Salsa music is one of the popular types of music in Panama, like its name implies (literally: sauce) is a mixture of flavors made for dancing. Descendant from Cuban music, salsa encompasses many different rhythms, like mambo, chachachá, son and even rumba. Being a tropical rhythm, Panama has engraved its name in the history of Salsa music and it’s one of most mentioned venues after Cuba and Puerto Rico. Famous singer Ruben Blades and composer Omar Alfanno are Panamanians.

Many songs internationally acclaimed also mention this country, as homage. Salsa dancing is practically requirement for club goers, most clubs will play a long Salsa mix for couples to dance. The change of rhythm and style is an aid for meeting partners, because it’s danced in close proximity. This is a perfect chance to be a little intimate and overcome the touch barrier. For the skilled tourist, there are plenty of places where to show off their best moves. For the novice or those interested in learning, there are many dancing schools in Panama with affordable prices and flexible schedules.

Are you good at dance? Do you like dancing Salsa? If both answers are affirmative, then you have the chance to participate in the First Salsa Congress in Panama. This is the first time that an event like this takes place in the country. Panama Hot was given exclusive rights to represent the World Salsa Open. The festival will start on June 26th and will finish on June 29th.

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While watching an American dance show my mother many years ago said to me “these people really can´t dance at all, they should take lessons before making fools of themselves on TV.”  Thus began my induction into the world of dance schools in order to be prepared in the event I would one day have the opportunity to be on television.  Not exactly loftiest of goals, however it did lead to my training in a variety of dance styles and nuances and the pursuit of new variations and techniques.

One of these particular nuances is the hybrid combination, the Hot Dancing Yoguini.  Developed by instructor Nelly Gallardo, it is a high energy mixture of Latin dances, yoga techniques, Arabic belly, and free flowing dance movements in a heated room.  Nelly describes Hot Dancing Yoguini as a new form of harmony for your mind, body and spirit and I would have to agree.

Lasting an hour and half, the classes are divided into three sessions with two instructors for personalized attention and expertise.  The first session is a warm up that prepares your body for the impending contortions and gyrating movements.  This is followed by a vigorous dance session, which includes a variety of coordinated dance steps chiefly of high energy Salsa, Arabic and Free flow dancing.  Finally, a relaxing yoga and meditation session winds down the training, leaving you both relaxed and invigorated at the same time.

Classes are held on Thursday nights from six to seven thirty.  Salsa Panama´s studio is conveniently located next to the Chalet Suizo Restaurant in the heart of El Cangrejo not far from hotels such as the Vento and El Panama.  Classes cost an economical $15 per session or $50 for the month.  However, make your reservations early, as space is limited to only five participants per class.  You can reserve your space by calling 6657-5319, 264-2742 or visiting by visiting www.salsapanama.com for more information.

Joining a gym where you go to work out several times a week to lose weight or stay in shape, can be ideal for some people.  However, some others need a little more stimuli and fun in order to keep motivate in their quest for a better body.  Are you looking for a workout that doesn’t feel like you are working out?  Do you want to keep your hard beat up while looking fabulous?  Why not you think outside the box and join in a dance class!

Dance exercise is suitable for people of all ages and sizes.  It is also a fun way to burn calories and unwind after long days of work or studies.  Dance will help improve your posture, which translate in a slimmer, tonner core area, gives you a cardio work out that will keep your heart beating in shape, increases stamina, and is a pleasurable way to meet new people.

  Some of the most popular dance workouts are:

Belly Dance:

Belly dance is a sexy low impact cardio workout.  I would help you tone and define your muscles, while using sensual, graceful, and rhythmic movements.  Belly dance will give you flexibility at the same time that it works out your thigh, legs, arms and stomach.  It is a full body workout where you learn to isolate and control your body.

Salsa Lessons:  Salsa lessons are another refreshing replacement for conventional workouts.  Learning the basic steps of Salsa can strength your body while steadily you burn calories.  With Salsa dancing you can burn up to 10 calories per minute!

Hip-Hop:

 Hip-hop is design with combinations that are fun and easy to master.  Learn sexy dance movements that not only gets you in shape, but you can use to impress your friends at the dance club.  No better way burn the belly fat!

Exotic Dance Workouts:  Women of all ages are embracing the crazy generated by Exotic dances like striptease, pole dancing, and even lap dances.  Get in touch with your inner diva while getting in the best shape of your life!  Not only you get confidence but it can also be an incentive to lose weight and spice up your love life.  Exotic Dance Workouts can be liberating for the erotic woman inside you!  While striptease and lap dances can be done by women of any fitness level, pole dancing requires a good upper and core body strength.

Samba:  Sensual and steamy, Samba is ideal way to sweat while you have fun.  It is especially good for toning and straightens your legs and hips.  Not only you would have strongest limbs but they will also look longer and slimmer. 

Don’t be afraid to join a beginner dance class.  You will be missing a great opportunity to improve your health. Think of dance as the most natural workout.   The rhythm of the music will help you get in to the groove and get inspired to achieve a better you.  You will make new friends and increase your fitness and confidence level, all in one exercise.