Photo by Brian Walton Richard and Josie Best of the Capital Senior Center The Capital Senior Center (CSC) hosted a Salsa Social on Saturday, February 7, 2009. The event started with two different class sessions and culminated with an opportunity for the participants to show off what they had learned with a dance.

Ramon Gil, an instructor of Salsa, began the event with an advanced lesson workshop from 5- 6:30 pm. This workshop was for those who have had some experience with salsa before. During the session, the ladies were taught a variation of steps to create a shine. They were also taught a pattern combination, which included turns and a cross body lead.

After the advanced workshop ended, a beginner's lesson began at 7 pm. Ramon taught the participants the basic step, the side step, and the Cuban step. He also taught the women a right hand turn. He taught the men a right hand turn with a hand behind their back and the closed position. This session ended at 8 pm, allowing the participants five hours to show off what Ramon had taught them.

Photo by Brian Walton Instructor Ramon Gil dips Lily Fasbender at the Salsa Social One hundred seventy five people attended: all ages, members of the senior center, and students from USC's ballroom dancing club.

"The turnout was fantastic. I have been trying to work this out with the CSC for a while, and everything fell right together to be able to hold this event," Ramon said.

"Ramon is an excellent teacher. I am so excited that this was so successful," Pat Pope, a representative of CSC, said.

For more information on upcoming events, visit www.capitalseniorcenter. com or call (803)779- 1971. The Capital Senior Center prides itself on keeping older adults physically fit and socially engaged.

Salsa dancing became very hot in major metro areas in the 70s and 80s and is now found throughout the world. There are Latin bands even in China! The appeal is ageless because it's a friendly, social, and healthy activity for folks of all cultural backgrounds. — Ramon Gil

Photo by Brian Walton Andrew Grabowski and Hannah Nicol of the USC Ballroom Club Photo by Josh Cruse Pat Pope of the Capital Senior Center and Ramon Gil, salsa instructor Photo by Josh Cruse Don Jacobson and Jeanne Smith