A FORMER lawyer and professional sportsman turned salsa dance instructor is encouraging people to ‘leave your worries behind for a few hours to have some fun.’
Basil Pinnock, director of Dance2Salsa in Hazlemere, High Wycombe, has been running the Dance2Salsa dance school since 2006. Before finding a career in dance, Mr Pinnock, 60, was a full-time lawyer and professional sportsman.
The creation of the dance school stemmed from Mr Pinnock’s love for the artform.
He said he has been dancing since 2001 and said that his work with a promotional company, which toured the world and organised musical events such as reggae concerts, led to him finding a passion for salsa, Afro and Latin dancing.
Decades later, Dance2Salsa dance school has a team of around 18 people, as well as “a few hundred students,” he said.
Effect of Covid-19
After a forced change of direction during the coronavirus pandemic, when activities that required close contact with others were restricted, the dance school offered daily breakfast classes to keep locals fit.
Mr Pinnock said that while the Covid-19 lockdowns proved challenging, he repackaged the classes to be delivered online for 18 months.
Of this, Mr Pinnock said “people responded really well.
“I bump into people who I have never met and they stop me to speak to me about the breakfast class.”
He said: “We had classes on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening by Zoom which was well received.”
When asked why locals should embrace salsa dancing, Mr Pinnock explained: “It’s so important especially in our current climate, with the cost-of-living and issues around the world.
“Dance is a great vehicle for people to mix with each other, and it’s great from a social, mental health and physical health point of view.
“You can leave your worries behind for a few hours while you have fun.”
Reduced risk of heart disease
Studies have highlighted the link between dancing, a reduction in the risk of heart diseases and fat loss, more so than other activities at the same intensity such as running or swimming.
The British Heart Foundation said dancing “could protect you from heart disease” and referred to a study which looked at data from over 48,000 British people across a 12-year period.
Researchers found that dancers had a 46 per cent lower risk of cardiovascular death as compared to those who rarely or never danced.
Physical, mental and social health benefits
Filmmaker John Gubba has been dancing for over 20 years and has been attending the Dance2Salsa school for a while, and said the activity helps to “keep me sane.”
Mr Gubba explained: “Dancing is what keeps me sane to be honest because I have a high stress job.
“If I have a bad day, it doesn't matter how bad a day it has been, I can just switch off and go dancing.
“It doesn't matter how tired you are when you get there, it's like your endorphins kick in and it gives you a new sort of like, it gives you energy.
“It's kind of insane really and if you haven't done it before, you won't understand it.”
Mr Gubba, who will turn 65 this year, credits dancing for his fitness levels.
He added: “I've been dancing for over 20 years but I'm probably fitter than people half my age to be honest.
“Dancing is what has kept me in good shape.
“I'm getting too old to play football and rugby and sports like that, because you get injured.”
He said injuries aren't as likely unless you are “really bad” at dancing.
Along with the physical health benefits, Mr Gubba said the activity is a sure-fire way to build your self-confidence and puts you into social circles where you can meet people.
Upcoming events
-
Monthly salsa party Dance2Gether on Sunday, September 8, at the Bourne End Community Centre - starts at 7.15pm
-
Cross body salsa classes every Tuesday, with new beginners course starting Sunday, September 17, at the Holyport Memorial Hall in Maidenhead - starts at 8.15pm
-
Cross body salsa classes every Wednesday, with new beginners course starting Sunday, September 18, at the Hazlemere Community Centre in High Wycombe - starts at 7.30pm
The Dance2Salsa Dance Company runs weekly dance classes, private lessons and monthly parties and events from Hazlemere in High Wycombe and Maidenhead.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here