Dance, Love and Valentine's Day
We’d seen each other at salsa clubs in Philly for months, and we’d even danced together a few times. But, it took a while for us to exchange names, and finally, phone numbers. Today, three years later, we’re happily married. I never expected to meet my husband salsa dancing, but as it turns out, lots of Philadelphians have found love on the dance floor.
Aside from assuring yourself a kick-ass “first dance” at your wedding, loving a dancer has a long list of perks. I’ll let some of Philly’s dancers explain…
Ally and Tyler met at the barre as youngsters. As eleven year olds tend to do, they developed crushes on each other, but said nothing. Perhaps their ballet teachers could tell, because they always paired the two together for duets. They went to high
school together, and were good friends, but never more. During college, visits to their old dance studio became excuses to see each other… and flirt. One summer, as alumni, they performed a piece together for their studio to Florence and the Machine’s “Cosmic Love.” Despite spending the whole summer together rehearsing, they still hadn’t become “official.” Finally, after Ally graduated from the University of Arts in Philly, the two became the real deal. Their love took a long, winding path, but dance was always a constant between the two. Now, Tyler is currently traveling internationally with Bad Boys of Ballet performing “Rock the Ballet.” Maintaining a long-distance relationship has its challenges, but because both Ally and Tyler are serious dancers they understand one another’s need to pursue passion through dance, even if it takes them around the world. Thanks to technology, they’re still able to talk all the time about day-to-day things, and of course, about dance.
The best thing about dating another dancer? “The massages!” Ally says definitively. “With the both of us being dancers we know how painful it can be to get sore or to cramp up” and she says only a dancer would understand how to ease the pain!
“Honestly, without dance I have no idea what our relationship would be,” said Ally. “Dancing has taught us so much about each other by the way we move, what we see through movement and how we speak about dance. We are very lucky to have dance in our lives.”
For Philadelphia dancers Angie and Jonifin, dance is just a natural extension of the love they have for all things artistic. Aside from dance, they share a deep appreciation for the creation of visual art
(including drawing, painting, photography and multimedia art), and a love for great music. They experiment by mixing dance styles with different music genres. They dance bachata to songs like the jazzy Yefikir Tizita by Mulatu Astatke, or Brazilian Zouk to songs by Active Child like Hanging on.
Angie says that her favorite part about dating a dancer is when “we are too tired at the end of the dancing night and we collapse into bed but still feel the music. We still have it running through our body and can barely muster a few body wiggles to the beat because neither of us can help but let the music move us."
As their relationship with one another grows, so does their relationship with dance. In fact, when Angie and Jonifin first crossed paths at a salsa club, Jonifin wasn’t even ready to try dancing on the salsa floor. “The night we met,” she explains, “we actually did not dance. He was new to the scene, and adorably shy. When I tried to encourage him to try, he politely refused.” Now, 6 months later, they enjoy Salsa, Salsa Rueda de Casino, Bachata, Kizomba, and Brazilian Zouk.
“We don't need fancy moves (as awesome as they are to achieve),” Angie says, “but we value the connection to the music more. We also value the culture and thrive on appreciation for diversity.”
Four more Philly couples share their stories in the video below, from the Philly's Latin Phever website. From meeting on the dance floor, to wedding dance parties, the couples discuss why dance is an integral part of their relationships. (To read more about these couples, or to check out more articles from Philly's Latin Phever click here!)
Love comes in as many forms as dance does. Love discovered on the dance floor doesn’t necessarily need to be romantic love. It can be best friend love, and I’m sure the majority of people reading this article can say “Hell yes! I found a best friend through dance!” It can be love of a movement, a song, a culture. You even can find yourself and fall in love with yourself through dance. Dance is as powerful as you allow it to be, and it has the capacity to bring amazing things, like love.
Whoever you’re loving this Valentine’s Day, Philly’s got you covered with a variety of dance floors and V-Day moves. Whether you’re going out for a romantic night with your hubby or wifey, hittin’ the town solo to find your next rockin’ dance partner, or simply heading out with the girls to tear up the dance floor, you’ll find somewhere to go in Philly! Read on, lovely dancer, read on…
What: Love at the Barnes
Described on the Barnes Foundation website as “Koresh Dance Company presents six love duets to stir your soul and ignite desire. This Valentine’s Day, Ronen Koresh’s acclaimed contemporary company brings its raw, percussive athleticism and lyrical precision to the Barnes Foundation. Giving physical expression to passion, sorrow, and promises kept and broken, Koresh digs into the truth of human connection. Take in this powerful performance while savoring free champagne and chocolate. Later, enjoy an intimate experience while strolling past your favorite masterpieces accompanied by live music.”
Where: The Barnes Foundation 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
When: Valentine’s Day, 6 PM - 9 PM
Cost: $35; members $28 (Collection and exhibition admission included)
More Info: Click here or call (215)278-7200
What: Salsa Caliente Valentine’s Day Edition
The Painted Bride website says “Singles and Couple alike are invited to come in out of the cold and heat up the dance floor during this Valentine’s Day dance party and concert. Learn salsa basics from expert instructors at Flaco, and then try out your new moves to the sounds of Adriel Gonzalez y su Orquesta on this romantic evening of live music and romance.”
Where: Painted Bride 230 Vine St.
When: Valentine’s Day, 8 PM
Cost: $20 Advance/$25 Day of, Members $14 Advance/$17.50 Day of
More Info: Click here or call (215)925-9914
What: Peek-A-Boo Review Valentine’s Day Show
The award-winning Peek-A-Boo Revue has been called "Philadelphia's best kept secret". Since the neo-burlesque cabaret show's move to World Cafe Live that secret has become harder and harder to keep. For the past 12 years, the Peek-A-Boo Revue has been entertaining enthusiastic sold out crowds with good old follies style dancing, knee slapping comedy, sultry singing, and burlesque beauties performing modern and classic striptease.
Where: World Live Cafe, 3025 Walnut Street
When: 8:30 PM
Cost: $25
More Info: Click here for more info
What: Salsa Lesson and Dancing at Brasil’s Nightclub
There’s no better way to spice up a Valentine’s Day date than heading to a salsa club. Don’t know how to salsa dance? No problema! Get there at 9:00 when doors open and enjoy a salsa lesson for beginners! You’ll be shakin it in no time. After the lesson, enjoy an open dance floor with one of Philly’s best salsa DJs, and drink specials!
Where: 112 Chestnut St.
When: Doors open at 9 PM, Lesson at 9:20, Dancing until 2 AM
Cost: $10 for Men, $5 for Ladies before 11 PM
More Info: Click here for more info
What: Ballroom Romance Workshop at Philly Dance Fitness
Philly Dance Fitness invites you to “Connect with your sweetheart on the dance floor at our two-hour Ballroom Romance workshop. In addition to basic American style rumba steps, you’ll learn a short East Coast Swing routine to end the class with a bang. We'll follow all of this with champagne and a sampling of decadent desserts prepared by one of very own students at Tasha Rae Bakery.”
Where: 1624 South St.
When: 3:30 PM
Cost: $60/couple or $35/person
More Info: Click here for more info
Happy Valentine’s Day from Philly Is Dancing!
Article written by Hannah Lorenzo.
