Article in Times of Oman 18 June:                                              

Oman Salsa Group rocks Dubai Dance Festival

Muscat -  It wasn’t in the last century that we heard about salsa dancing coming to Oman. Today, it has become a passion that many love to indulge in and their number is increasing very fast. Four members of the Oman Salsa Group participated in the International Dance Festival in Dubai 12 & 13 June.

Thuwaini al Harthy, Irene ter Haak, Saif al Saqri and Irena Fisenko are proud that they had the opportunity to represent Oman for the first time at an international dance event.

They have been practicing very hard for a month on a choreography made by Eric Lalta (a well renowned dance choreographer) and themselves. The show was reflecting a romantic walk in the park with spinning umbrellas and a park bench.

The audience really loved the act and cheered enthusiastically at all the exciting drops and slides.
A supportive group of fellow Oman Salsa Group members went with them to encourage their salsa friends. 

Thuwaini reflects: “The Dubai International Dance Festival experience was unique, it boosted many of us forward, it made us challenge & beat ourselves. We found out that nothing was impossible”

“It was not easy going in front of thousands of spectators, who know exactly what you are doing, who know the details about Salsa. From the beats, rhythm to the music & all other technical moves that concern Salsa.” 

In the dance event put together by the Dutch Salsa Dance Squad there were also marvelous tango, cha cha, hip-hop and African dance acts from international dancers. All together they made a fantastic lively show. 

Irene ter Haak (from Holland) adds: “We have put in many hours of practice to make our moves synchronically, we added in and left out bits and pieces to have a sequence following the song as much as possible. It wasn’t always easy but to be on stage finally and to be able to represent Oman feels wonderful. I had a big smile on my face all the time.” 

The Oman Salsa Group started 5 years ago with a small number of enthusiastic people with Thuwaini al Harthy and Irene ter Haak as the dedicated promoters. They organized lessons, parties, workshops and other social gatherings that attracted people from all different nationalities in Oman. Now there are hundreds of salsa dancers in Oman. 

Thuwaini says: “We came a long way to where we stand now, with very few individuals with the passion to simply TRY and spread this lovely Latin dance across Muscat. To our surprise it was amazing how people just simply loved it. As soon as they embark into it, get addicted, you just keep going” 

Irene comments: “Unfortunately I am leaving Oman soon and this opportunity to dance with my friends and to represent our own Oman Salsa Group abroad is for me like a crown on my Oman Salsa Group period. This is a very special ending. I really hope that many of our group will follow and take part in future festivals abroad.” She is adding: “Now we have seen that with solid practice you can reach a much higher level then you would think in advance, I hope others will try it too.” 

Thuwaini: “Yes, unfortunately Irene is going back with her family to her country. We both initiated the Oman Salsa Group five years back. She will leave her memories and prints in everything we do from now onwards. 

If you like more information on the Oman Salsa Group, see pictures from the dance event and like to see where they are teaching and meeting in Muscat please go to their website: www.omansalsa.com.