150 people showed up at Sonora, an entertainment business based in Calgary that puts on a social Latin dance every second Sunday at Olives restaurant. This past Sunday people showed up to warm their bodies by dancing to Sonora's beats.
Husband and wife, Janet and Paul Moon, share some moves on the dance floor at Sonora. Sonora fosters an open environment for those who are interested in salsa social dancing.
"Social dancing is my internal world, self-expression, way to recharge my battery, way to communicate with other people in musical language and also to be your true self without limits," said Maria Saparova, who frequents Sonora every second Sunday.
Paul Moon, an experienced dancer who visits Sonora, spins Audrey Gaussiran during a salsa song.
Besides dancing there is always room for a glass of wine and a quick chat. From left to right Janet Moon, Melissa Posadas and David Erne.
Sonora was created by Maria Perez, a local salsa instructor, to help fill the gap for an open social dancing night. Dahx Cazorla and Jun Tan smile and dance while enjoying the variety of music.
If you are not a seasoned dancer, don't be afraid. Many beginners from all cultures come and try out the dance. Queena Ting and Hiral Bhatt express themselves to the music and the beats the night offered.
A partner connection is so important while social dancing. Melissa and Max Posadas establishing eye connection to define what the next steps are.
Salsa ladies hanging on one side of the venue and waiting for the next song to go back dancing. From left to right Fabiola Filippin, Hilda Guardado, Andrea Agudelo and Anar Todrol.
Salsa instructors and professional dancers, David Erne and Audrey Gaussiran, free style to a cha cha cha song (a Cuban dancing style).
Jacob Pitchon, a frequent dancer at Sonora nights, doesn't seem to mind dancing with the younger ladies that come to Sonora often.
"Sonora is my favorite place to be Sunday evenings. I love finishing off a long week by dancing salsa and being surrounded by friends with the same dancing passion," said Andrea Agudelo, who dances with salsa instructor Max Posadas.
There are many varieties of dance at Sonora. For Rick Salmon and Cayley Moffat, one of their favourite dances includes the Brazilian Zouk, a new dancing style in Calgary and the world.
Ron Santos traps Waew Nucha within his arms and then releases her into a triple spin. Tons of salsa tricks are practiced along the night.
Maria Perez and Dahx Cazorla, owners and organizers of Sonora Sundays, are in charge of choosing a variety of music to entertain their crowd.
David Erne preps Sarita Parks for a double spin during a fast paced salsa beat.
Max and Melissa Posadas share an intricate routine on Sonora's dance floor.
Lifts, spins, hips and dips are some traits that define Latin dance. Kara Chomistek dips down at the end of the song.
