Lola: Dance instructor in Seminyak Bali

Exploring one of the back roads in Seminyak yesterday, I wandered into thE sunseT (not a typo). This bar, restaurant is set back from the quiet lane, at Jl. Sari Dewi, and you almost have to know about it before you go. Chatting with one of the staff, I learned that thE Sunset is a center for dance, with daily classes. Lola, from Jakarta sat next to me and we chatted about her work. Excelling in traditional Indonesian dance, she moved to Mexico to teach several years ago. A friend took her to a merengue club and she was immediately captivated. Back in Indonesia, Lola teaches merengue, salsa and other dance styles. “When I was young, my mother wanted me to play the piano, but I was not good at all. After trying to sing and play the guitar, my mother told me to concentrate on the dancing.” she said. Lola told me she has to dance everyday, or something is missing.

We joked that some people like myself, do not move easily. Lola said that Latin people move with their whole body, using their hips. Many westerners have one move which often doesn’t include the hips. “You can teach people, but natural talent comes into it.” she said. Tuesday evening at 7pm is the time for the tango class, which Lola said was very popular with Germans. Whatever, at least they’re getting out and doing it, which is more than I am.

Prices for dance classes are 50,000rp per person. The schedule is as follows:

•Monday – 5pm Bebop, 7pm Latin
•Tuesday – 8.30am Yoga, 5pm Salsa, Pracitca Tango
•Wednesday – 2pm Salsa, 4pm Free Latin dance class for kids
•Thursday – 8.30am Yoga, 4pm Hip hop
•Friday – 4pm Free dance class for kids
•Saturday – 5pm Salsa, 6pm Free Latin dance class for adults

There is no need to wear special clothing or footwear, just something comfortable.

thE sunseT
Jl. Sari Dewi #17
Seminyak
Bali
(0361)736749