Lost in Translation, Found in Salsa

The beginning of the semester in a new country comes with many challenges, and trying to juggle those and still participate in club activities can feel a bit overwhelming. My friends and I had gone to the Yonsei club fair held on campus at the beginning of the semester, but we were unsure if we should commit to any clubs due to the varying fees, our class schedules, and uncertainty about communication with Korean students. Due to these varying circumstances, as well as the club sign-up deadlines, many of us did not get into any campus clubs. 

However, toward the end of the semester, we accidentally joined an advanced bachata class at a dance studio in Hongdae. It was a spur-of-the-moment, after-class activity we could do together on a weekday evening. I was the most comfortable with Korean among my friends, but we still had to use a translator after realizing we had joined a class way above our level. We talked to the manager and he explained the course schedule, fees, and helped us sign up for the right courses! We even helped celebrate his birthday during one of the classes, which was fun!

While I only have experience with this Salsa club, I can still give some pointers about how it works outside of campus. However, keep in mind that many dance courses (if you even choose dance) will likely be different due to club fees, style, etc. If you choose a different class, like photography or art, for example, you may pay heavier fees due to equipment and materials.

Our class is a beginner’s 7-week class for Salsa (we will only make it about 5 weeks in), but we can attend any of the four classes taught on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday in the evenings. No prior dance experience—or even Korean—is necessary to join the beginner class, though a little language familiarity definitely helps. Each class also has different instructors, and the class lasts about an hour. Afterwards, there are social dances where you can practice with everyone, including advanced learners! I have learned more advanced techniques just dancing with them! You can also learn other styles if you stay long enough to advance to higher levels. Overall, for the classes we paid 55,000 won (about 40 USD). 

Looking back, I wish I had joined this class sooner. The instructors are fantastic, the social dances are really fun, and sometimes they have various performances by high-level dancers. I strongly encourage you to explore clubs and classes beyond campus—there’s something out there for everyone, and you never know what you might fall in love with!