One woman’s foray into the world of salsa dancing has turned into an island-wide phenomenon, helping to bring the thrill of the dance to Havana Blue on Saturday nights.
While taking a dance class at Antilles School, UVI spokeswoman Patrice Johnson brought the idea of developing a partnership with Havana Blue restaurant to Reichhold marketing manager Karen Gutloff as a way to promote one of its upcoming events.
So along with turning the restaurant into a premier salsa hub on Saturday evenings after dinner, Reichhold headliner Ballet Hispanico was thrown into the mix, with dancers from the group being asked to judge a public dance contest that will be held at the restaurant at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, after Ballet Hispanco wraps up its performance at Reichhold.
Prizes include free tickets to an upcoming Reichhold performance.
Havana Blue — located at the Morning Star Beach Resort — plans on continuing the "Havana Nights" salsa parties after Saturday’s dance-off, Johnson said. Since the partnership started in mid-October, more and more local residents have been joining the group, helping to make salsa dancing a developing movement on the island.
Along with the dance classes at Antilles, which feature teachers such as Cynthia Gomez-Martin, Lesmore Robinson and Andy Gever, UVI students have formed their own salsa dance club, which has also been coming out on Saturdays to join in the mix, Johnson said.
"Salsa is alive and well on St. Thomas," she added. "It’s romantic, it’s artistic, it’s creative and most of all, it’s fun; so put on your best dress, your fancy shoes and come out Saturday to join in the fun."
For tickets to Ballet Hispanico, residents can call the Reichhold Center box office at 693-1559 or visit www.reichholdcenter.com. The dance parties are free and feature Latin music, salsa dancing and drink specials.
Reichhold is also hosting a 50-minute master class taught by the Ballet Hispanico dancers Friday at 6 p.m., which is open to both beginners and experienced dancers. To pre-register, call 693-1563 no later than noon Thursday.