There’s just something special about Friday nights. It’s a time when everyone is able to let loose, have fun, and express themselves. There’s no better place to do so than Salsa Night at Mr. Wong. All the energy bunnies out there can come to recharge their batteries and get their sexy groove on with Latin dance lovers and newcomers.
Hosted at Hilton Shenzhen Futian, Salsa Night is a come-one-come-all for dancing professionals and beginners alike. There’s always a spot saved for you every Friday night.
Each Friday evening begins with a class held by any of the many teachers who have come from Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and abroad. Salsa is the focus of the classes, but there’s plenty of room to learn Kizomba, Bachata, Reggaeton, and other Latin dances.
The class runs from 8:30-9:30 pm, and then the party really begins. Expect a mix of Latin and Dancehall music from the evening to the early morn. Take the chance to try different dances with different partners.
Marina, living in Shenzhen, commented on how she “can attend a class and learn something new. People come here to develop their skills and have fun.” She went on to share how “even if you are new to dancing, there are activities for the beginners. So, after a few weeks, you will feel more confident.”
By combining a class and a party, the Salsa Night gives that bit of structure to start the evening and gradually encourages you to relax and unwind by the time the party starts. It’s a party that goes on till 2 am, giving dancers plenty of time to chat, make new friends, and of course, dance.
Salsa Night has several instructors who are passionate about their work. One of the teachers you will find at the Salsa Night is Shenzhen’s very own Belle, a professional dancer and teacher whose passion is bringing rhythm-boosting dances (and her Salsa shoes business) to the city.
Belle is the living embodiment of “Find a job you love, and you will never work a day in your life”. Belle found “it was really fun to use the skills and moves from Salsa as a way to socialize.” Through her classes at Mr. Wong, Belle is able to “share experiences and get to know others.”
A lot of movements that seem simple can be difficult for beginners, so she has learned to be patient and understanding of her students’ point of view. It’s her passion to share her joy of Latin dancing with as many people as possible.
With the help of teachers like Belle, students are able to pick up new moves and then later try them out with friends when at a party.
The environment is important too. The Hilton Shenzhen Futian is the perfect place for the Salsa Night for a few good reasons. Mr. Wong is a well-lit and spacious spot with comfy sofas and an open dance floor for party-goers to have a good time and also relax.
Lily, a designer from Shenzhen, thinks “Mr. Wong has a beautiful and comfortable environment,” and the “Salsa Night is my favorite Salsa Party in Shenzhen.” Mr. Wong serves up some great drinks too. Jesica, another attendee attests that, “Mr. Wong is the perfect venue—good cocktails, friendly service, and a lot of space for dancing.”
Salsa Night also has a fantastic location. Situated in the heart of Futian at Gangxia North, Hilton Shenzhen Futian is easily reached by Line 2, or a bus ride away from Line 1 at Gangxia. Hailing a taxi in the wee hours of the morning is easy along Shennan Road too. So there is no fear of needing to walk too far after a long night of endorphin-releasing dancing.
Alessandro, a lover of Latin and Chinese cultures, thinks the Hilton Shenzhen Futian “is a very comfortable location. It’s in the city center, easy to reach, but not amid the chaos of other areas of the city.” He went on to share that “at the end of a long day at work, it’s nice to head to Mr. Wong with ease and have a night of fun.”
Many attendees are professional dancers living and working in the city. It’s a testament to the Salsa Night that they keep coming back week after week. Oftentimes, one can spot the pro quite easily in the crowd, leaving one awestruck and inspired to learn just how to dance as awesomely as they do. The mix of people at the party, ranging from novice to expert, provides a melting pot of ideas, styles, and technique.
Simon Fung, a freelance Salsa and Bachata instructor who has been dancing Salsa for fourteen years, shared that he enjoys “the connection with his partner in the dancing.” In Mr. Wong, he has found a good spot for his dancing needs.
Those who are not professional dancers have their own amazing experiences with the Latin flavor and keep coming back for more at Salsa Night each week. Xenia, a Hong Kong resident who works in finance, has been practicing these styles for a couple years now and said her favorite dance is Kizomba. She was “intimidated at first,” but feels “the music relaxes me and touches my soul.” Practice makes perfect, and for Xenia, she feels comfortable dancing with anyone now.
Mr. Mafan, of famed YouTube Channel, “MAFANcrew,” has a great time learning Latin dances with Latin people, and has felt, over time, the group at Mr. Wong become like a family for him. He considers the parties to be “dope,” and that the “Salsa Night must be a part of everyone’s life because it is the perfect pretext to gather with friends, have a good time, and shake your booty for a while.” He went on to share that “when people come together to dance, they do it with passion and their hearts.”
It’s a beautiful joy to be able to share that closeness with someone, whether it is a new friend or an existing partner. Dancing allows people to connect with intensely personal parts of themselves, and with others, and the Salsa Night consistently provides the space for anybody to do that.
So, come on over. Your body knows it’s time. Mr. Wong and the Salsa Night gang are waiting for you to arrive and put on your Salsa dancing shoes.
For more information contact Oswaldo on either WeChat (osloor) or phone (13380386829)
Schedule:
8:00 – 9:30 pm: Class
9:30 – 2 am: Party
Location: Mr. Wong, Hilton Shenzhen Futian, Tower B, Great China International Finance Centre, Futian, Shenzhen (深圳市福田区深南大道1003号大中华国际
