Summer’s here and the time is right for dancing in the street! Literally! There are 10 months of the year (9 if we’re lucky with the weather, which seems not to be the case this year) when, certainly, patronize the clubs, the socials, and the parties. But summertime is the opportunity for we dwellers of the North to come out of our igloos and experience Latin dancing in its natural environment—the warm breeze of the outdoors.
There are several opportunities that summer in the GTA offers. First up on the weekend of July 8 and 9 is the 12th annual Salsa on St. Clair. This two-day festival closes St. Clair from Christie Street to Winona and hosts multiple bands and salsa schools (although not Salsaholics Anonymous) among multiple stages. The main stage shows provide an opportunity to hear orchestras that are often challenging to catch and the entire weekend’s entertainment is free. And, there is lots of Latino-inspired cuisine to help keep up your strength.
The following weekend, on July 15, there is the annual Salsa beach party on Wasaga Beach. In keeping with the diversity of Latin dancing, this year, it will be equally featuring Bachata and Kizomba styles. (This one isn’t free.)
And, of course, there is our very own Sidewalk Salsa, every Thursday evening after our class, beginning at 9:15 and running to about 11:30. Sidewalk Salsa is now in its 12th season playing Salsa, Bachata, and Merengue in the parkette at the south-east corner of Bloor and Spadina. Not only are we able to enjoy the warm summer evenings. Unlike any other venue in the city – indoors or outdoors – Sidewalk Salsa creates a regular public happening that introduces people to these wonderful dances, welcomes newcomers to Toronto through dance, and shares the joy of this music and movement with dancers and non-dancers alike.
Fall is just around the corner, and the memories of cold and snow haven’t entirely faded. Now is the time to take advantage of the great summer weather (fingers crossed!) and come dance in the street, on the beach, and on the sidewalk!
See you on the dance floor and on the Sidewalk!