Salsa your way to fitness

GEORGIA: The lights are dim, the music is pulsing and couples are circling the dance floor in elaborate, revealing costumes.

It’s not Dancing with the Stars, but rather the grand finale performance of the Atlanta Salsa Congress at the Waverly Renaissance Hotel ballroom. On a recent weekend, the events included everything from beginner salsa lessons to choreographed group recitals.

Carolyn Parera, 40, is at the centre of the action, twisting and twirling around the room. “Dancing is my passion,” Parera declares. “I will dance until the day I die.” In addition to the emotional lift, Parera has found surprising health benefits from the regular activity.

“As time went along I started losing weight,”says Parera In fact she has dropped 100 pounds since she began. She also lowered her cholesterol and blood pressure and reduced her reliance on an asthma inhaler.

Parera was among more than 1,200 people participating in the recent dance congress, organised by salsa instructor Sheila Sampath. She says salsa dancing is more popular than ever, counting more than 50 instructors in Atlanta alone.

Sampath is gratified to hear that salsa dancing is affecting people in positive ways. “It’s good for the mind and soul.” Sampath says dancing helps to improve relationships as well. “I’ve had several students tell me it has saved their marriages or they’ve stopped the need to see a therapist.”