Cities, the Herald highlights activities around the region, from board game nights to art classes, hikes and salsa dancing.

Go to www.tricityherald.com/go to read this and future stories. Have an activity you want featured?

Email news@tricityherald.com with the subject line Go Tri-Cities.

The dancers moved in sync with the pulsing music — and with each other.

Most looked fluid and sure, even as they tried new steps and turns.

All looked like they were having fun.

That’s probably because they were.

“It’s just a great time,” said Nate Woods, 27, of Richland, after the L.A. salsa class last week at the Salsa Con Rumba Dance Co. studio in Kennewick.

Woods and about a dozen others turned out for the session, taught by Salsa Con Rumba owners Christian and Dana Camarena. That particular class was for more advanced students, but the Camarenas — who’ve been teaching in the Tri-Cities for a little more than a decade — have something for all levels.

They largely teach Latin dance, everything from salsa to bachata and cumbia. They also offer kizomba, an African rhythm dance, and even country two-step.

Group and private classes are available.

Sara Morales, 28, of Pasco, has been taking classes with the Camarenas for about five years. They’re great teachers, she said, and she loves the energy of salsa dancing. “It’s something you can always be improving and getting better at. You never really reach your max level because there’s always something new to learn,” she told the Herald.

The Camarenas have studied dance all over the world, and they’ve built up the salsa community in the Tri-Cities, bringing in bands for dance events.

Dancing allows people to connect, Dana Camarena said. The studio “is a friendly place. Everybody is welcoming,” she said, adding that dancing is “a fun, healthy alternative for adults here in the Tri-Cities to try something new.”

Those who want to try out a dance class with Salsa Con Rumba don’t need experience. Beginners are welcome.

Also, Dana Camarena said, students don’t need to come with partners.

Students in the L.A. salsa class last week said they’ve built friendships through dancing. And they’ve gained other things too. “I’m more of an introverted person. (Dancing) has really helped me come out of my shell,” said Kelly Ledgerwood, 41, of Grandview. “It’s one of those things for me — when I go dance I can forget about the normal, everyday headaches. It’s kind of my escape for the night.”

Morales said people shouldn’t be afraid to give dancing a shot.

“A misconception about dance is that people think you come out of the womb knowing how. That’s not true. It can absolutely be learned. It just takes determination and drive — like anything else,” she told the Herald.

Christian Camarena said he loves seeing how dancing builds bridges.

“We have engineers, we have construction workers, we have field workers” who might not all speak the same language, but who enjoy dancing together,” he said. “It’s pretty much the only activity where you have people like that together at one dinner table and one event.

“We feel it’s a very inclusive and fun activity to do.”

The Camarenas have a beginning L.A. salsa class starting up in March.

It will run Tuesday nights at the Richland Community Center.

For more information about that or other classes, call 509-531-7233 or go to www.salsaconrumba.com.

This story was originally published February 22, 2015 at 6:22 PM with the headline "Go Tri-Cities: At salsa dance class, fun is on the schedule."