Come on, Baby, Wanna Dance?

Latin dance class has moms shaking their butts, 

babies shaking their rattles.

Sarah Taylor preferred the merengue, squealing with joy when the rhythmic music started up. Felix Droste definitely liked the salsa best, his smile growing as he gibbered away. Jack Parker did not discriminate -- he shook his short, chubby legs to whatever music was playing. All three were literally drooling with enthusiasm.
Baby and Mom can participate in Salsa Babies a dance program offered by Salsa Babies and Salsa Tots. “It’s a fun dance class tailored to mothers with babies who want to stay in shape and bond with baby,” said Lara Leontowich, a certified fitness instructor and owner of Salsa Babies and Salsa Tots British Columbia.
In addition to physical and developmental benefits to the babies, the psychological benefits of Salsa Babies are tremendous for new moms. The up-beat music combined with social and exercise components of the Salsa Babies class, aid tremendously in boosting spirits and helping to overcome any “baby-blues” mothers may be experiencing. As well, midwives and childbirth educators believe


that baby-wearing in general “helps relax new mothers, promotes bonding and reduces post-partum depression”. New mothers often need to find a reason to get out of the house in order to feel sane at times. Most parents do find time to engage their babies in various programs, but they also need to take care of themselves in order to feel good and be the best possible parent to their child.

The Salsa Babies dance class consists of a 45 minute class started and ended with stretching, and advanced through dances that included the Cuban salsa, Dominican bachata and merengue. The mom’s feet moved swiftly to the sensual beats as new steps are learned and the baby coo and shake their rattles to the Latin beat-- all levels of experience are welcome at Salsa Babies.

For walking toddlers Salsa Tot is the perfect fit! This 45 minutes class features original tropical songs to which toddlers learn simple actions and dance steps. Salsa Tots combines movement, song and play, all set to lively music that parents can also enjoy. Salsa Tots also includes Spanish vocabulary, thus introducing new language skills for toddlers.

Both classes are a great opportunity for moms who have always wanted to dance but could never convince their husbands to join them -- or never had the time. Since babies as young as six to eight weeks are welcome. Cultivating a love of music and dance early in life provides an excellent introduction to other healthy physical activities.

Salsa Babies and Salsa Tot classes will be starting in September at Babymoon Parenting in North Vancouver. Check back here soon for a schedule of these and many more classes at Babymoon Parenting!

 For more information or to register for a Salsa class near you please contact Lara 778-285-1550 or at www.runnersandbootiesfitness.com