By Luke Voogt
Hamlyn Height’s Sonja Sanderson has a 15-year-long addiction: Salsa dancing.
“I’m addicted I confess,” said the president of Club La Vida Salsa Geelong.
“If it resonates with you just become consumed by it.”
Sonja has long loved the freedom and expression of the “saucy” dance.
“In our day-to-day lives we are very ordered and controlled,” she said.
“But when we are dancing we can just let go of that and express ourselves.”
Club La Vida Salsa dances to “earthy and grounded” moves of Cuban Salsa, which grew from the country’s African migrant community.
“It’s so interesting because this is a culture of people who were quite downtrodden and had a difficult life,” Sonja said.
“Dancing was their one salvation and joy.”
The club’s 40 salsa enthusiasts were always searching for more members, Sonja said.
“It’s not for everyone but if they love it they just can’t get enough of it.”
The best part of the club – apart from the dancing – was its friendly vibe, she said.
“Women can go there by themselves and feel safe,” she said.
Next month the club will return to the waterfront for “Geelong’s biggest live Latin dance event” – the third annual Salsa by the Bay.
Sonja said the event attracts an eclectic audience from Geelong and Melbourne, including dance students and Latin American expats.
Eight-piece band Carlito’s Way will return to Geelong bringing their Cuban rhythms and performing music reminiscent of The Buena Vista Social Club.
DJ artist Mick Williams, direct from Melbourne’s salsa club scene, will play Latin hits between sets.
Sonja said more than 200 people attended each of the last two events.
“We’ve had fantastic support the last two years for this event,” she said.
She said the club welcomed people to practice beforehand at salsa sessions each Monday night.
Salsa by the Bay starts at 7.30pm on 5 November at Waterfront Kitchen, Deakin University Waterfront Campus.
To book tickets visit www.trybooking.com/229746. To find out more about Club La Vida Salsa Geelong’s weekly sessions, phone 0411 730 430 or visit www.facebook.com/lavidasalsageelong
