Salseek

Often mistaken as husband and wife, Sheena and Cesar met at a salsa social the first week Sheena had moved to NY two years ago. They instantly became friends and built a strong level of trust with the hopes of one day opening up a dance academy together. Dance has always been a part of both Cesar and Sheena’s life. Sheena started off as a ballroom dancer in Utah, where she competed around the country and headed a professional team. Her passion for ballroom had always superseded salsa, until she became inspired by world renowned dancer Frankie Martinez and his Afro-Cuban style of dancing and body movements. As a Latino, Cesar grew up surrounded by salsa music and backyard dancing, but it wasn’t until he lived in Japan for 10 years, where the trend in salsa dancing had quickly flourished, that he started taking classes. “I had the opportunity to see some great dancers in Japan. They were an inspiration for me to come back to New York and learn the on2 style of dancing.”

After many brainstorming ideas and business plan discussions, Step Into Salsa dance studio was formed by Sheena and Cesar eight months ago. “The direction of our business is always changing and expanding,” says Sheena who designed the school’s website. “We had to figure out ways to develop a business on a tight budget.” As a new business, it’s important to do research and take advantage of free online marketing options, promotions on facebook and craigslist, as well as partnering with different groups and venues. “If you can offer a win-win situation to someone else in order to accomplish a common goal and make money, then a partnership will work out,” says Sheena.

The joint venture of Step Into Salsa has quickly become a new fixture in New York’s salsa scene. The often humorous dynamics and entertaining connection between Sheena and Cesar radiates in each of their classes and onto their students. “We want to make it fun and enjoyable for our students and create a family atmosphere. We have such loyal and excellent students, who we thank God for, and their support for us,” says Cesar.

Cesar and Sheena demonstrate the perfect balance of teaching for both male and female students - from partner work, styling to breakdown of footwork and shines. They encourage beginners to just try a class out. Even if it’s just one, it will bring you a whole new experience. “A lot of New Yorkers don’t take advantage of this incredibly fun dance culture,” says Sheena. “Salsa is a really great way to meet people and surround yourself with people from around the world who will instantly become like family,” Or you can look at salsa as simply, yet profoundly put by Cesar, “Salsa is love.”

For more information about Step Into Salsa Dance Studio and owners Sheena Larsen and Cesar Carrasco visit www.stepintosalsa.com

A special thanks to Club H (located on 34th Street, between 2nd & 3rd) for the use of their facilities and studio space. Check out Club H at www.clubhe34.com for fitness classes and membership deals.