Hidden Gems: Meet Amanda N. Ewing of Salsa SOUL

Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda N. Ewing, Founder – Salsa Soul Nashville

Hi Amanda, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The earliest memories of dance joy I have are of learning choreography with my big brother to the latest Michael Jackson videos in our living room. I was not taller than the television on our floor. One way or another, dance has always been a part of my life, and there is no doubt in my mind that it always will be.

Growing into adolescence, I discovered a sport that combined acrobatics and dance. It was as if I had struck gold! Gymnastics was her name, and it was love at first sight. What made my heart flutter, even more, was a gymnast named Dominique Dawes, aka Awesome Dawsome. It was impossible for me to miss her because she looked so much like me.

Dominique Dawes became the first African-American gymnast to win an individual event medal at the 1996 Olympics. The three-time Olympian now runs an academy dedicated to empowering young gymnasts. After seeing her, and therefore being represented in the sport, I began begging my parents to enroll me in a gymnastics program. It was gymnastics that led me to ballet, whose requirements for balance, strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, dedication, and endurance were almost identical.

I trained for many, many years before the cost of becoming an Olympic gymnast (my childhood dream) was too much of a financial burden for my parents to bear. Quite abruptly, I stopped going to gymnastics classes and dancing.

In the years that followed, dance took a backseat to life. First came love, marriage, college, and baby carriage number 1, then number 2, and then lucky number 3! School activities, extracurricular activities, playdates, birthday parties, toddler ’tudes, and everything else filled my days. With gratitude for the life I was living, I knew there was more I wanted for myself alone.

For a while, I simmered in sameness until I stumbled upon Dancing with the Stars. A popular TV series in which celebrities perform choreographed dance routines that are judged by a panel of renowned ballroom experts and sometimes other celebrities. The sparkling mirror ball, the glitz, glamor, the fancy routines, and the amazing professional dancers were the electric shocks I needed to revive and renew my dance spirit.

My memories of that night are vivid, despite the fact that it was over six years ago. It was my first time experiencing Latin Night! By this time I’d watched DWTS for at least 2 years. I’ve enjoyed many of their themed nights such as TV Night, Halloween Night, Most Memorable Year Night, Country Weeks, and fan favorite Disney Night. An announcer revealed the dance style of some of my favorite couples as they prepared to perform, and one style was named “Salsa.” It’s interesting that I don’t recall Latin Night in previous seasons. What was also new to me was the term “salsa” in the context of music and dance. I am hesitant to disclose this truth, but I wondered how salsa, the food might be incorporated into a dance. Bizarre, I thought.

A short commercial break later, I watched Ryan Lochte and one of my favorite pros, Cheryl Burke, dance Salsa to “La Negra Tiene Tumbao” by Celia Cruz. It should be noted that food did not appear on the dance floor. It was awe-inspiring witnessing the turns, dips, and tricks they performed. There was something about salsa that captivated me, and I instantly wondered if there was a studio in Nashville that offered lessons.

That night, I began my search. My Google searches for “salsa dancing,” “salsa dance lessons,” and “Latin dancing in Nashville” led me to Kendra and David Lucas of Lucas Latin Dance Company, which at that time taught group salsa and bachata classes. I psyched myself up to attend the very next class, as I was ready to experience the joys of dancing again.

The first day of class is now a blur in my memory. Despite my inability to recall much about that day, I remember vividly how I felt in the months that followed. A feeling of elation. A feeling that transcends ordinary happiness. A sensation so exhilarating that it rises, expands, and consumes. It was everything I knew I needed, and so much more than I could have imagined.

My dancing has been consistent for six years now and includes West African, Afro-Cuban, Semba, Ballet, Contemporary, Tap, and of course Latin dances such as Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, and more. My return to dance transformed my life in a thousand ways, and I didn’t see an end until it was right before my eyes.

I can’t remember if there had been rumors surrounding my teachers’ retirement or moving away, when the announcement was made, my jaw dropped. In 2020, my instructors Kendra and David decided it was time to live their most extraordinary lives, quit their day jobs, and travel the world for two years. It was difficult for me to think of anything except myself as the classes I loved so much were now being ripped away from the depths of my now broken heart. I know, it’s dramatic. Now, what do I do? I thought to myself. Even though Nashville is home to many talented instructors, Lucas Latin Dance was always my first choice for classes, and the dance school I called home.

Although I have experience teaching in other capacities, I’d never considered teaching dance until David and Kendra’s mic-drop exit stage left moment. As much as I didn’t want the classes to end, I had doubts about my ability to continue them successfully. As the torch was ultimately passed, I embraced it with fear. I mention fear because I find it to be a great teacher. Fear signals that we are expanding our comfort zone. We are learning new skills and tackling new challenges by doing something unfamiliar. Our discomfort is just a sign we are growing, and once we move through it, we will emerge as a more evolved version of ourselves.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It is not uncommon for the road to success to be under construction. I began teaching salsa and bachata classes in February 2020, and in March, the city was in quarantine due to the pandemic. The focus during that time was to keep me and my family safe. In parallel with the rest of the world, I paused, and the dance floors and studios were closed for half a year.

The world slowly reopened, and my passion for teaching remained strong, so I began classes again in July of 2021. As a solo teacher, it was challenging. It is a delight for me to partner with like-minded individuals and work together synergistically toward the same goals. It’s also beneficial for gaining momentum and filling in the gaps in one’s creative process. Most importantly, working with others reduces the feeling of isolation and disconnection. An opportunity eventually arose to train a teacher within a short period of time. I was not actively looking, but I’d already planted the seed within the Universe for the best co-teacher for Salsa Soul Nashville, and It delivered with Noè Monsivais.

Noé started dancing in 2008. With his passion growing, he began taking salsa and bachata workshops at various congresses across the country and in his hometown. During class, I had no idea Noè was interested in teaching, but I noticed he was an experienced dancer right away. Frequently, I asked him to assist me when I was teaching a lesson. As a result, his presence in class became increasingly noticeable and appreciated. A short time later, he requested to begin the process of becoming a Salsa Soul teacher. It was an instant yes for me! In fact, it turned out to be one of the best choices I made that year. I consider Noè to be one of the most reliable people I know. It always amazes me how consistently he shows up. In addition to being a great encourager, he also makes everyone feel included, seen, and important.

With the addition of Jan Carter Stumbo, Salsa Soul Nashville continues to grow gracefully. Jan has been teaching dance professionally for over 30 years. She’s trained in classical ballet, jazz, musical theater, modern dance, and other disciplines as well. My first impression of her was that she was no stranger to the dance floor from the moment she took her first turn. This inspirational lady shows us how to carry our Fabulousness into our 50s! She is indeed fly! Among my favorite things about Jan is her infectious personality, which has a positive effect on everyone around her. If you are fortunate enough to meet her, you will find happiness in her presence.

My sincere gratitude goes out to them for lending their talents to spreading the joy of dance around Nashville and beyond.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Salsa SOUL Nashville?
Among the city’s most popular places to learn salsa, bachata, and merengue is Salsa SOUL Nashville! We offer dance classes in a fun, friendly, encouraging, and comfortable environment near downtown Nashville. No matter what your goal is, dance classes are a great way to meet new people, improve health, and gain or increase confidence on the dance floor and beyond.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The act of dancing, in my opinion, is movement therapy. Dancing is a way for people to modify and elevate their emotional state. Often, people dance to feel joy and happiness, to relieve stress, and to soothe. The exploration movement can evoke novel perceptions and feelings allowing one to go deeper. In certain situations, it may also help open one’s eyes to more possibilities while enhancing the understanding of self.

The need for dance will remain because it offers the opportunity to heal, and healing is possible in every moment of movement. We become lighter, our minds sharper, and our spirits lifted as a result. It is always possible to inspire others to heal since we are always in the process of healing ourselves. By operating from a place of love and light, we can inspire others to do the same.

Pricing:

• Group Salsa Classes – $15
• Group Bachata Classes – $15
• Private Instruction – Email [email protected]
• Special Events – Email [email protected]
• Weddings – Email [email protected]

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salsasoulnashville/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salsasoulnashville

Image Credits
Brogen Davis Photography