Burn up the dance floor with the sensual moves of Cuban Salsa that you can pick up Wednesday nights at Salsa By The Sea with Christopher Hazelman at Sails in Mulinuu.

Mr. Hazelman, 23, first learned Salsa about 10 years ago when he was a Year 9 student at Faatuatua Christian College. He took up dance with his older brother Gary Hazelman.

They learned from Vernon Tallon  who traveled to Samoa from New Zealand and opened a screen printing business in Samoa.

“I first started dancing when I was in Year 9. That was 10 years ago. That is when I first started dancing when I was at Faatuatua Christian College. That’s the reason I got in because my brother didn’t want to go by himself,” said the younger Mr. Hazelman.

“There was a palagi guy who came from New Zealand…when he moved back to New Zealand Salsa sort of started to died down and so now we are trying to start it back up again.”

He noted that things have been difficult for Sails lately what with the restaurant, a popular spot for visitors, having to adapt to State of Emergency (S.O.E.) restrictions and closed borders.

“It’s been really hard for Sails lately and also the initiative is to get Salsa back and get people to come to Sails. It’s something relatively new and different and it seemed like a great idea,” said Mr. Hazelman.

He also teaches Bachata and Guera or group style Salsa. 

Salsa By The Sea held its first session on Wednesday night. 

“It was a good turnout. I had about three couples…they all seemed to enjoy it and they did say they are coming back next week,” said Mr. Hazelman.

 “It was good first session. It was actually really fun. It was great to be dancing again. I haven’t danced in a long while. Samoans are really quick learners. It was great and I can confidently say that they enjoyed it just as much I did.”

Salsa sessions start at 7 p.m. and are comprised of a one-hour workshop followed by social dancing.

“We are going to try and do this as long as we can…we are offering beginner classes for now just to get the word out there. Eventually we are going to get into intermediate classes and advanced. Everyone is invited. It’s not that hard of a dance, it’s hella fun and it’s free for now,” said the Salsa instructor.

Being Salsa savvy won't just get you noticed on the dance floor, 30 minutes of Salsa dancing makes for a great cardio workout.

For more information, contact Christopher Hazelman at (685) 761-7349.