Grooving the Latin way

The lively rhythm of different forms of Latin dance - Cha-cha-cha, Tango, Salsa, Rumba, Samba, Mambo, Lambada, Merengue - can brighten up anyone's mood. To help the people of Dhaka appreciate the dance form, 3rd Space has introduced Latin dance classes.

3rd Space is a community platform in Dhanmondi, where individuals gather to nurture their creative interests. Every Friday and Monday nights, energetic Latin music surrounds the atmosphere of the place.

"I want people to relax and just have fun," says Shafrina Khatun, one of the co-owners of 3rd Space. There are also sessions for kids titled 'Happy Feet', which usually take place on Friday mornings.

The instructor of these classes is a self-taught Latin dancer named Yeasmin Akter Shobhaa. She believes that there are a lot of people who are interested in these sorts of dance forms. "We are creating more opportunities for people who want to try out new things," says Shobhaa.

The response to these Latin dance classes has been widely positive. “I have had students of all ages. It feels great to see people taking it as a form of stress relief,” adds Shobhaa.

Apart from the regular classes, 3rd Space hopes to organise 'Latin Dance Night' once a month, which will be open for all through registration.