Latin Salsa @ Friends Life

Since the demise of Salsateca’s Friday evening class at Bourne Hall, my salsa friend Hilary and I have been trying to find a replacement. We have travelled far and wide in our quest and have found some nice places but nowhere to match the Bourne Hall class.
Until now…
Gio Papas from Latin Salsa teaches salsa, bachata, rueda and kizomba at different venues throughout Surrey and also organises special parties and events.
On Wednesdays, he and Renato teach 4 levels of salsa at the Friends Life social club in Dorking (next to Denbies roundabout). You don’t have to be a member of Friends Life to come and dance.
Hilary and I were immediately struck by how friendly Gio and Renato were in welcoming us and the other dancers are also a great bunch of people and we’ve already made good friends in the short time that we’ve been dancing here.
The beginners and improvers are taught at 8 – 9 and the intermediate and advanced classes are from 9 – 10 with the freestyle club going on until 11pm to practise. The level of instruction is good and we’re enjoying the teaching.
It costs £8 for one class and £11 for 2, which is about average for salsa in the UK. The drinks at the bar are cheap
I’ve also been to 2 of Gio’s parties — a salsa party in Guildford and a bachata & rueda workshop with Malaysian meal. Both were great fun.
Hilary and I are so happy to have found this class and it has really invigorated our love of dancing. 1 2 3 5 6 7 !