An impressive dancing performance took place at the Km 4 Restaurant on Sunday night, staged by the Somsouk Dancing Studio to introduce the salsa to Vientiane.

The event was attended by more than 120 dancers, and led by Ms Somsouk Phichit, the instructor of the studio in Naxay village, Xaysettha district.

“The objective in organising this event was to show off the skills we've learnt at the studio. It was something we wanted to do to celebrate International Women's Day recently, but had to postpone, because at the time most of us were very busy,” said Ms Somsouk.

During the event many styles of dancing were on display, including international genres such as the cha-cha, the rumba, the samba, the tango and the classical waltz, as well as more modern rock and disco. Traditional Lao dances like the lamvong, lampern, lamtangwai, lamsalavan, taloung, and mayong were also enjoyed.

“The newest form that is popular with our dancers is the salsa , which is a fusion of informal dance styles, having its roots in the Caribbean and Latin America; this form of dance is now becoming well known in many parts of Asia ,” she said.

“Another similar dance is the Cuban rumba, which people are now become interested in, and are coming to my studio to learn the correct moves.”

Ms Somsouk, 53, has been inspired to dance since she was a child, but was never able to receive formal instruction. But she was encouraged by her mother to follow her passion and taught herself by watching others and more recently learning from videos and the Internet.

She has been head instructor at her studio for more than seven years, and she's already taught many hundreds of people how to dance in both traditional and international styles. Now many people attend her daily dance classes, because of the flexibility in the lesson times and the sense of community she has built up.

Besides that, early every morning, she instructs an aerobics class at the Hor Kang Pavilion, the Chinese open-air theatre near the Mekong riverbank. On weekends, Ms Somsouk is also often busy teaching extra classes, especially for those who are preparing to attend formal occasions, such as couples who are getting married.

By PHOONSAB THEVONGSA
Vientianetimes