All Hail to a Salsa Goddess

Some people are born to teach. They just have the “it” quality that makes you respect them as a performer, and also make you feel inspired to learn. Christina Morrison has “it”.

When she walks onto the dance floor at Café Casablanca to teach salsa, she commands your attention, with a vibrant energy, love of dance, and makes you feel supported (even the most absolute beginner). I have seen people walk into her class unable to do “basic” (think Jennifer Grey practicing by herself on the log in Dirty Dancing) and by the end of the hour, be laughing, know how to do basic steps and spins, and feel excited to learn more. Could be why her classes are packed.

I feel so lucky to have gotten Christina as my choreographer/teacher for the Stars on Stage competition. What she has been able to do with me over the last six weeks is incredible. She makes it fun. She pushes me. And even on those days I feel a little overwhelmed, she knows just what to do and say to make me become grounded again, re-focus, and keep learning. Not everyone can do that.

Part of my confidence with the June performance is that Christina has -- over the last ten years running Salsa Caliente -- taken beginners and turned them into performers. She has a keen eye to see where you need to improve … she tailors routines to your level … and seems to find that certain place in you that just believes in the power of salsa to transform you body, mind and soul.

And the woman works HARD. Teaching a variety of salsa styles (New York style, LA style), other Latin dances (bachata, rumba), and other styles as the interest arises in our community. She teaches and performs in a top performance team, which tours internationally every year, competing amidst the world‘s top salsa dancers. She trains local teams who put on showcases in Victoria, young dancers (which helps teens build their self-esteem), and ongoing classes for the beginner, intermediate and advanced salsa students.

Her performance teams are encouraged to attend weekly social dance nights and pair up with everyone. There is no ego among her dancers, just a desire to help build the Latin dance community. They also give back to the community in myriad ways.

And I have THIS great woman teaching little ‘ol me 2-3 mornings a week from 8-9:30am. Wow. Talk about feel blessed by the Universe.

I would highly recommend checking out Christina's salsa classes: www.calientedance.com
You will have a blast!

From one young woman to another, I salute you, girl. You truly ARE a salsa goddess!!!

*That gorgeous top left photo isn't mine. Photo credit: Jim Hadley of ExperienceShoes.com*