Can I get some dip with that salsa?

Salsa Sign CMYK S.B
Photos by Sarah Baker
Salsa dancing has taken the waterfront by storm; dominated by students.
Salsa dancing has taken the waterfront by storm; dominated by students.

By Sarah Baker

Every Thursday night at 7 p.m. the Port Angeles pier is transformed into a Latin dance studio, where the talented – and patient – Paul Kelly conducts free salsa lessons for anyone in the mood to dance.

Peninsula College students have been attending in packs and dancing their hearts out into the late hours of the night. Though the classes technically end at 10 p.m. there are often dancers lingering past 11 p.m.

“It’s a very loose, relaxed, carefree atmosphere where everyone can be themselves in the company of friendly people,” Marcus DeLano, 20, said, a weekly dancer at Thursday night salsa. “The laughs and cheers echoing along the waterfront layers the time spent with amazing people… An opportunity that shouldn’t be missed!”