Chiang Mai and its vibe (Intro to the dance!)
Still loving it here in Chiang Mai and really living it to the fullest (it's one of not many times I could say that out loud proudly as I really have been doing it) from working (less than I was at home actually), networking, joining all these fun activities from something serious like Muay Thai, Latin dance (Love it! and that's why we're getting into it in this very post!) and some other random stuff like road trips or try some herbs like mushroom shake! 😲
Anyways, all have been so much fun and I really try to take advantage of what Chiang Mai has to offer before I need to get back home and hopefully I don't get burned out so quickly just yet.
SBK Dance
Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba dance have never actually been my jam and I didn't think I would enjoy it that much until recently I gave it a try here in Chiang Mai.
Surprisingly they have such a big community of dancers here from beginners to those who're really passionate and do this like a few times a week (I'm joining this group!:D).
All are welcome of course. A few certain days of the week, there will be some beginner classes followed by social dance for people come show off their steps, exchange their moves or just socialize in general. It might not sound that much of a fun but I promise it can get really wild once you get into the rhythms.
Connect while dancing
I have formed a small group of friends with a few familiar faces I meet while dancing these past few weeks. We go dance some more or we go do some other things fun around Chiang Mai.
This might sound funny for some but feeling the same energy while dancing or connecting while dancing is real. When you partner up, swap partners, you know which ones would have the same pace, same rhythms and we would get along well (some of you think I'm crazy, don't you? #lol). You can feel how relax the persons are, how chill, how fun and all that sort of stuff, all that just from a few minutes of dancing.
Some people are so fun to dance with that I would go ask them to dance with me the second or third time in one night. The energy is real! and that's actually how I found my SB(K) besty, Theodoros from Greece! Every time I danced with the dude, you can feel the positivities, the fun, the joy.. I even asked him the first few times we danced 'Are you high?' #lol and he answered 'No, I don't smoke'..
It's unfortunate that when we started hanging out, it's already his last days in Chiang Mai so we got so little time. Good thing is, there was still time!
Salsa in the Cocoon
A lot of people prefer Bachata to Salsa as it's kind of slower and easier. Theodoros prefers Salsa as it's more fun.
During his last days in Chiang Mai, we went to this health and wellness center called the Cocoon, hidden in the middle of no where about half an hour from Chiang Mai city center. All the salt water swimming pool, herbal steam room, ice bath, and a few chill relax areas around. Most importantly, we're surrounded by nature. So green and so blue all around.
We combined a few goodnesses: Friendship, dance, and nature all in one video here and I'm so proud to present.
... I'm not even that good with Salsa yet but more like sharing the joy from it I guess!
Check it out!
For those of you who would be interested in SBK dancing when in Chiang Mai (come visit it's so fun here!)
• Kizomba class at Nimman Expats - Tuesday @6.30
• Salsa/Bachata class at Pura Vida latin bar - Wednesday @8.30 pm
• Salsa/Bachata class at Score sport bar - Friday @8 pm
• Salsa/Bachata class at 3rd floor One Nimma - Sunday @8 pm
There are a few other ones going on as well and I think best way to keep track with all these is to go to one event, get to know people and ask them what's up! Or follow these few accounts for more events.
https://www.instagram.com/jaoying_bachata/
https://www.instagram.com/bachata_thailand/
https://www.instagram.com/puravida_cigarlounge/