Salsa Society: Performance Coordinator

Hi everyone, I'm Franz and I'd like to run for next year's performance coordinator.

It has been incredible being part of the Salsa Society, firstly as a regular member, later having the opportunity to try out for and join the bachata performance team, and then becoming the current team captain. Being surrounded by passionate individuals in the team but also from classes never ceases to inspire me!

Since taking the lead in last term’s elections, especially as a baby bachatero, it has been – and continues to be – such a rewarding experience. To witness immense growth in everyone after numerous rehearsals, enjoying the performances, and even bringing home a winning title – all under the lead of an amazing choreographer, I should add – is a huge blessing.

Now, I would like to take it further by running for performance coordinator. It would be a pleasure to continue working with teams and choreographers and continue witnessing this growth, but this time, for both salsa and bachata.

And if there’s anything to demonstrate my dedication to this, it would have to be the non-stop socials, learning both leading and following, and dancing with friends quite literally everywhere (Cardiff parks, on streets outside pubs, clubs that don’t even play latin music – you name it).

Before this year, I have not had any experience in any sort of dance, let alone bachata or salsa; the boost in confidence in myself and others is an experience that I would love to share in again one more time.

Hey everyone! I’m Yordan, and I’ve caught the salsa (and bachata and everything else) bug and can’t seem to be rid of it.

I attended my first taster session in 2021 and have been hooked ever since. While I felt stiff and every movement felt alien to me, I noticed that (almost) everyone around me also struggled. The society had created a judgement-free environment which encouraged learning. Even as I was attending beginner classes, I started looking forward to the start of the week because Monday was Bachata Monday, and Tuesday was Salsa Tuesday!

As a member of the society, I have watched it reemerge from a post-covid time to the incredibly dedicated and caring community it is now getting better every year. I figured it was my time to give back to the society that has given me so much.

That is why I am nominating myself for Performance Coordinator. I was on the Bachata team last year and it showed me the importance of performance in social dancing and the joy I derived from it. And although I am now on my year abroad, I have been preparing for taking on this role. At Cornell I have joined the local performance team, performing in my first semester, and taking on choreographing duties this term.

With your blessing, I would love to foster the incredible learning environment that I experienced when I was on the Bachata team by coordinating rehearsals, bonding sessions, socials, performances, and good vibes within our excellent teams.

P.S. Happy March!!!