By Reyza H.

All rights reserved. You might use the materials if you wish, but it should be referred to source. ;)

Chapter 1
Norway got its taste of Latin/ afro- Caribbean rhythm/ dances like Salsa, Merengue and Cumbia in the late 70s - early 80s. The country got immigrants and refugees from Middle- and South America, mainly Chile. The first Salsa- classes were hold in Oslo the capital of Norway in the end of 80s and the beginning of 90s.

I am not talking about the Standard and Latin dances / Ballroom. I am referring to more type of street taste Salsa with typically Latino Sabor and character.

How we danced then comparing to how it is to day is not far from the early airplanes comparing to jumbo jets today. That's really truth.

I took my first Salsa lesson in fall 1994 with Alejandro Saldivar , a great salsero and a very nice guy from Chile. Our basic then was from side to side and a kick somewhere in between. (Now I understand that we broke on 1 and kicked on 4). We counted 1, 2, 3- 1,2,3. We counted the steps (not the music) from 1 to 4. This is still popular. Well, it was fun, and that was/ is all which matters. "Having Fun". I should personally thank Alejandro. I meet the great and peruses Latin dance for the first time in my life through him. And I tell you what IT CHANGED MY ENTIRE LIFE! That is the truth guys. There is some thing weird and magic about it.

Chapter 2
A great dancer named Blanco brought the Dominican style Salsa to Norway in 1995. My God this guy can move. You should have seen his foot work and Latin Sabor. A kind of sad, but Blanco loved/ loves to dance and play Salsa more than teaching it. So his unique style of salsa didn't changed much the salsa scene. He is a great salsero and is one of the best DJs in town.

Chapter 3
1996- ...
Any way, a salsa lover, salsera and a great friend of mine, Reidun Svabø made a enormous effort which changed the whole salsa scene in Norwegian Salsa history! She came with the idea of inviting her Salsa teacher "Spencer" from Spain to Oslo. She had learnt how to dance salsa from him during her studies in Spain. Any way, She, me, and another crazy Salsera named Stine came to gather and with the help of many other salsa lovers arranged a big workshop which lasted a whole week in summer 1996. The work shop was just great. You should have been there and seen those big eyes/ smiles in on peoples´ faces. Many people attended the work shop. What a joy :) Spencer was great. He counted from 1- 3 too, but without the kick. It was still from side to side. He looked amazing on the floor and everybody dreamed of dancing like him, like "Spencer".

Chapter 4
The next chapter in Norwegian Salsa history starts with Cristobal Olivares, a great guy and a dedicated dancer/ instructor who become a good friend of mine later on. Guess how! He met Reidun and then it just happened! They got married. There I lost another girl!! :) ;). His name was soon to hear all around the Salsa scene. There were then lots of classes and workshops. Every body now wanted to dance like "Cristobal". He brought "La rueda" (the Cuban version of dancing in a ring ) to Norway for real. Another evolution! Thanks Cristobal and Reidun.

Some thing happens in the end of 90´s. All of a sudden it seemed that every body wanted to learn Salsa and every body was teaching it, even me! :) Many great Cuban dancers/ instructors came to Norway during this period, and the "CUBAN SALSA" became very popular.

Many other dancers and instructors have played important roles making the magic Lain rhythm flower in Norway. I just named the main figures....

Wait, wait... That is not all....

....in 1995 a crazy salsa freak named Reyza witch is me :) bumped to some dancers while he was having fun dancing SALSA at Latin Quarter in NYC. ..... some thing seemed different to him.....

To be continued, but until then....,

Get on the floor and have fun!!!