Street Salsa classes at Dundas Place (Credit: Culturx)
The lessons of this musical rhythm are back until the end of September. On this occasion, this popular outdoor weekly event will be held under the light canopy of Market Lane, 137 Dundas Street.
The City of London’s partnership with the Latin Passion Dance Academy brought them in 2021. Each year, the classes have shifted locations across the four blocks of Dundas Place in search of the perfect spot.
Street Salsa classes at Market Lane (Credit: Latin Passion Dance Academy)
“This year, we decided to move it to Market Lane because the road closures were happening quite a lot last year, and businesses started to tell me they weren’t benefiting from it. Market Lane offers a more intimate environment without blocking traffic,” says Ryan Craven, Manager of Core Area Programs at City of London.
The relocation has proven beneficial not only for the dance participants but also for nearby stores and entrepreneurships. “The smaller space of Market Lane with the lights creates a very nice atmosphere and the consistent basis has helped build a loyal audience over the past four years, drawing many people downtown each Friday night,” Ryan Craven adds.
Salsa classes have a positive impact. They bring life downtown and foster community pride offering entertainment accessible to all. “If we weren’t doing this, what would that space be like on a Friday night? It would be pretty quiet. People would be just walking by,” he says.
Street Salsa Class (Credit: Latin Passion Dance Academy)
“I saw last night days ago the Southwestern Ontario Tourism Board promoted this event as a new thing to do in Southwestern Ontario. It potentially helps the economy of London by bringing people in from outside who might stay in a hotel or enjoy dancing,” Craven adds.
The evening begins with a formal lesson from 7:15 to 8 p.m. Attendees practice and dance until 10 p.m. The classes are offered by Latin Passion Dance Academy. Its purpose is for everyone can learn and follow this rhythm. Sometimes a live orchestra or a Disk Jockey is playing. With the continued support and feedback, the city is prepared for this season’s activations and to accommodate future growth.
