Being able to dance brings Mexico much closer!

 A Mexican instructor and I, Iwasaki, will guide you attentively in a one-on-one setting!

 

👆Cumbia

👆Salsa cubana (Cuban salsa)

 

Can you really say you’ve been to Mexico if you haven’t danced Salsa?!

👆Even Akiko, who came all the way from Japan, had a great time until just 2 hours before boarding the plane!

In every country and region, there are various sources of enjoyment. The definitive difference between Japan and Mexico, or Japan and Latin countries, lies in the presence of dance. While Japan does have Latin dance classes, including Salsa, it’s not something that people usually dance to in their daily lives. In Japan, karaoke is more prevalent. When meeting friends or going to drinking parties, many people head to karaoke boxes, which are enclosed spaces. The Japanese style Karaoke box does exist in Mexico as well, but it is typically done in front of a large audience. However, what surpasses karaoke as a social gathering in Mexico is dance. Dancing is a common sight in Mexico starting from Thursday, and of course, on Friday nights, Saturdays, and Sundays, at bars, parties, and other events.

Latin dance comes in various styles: Salsa, Cumbia, Bachata, and in Mexico, there’s also Banda. Salsa is the most famous, loved by people all around the world. However, the way Salsa is danced can vary depending on the country or region. The style of Salsa commonly danced in Japan is known as “Salsa en Linea” in Mexico. By the way, the dance style I’m performing in the video is Cuban-style Salsa, known as “Salsa Cubana.” In Colombia, it’s called “Salsa Colombiana.” Another popular dance in Mexico is Cumbia, which is also enjoyed in Cuba, Colombia, and other countries. If you want to enjoy a Mexican party, just learn some Cumbia steps, and you’ll be all set (laughs). Interestingly, Cumbia steps can also be danced to Salsa music, making it a convenient skill to have.

 

Dancing for the sake of enjoying oneself, not for showing others!

👆At the party, regardless of whether one is good or bad at dancing, everyone takes turns and dances their hearts out! (laughs) This is the scene during our wedding’s dance time.

Well, it’s called “dance time,” but it’s more like 80% of the entire event! (wry smile)

It seems that there are many Salsa classes in Japan, and there are likely many people who have already learned Salsa or other dances. On the other hand, there may be those who have never tried dancing, often citing reasons like “being bad at it” or “feeling embarrassed.” One thing I’ve noticed is that many Japanese people tend to dance for the purpose of “showing off.” Even if they learn the steps in dance classes, there seems to be a tendency to prioritize dancing beautifully as a group, lacking individuality. While that’s not a bad thing, let’s not forget that the essence of dance is to “enjoy it for oneself.”

To achieve that, the first step is to stop worrying about what others think.

In Mexico, there are many dance halls, and not everyone is a “skilled” dancer. Even in the homeland of Latin dances like Salsa and Cumbia, you’ll find people who can’t dance well or simply dislike dancing. Just like how Japanese people go to karaoke without worrying about their singing skills, Mexicans enjoy dancing with their friends at dance halls without concerning themselves with being “good” or “bad.” This is the Latin way of socializing in Mexico. On the other hand, when foreigners in Mexico can dance even a little, they are praised for it! (laughs)

The goal is not to dance perfectly, beautifully, or without any mistakes. What the dance halls in Mexico make you feel is the essential way of enjoying dance. Once you learn a few simple steps and a couple of turns, be sure to join a Mexican night! (laughs) You’ll definitely get addicted to it!

 

If you can do it even a little, put it into practice at the dance salon!

👆The dance salon (dance hall) that I often visit is a place for “ordinary people”.

In Mexico, dance halls are referred to as “Salón de baile” (Dance Salon).

The steps and turns you learned in the authentic setting of Mexico are not something to keep hidden. They become truly enjoyable when put into practice! Of course, it’s fun to dance at home with your spouse or family, but since you’re in Mexico, why not try your learned steps and turns among the locals, mingling with them in the dance hall?

While it’s called a dance hall, it doesn’t mean that everyone there is a professional dancer. It’s more like a place where drinking and dancing come together, a social gathering spot. The music is usually played live, with various bands taking turns to perform lively tunes. If it’s your birthday, you can even request a song! (laughs)

Whether you enjoy a beer or Tequila, sipping your favorite drink while swaying to the rhythms of Salsa and Cumbia is an excellent way to go. But it’s perfectly fine if you don’t drink alcohol at all. Just feel the rhythm, and the steps and turns will naturally flow out of you.

 

Of course, even at the guide school gathering, we danced! (laughs) The lady in front is French,

and I am Japanese, while everyone else is Mexican, hailing from different regions across Mexico. Nationality and place of origin don’t matter at all!

First and foremost, don’t worry about difficult steps or turns. Start by listening to various songs and getting the rhythm into your body. As you listen to different songs, you’ll naturally find ones you enjoy.

Once you have a sense of rhythm, use YouTube to watch and repeatedly imagine the dances of skilled dancers, the “experts.” Again, don’t focus on memorizing difficult steps like in dance classes. Instead, feel the excitement and say, “Wow, that looks cool!” This is what we call visualization training.

By reaching this point, you’ll find it easier to grasp the feel of dancing in a Mexican dance class.

The speed of acquiring dance skills varies from person to person. However, don’t forget that the purpose of dancing is to “enjoy yourself.” When you have fun, your partner will enjoy it too. Even if someone is skilled at dancing, if they dance rigidly without enjoying themselves, it becomes less enjoyable for their partner. It’s best to find the right balance and adjust to your partner’s level of enjoyment.

I understand that for beginners, it can be frustrating not being able to do certain steps. I felt the same way when I started. However, the joy you experience when you finally succeed after struggling is incomparable. The most important thing is to go at your own pace and find enjoyment in what you’re doing.

Dance lessons with a Mexican instructor are available, 
and you will be required to pay the fee per hour (usually on an hourly basis). 
You can choose the lesson duration according to your preference. 
While individual differences exist, in my personal opinion, 
2 hours may feel a bit short. The lessons will be conducted by a Mexican instructor, 
but there's no need to worry as I will provide support in Japanese.

 

Just like our regular plan, our all-inclusive fixed-rate fee allows you to travel to any number of places within the designated time without any additional charges. From consultation on your Mexico trip to sightseeing and emergency support, you can enjoy our services consistently. For more details, please see our Service and Pricing page (link provided). Of course, multiple individuals can also take advantage of our services (up to 4 adults in the vehicle due to space limitations, and an additional 2 individuals if they are under 150 cm in height). This will also reduce the cost per person.

Mexico is five times larger than Japan, which means the distances between tourist destinations are considerable. Although there may be a slight additional charge, by combining regional pickup and/or drop-off services, you can explore Mexico more efficiently and deeply, making your trip even more enjoyable.

For those who are concerned about the cost when traveling alone, we also offer the option of “Ridesharing” with other solo travelers. For more information, please refer to the provided link.

キオテのライドシェア

 

こんな方々におススメです！

もちろん、上記の方々以外の方でも大歓迎です！