Students and staff from the Cabrini community line up to learn the techniques behind salsa dancing by the instructor Andre Phelps.Students and staff came out on Tuesday, Oct. 9 to take a break from the hectic stress of midterms to learn how to salsa dance. Twinkle Toes Tuesday was sponsored by the office of health and wellness. Everyone was able to learn how to dance like a star.
Chris Hyson of the wellness center organized the event. “It is a way for students to come out and take their mind off of the stress of school and to have them engage in a relaxing activity,” Hyson said. Once a month there are stress-relieving activities lined up for students.
Authentic salsa music played as students learned some of the more basic steps of salsa. Some of the steps included the spot turn and the “Fred Astaire.” Each participant received some one-on-one time with Andre Phelps, the salsa instructor, during the partner portion of the lesson.
“I try to teach to the overall level of the students for the lesson. If some of the students have more experience I like to make the lesson more challenging,” Phelps said.
“It is always fun to try something new that you are not good at and learn something new,” freshman undecided major Paul Skulski said.
Students who attended the salsa lessons on Tuesday not only learned some salsa steps, but also had the opportunity to win door prizes. The prizes ranged from iTune gift cards but also a Best Buy gift card as the grand prize.
Senior education and fine arts major Brittany Caprice was one of the winners of the iTunes gift cards. “Salsa instruction was a fun and easy way to eliminate some of the stress that I’ve had with all of my school work piling up. It really was a lot more fun than I expected. It’s a lot harder than you would think. I have a new found respect for Dancing with the Stars.”
“It was a very enjoyable experience. I hope that it becomes a regular program” junior marketing major Ashley Benedeck said.
Buzz that there might be another lesson or two is in the works. If you are interested in more salsa lessons please contact Chris Hyson at wellness@cabrini.edu for more information.
