Piercing horns and pulsing drums. Tangled webs of inexperienced feet stomp the toes of the dancer glued to my waist like a second body. A bottle of the crisp house white provides liquid courage as I step back out on the dance floor.

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Welcome to Salsa Under the Stars at CrossKeys Vineyard.

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CrossKeys is a vineyard located about 15 minutes outside of Harrisonburg. The drive, made through a few back roads, is piece of cake. Bonus, it’s only about a $3 Uber if you split it three ways. The vineyard is open throughout the week for tasting and tours, but they sporadically dedicate one night to transforming the property into a cultural experience bursting with life. Salsa Under the Stars brings together a variety of ages, genders, cultures, and experience to both learn and experience a wide variety of salsa dancing.

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The Harrisonburg/Rockingham area is rich with diversity often hidden by the JMU bubble. Salsa Under the Stars opened my eyes to how much culture is out there to experience. Not to mention the workout I got from dancing with my hips while wearing heels. That alone was worth the price of admission. Time flew by as I spent the night dancing under the tea lights of the CrossKeys courtyard. I stopped only to refuel with pulled pork nachos and a fair priced bottle of wine.

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Going into this evening my experience with salsa was minimal if not all-together nonexistent. This didn’t stop the more experienced dancers from straightening up my noodle arms while teaching me how to find the rhythm. Intimidation was substituted for laughter. By the time the night had ended I was flipping from hip to hip on a lovely gentleman who had learned how to salsa when he was just a boy. At least 20 years my major, I can take it to the bank that he said my dancing had become passable.

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The night had a lighthearted theme with a motif of “Footloose” style relaxation. From regulars to first-timers, I can’t imagine a situation where someone would be out of place here. So, if you’re interested in attending the next event, here’s what you need to know.

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• The next Salsa Under the Stars will be at CrossKeys Thursday, Oct.13.

  • Check out their Facebook page for updated events scheduled.

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•         Buy tickets in advance for $10, or at the door.

  • I would suggest buying your tickets in advance to assure you’re not frozen out. This is a popular event. Visit the CrossKeys website  for ticketing information.

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• The event runs from 6-10:30 p.m, but you don’t have to be there at the exact start time. The lessons don’t begin until 7 p.m.

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• You do not have to be 21 to attend, but if you plan on drinking bring a valid ID.

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• Outfits range from casual to dressy. Be sure to wear something you can move in, but don’t shy away from dressing up a little bit. As a lady I enjoyed the novelty of clicking around in heels of a reasonable length (see below)

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• Prepare yourself to possibly exit your comfort zone. Dancing with strangers was a common occurrence. By nature, salsa dancing can get intimate. It’s lighthearted, but something to be wary of if you’re big on personal space.

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Perhaps you’re also interested in going into this event with a little more salsa experience than I had. For reference here are a few salsa fun facts to keep in mind.

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• Salsa itself is a broad name for a style of dance performed in a variety of ways. Each style is indicative of a different culture. To a trained eye, you can often tell where someone is from just by the way they dance the salsa. For example

  • Colombian Style is rapid with the fast and typical “cha cha” steps.

  • The Bachata is the most sensual style of salsa. Deep intimacy between partners is pretty characteristic. I had the privilege of witnessing a few couples dance the bachata. The beauty of their movements was mind blowing. Two people in essence become one. This was a hard juxtaposition from my dancing that resembled the inflatable tube men in front of car dealerships.

  • The Merengue is the most basic of the dances. If you can count 1,2 over and over you’re good to go.

  • Cuban style was another I attempted to learn. I found it tricky because one takes certain steps on off beats.

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There you have it. A crash course in salsa. Words aren’t enough to convey what a unique experience this was. I suppose to get the full and sweaty picture, you’ll just have to see for yourself Oct. 13.

 

Additional Info:

• CrossKeys Address: 6011 E Timber Ridge Rd, Mt Crawford, VA 22841

• Phone: (540) 234-0505

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