Introduction
This is a delightful exploration of the dance journey of Laura Conde, a wonderful salsa and bachata teacher known for her dynamic teaching style, her ability to infuse playfulness into her lessons and her role swapping in salsa and bachata. As both an experienced leader and follower, Laura brings a unique perspective to her teaching, infusing the outdated traditional roles of lead and follow with flexibility, creativity and personal preference. Listen to Laura first-hand here.
From Family Roots to Dance Flourish
Dance has always existed in Laura's life, right back to when she was tiny, with local dancing happening all around her. Despite choosing basketball sneakers over dance shoes, Laura eventually turned her hand to dancing, finding fun and freedom in dance after a personal upheaval. Her journey underscores a common theme in the dance community—how personal transformations often lead us back to our roots, strengthening our connections through rhythm and movement.
Teaching Philosophy: Equality on the Dance Floor
What sets Laura apart is her approach to teaching salsa and bachata. She emphasizes an equal dynamic between leader and follower, ensuring that both roles receive equal attention and education in her classes. This philosophy not only enriches the learning experience but also encourages dancers to explore and appreciate both aspects of dancing, regardless of traditional roles.
Laura and her partner, both in life and dance, practice what they preach. They frequently swap roles during lessons to demonstrate moves, offering a comprehensive understanding of each position. This method fosters a more inclusive and supportive learning environment, reflecting a modern dance ethos where expression and connection triumph over rigid structures.
Innovative Approaches to Social Dancing
Laura's refreshing approach is not only to be found in her teaching but also in creating social dance environments that encourage exploration and enjoyment among all participants. Her new social dance events are designed to be inclusive and are donation-based, to remove barriers for newcomers and cultivate a community that values joy and connection over skill level alone.
The Joy of Teaching and the Impact of Dance
For Laura, the greatest joy in teaching comes from seeing her students thrive. Seeing a former student of hers succeed in a recent salsa competition was a delight for Laura. But it was equally delightful for her former student to spot her first teacher present at the competition, highlighting how former students often view their first teachers as lifelong inspirations. Laura's story is a testament to the impact that passionate and dedicated teachers can have on their students, shaping not just their dance skills but also their confidence and personal growth.
Conclusion
Laura Conde’s approach to salsa and bachata transcends traditional dance teaching. Her emphasis on equality, role flexibility, and community engagement offers a beautiful perspective on what it means to be a dance teacher in today's world. As we continue to explore diverse dance stories on The Empowered Dancers Podcast, Laura's insights remind us that dance, at its core, is about connection — with the music, our partners, and our community. You can join in and watch Laura's interview here.
