This week was the sixth and last Beginner’s Salsa class at the museum. The class started well, just like every other class, we practiced everything we had learned so far, from the eight basic salsa moves to every turn, side ways, forward and  backwards move. 

This time, he also added one final move, one that he said was very important. I have to admit, it usually took me a while to learn new steps especially when it came to switching back to the basic steps. It was also hard to see sometimes because I wasn’t the tallest person in the class and I had to pay attention to how the teacher moved his legs.

Because this was the last class and the teacher said this was an important step, I wanted to learn how to do it correctly, but when I tried I couldn’t see and didn’t feel like I was doing what he was doing.I felt like I was either missing a step or doing an extra step.I watched what the people in front of me were doing but I still didn’t get it, so I just froze, not knowing what to do.

I was having a breakdown and I even started to think I was the problem, that this was too much for someone like me. How could someone with memory issues as bad as mine  be able to remember this? And then move at the pace of the music, with rhythm? Maybe I wasn’t meant to be taking salsa classes after a Brain Injury. 

But I wanted to do this, I wanted to learn and actually dance well. It’s about time I learned how to dance well. My mom and dad are very good dancers; maybe if I actually try, I could be almost as good. 

So when I finally found a chance, I told one of the teacher’s helpers I needed help. He took me aside and was very patient with me, slowly showing me step by step what I had to do.I realized it wasn’t that difficult, you just have to be careful with your balance. After following his instructions just like he said, it didn’t take me that long to get it. I practiced a few times and when I had it, I had to practice a few times before I felt more comfortable. 

When I joined the rest of the group, they had already formed the six lines of people to begin dancing with partners like we did in the previous classes. I was already able to focus again and keep dancing. 

I think I might sign up for the class again the next time they teach it, just to try to keep getting better. From now until then I should keep practicing, which I really haven’t done much of and that would probably help me a lot. 

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Published by mariacristinasanfeliu

I’m an aspiring writer still looking for exactly what I want to write about, with a lot of creativity, imagination and desire to write. I studied Writing and Rhetoric at Syracuse University where I explored many different sides of writing through my classes and extracurricular activities in order to narrow my search for an identity as a writer. I have written for Citrus TV Noticias and La Voz magazine, both of which gave me the chance to explore different mediums in which to write in. Through Citrus TV Noticias I also gained experience in translating from English to Spanish and vice versa, which is also something that I would be interested in working on since I am fluent in both of these languages. I was also an intern at Syracuse University Press where I got hands on experience in what goes into actually editing and publishing a book. Through out the last four years I have faced a lot of challenges, which helped chape the person I am today. After being in a tragic car accident, being in comma, having a Traumatic Brain Injury, and being in therapy for over a year, I am a new me, willing to face challenges and knowing how to deal with them. I want to write about my accident and life after it to help others, show them it can be done and help in any way I can.

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