“I never started out to be a Salsa dancer.” Said Mio Alexander. Mio enjoyed figure skating and did jazz dancing as a way to help her figure skating. However, Mio didn`t realize as a young Matsue girl that her interest would take her to South America, Okinawa, North America and finally back to Shimane. Now that she is back, she has brought a fun and exciting dance style new to Shimane in Salsa.
When she was in Jr high school Mio was able to join a sister school in Argentina, South America. She had learned some English in school and was looking forward to the trip. However, no one was able to speak in English, only Spanish. At first, she had culture shock it was difficult for her to communicate with her host family and classmates. However, her host family was friendly and she noticed how they really enjoined hugging, physical contact (skinship), and music. This helped her learn how to communicate and connect with them through dance. While in Argentina, Mio was able to meet some second-generation Japanese people. She was able to teach them some Japanese and it helped heir want to learn more about her culture and where she grew up.
Mio`s next journey would take her to Okinawa where she studied at Okinawa International University. While, studying to be a Japanese teacher as a second language she continued to study Spanish. A classmate invited her to go dance and this was when she was introduced to Salsa. This would be important as later Mio and her husband would make Salsa their dance for their wedding.
Mio again would turn to dance, in the form of Salsa at San Diego, USA to make her feel relax and make new friends. She auditioned for a beginner class and was put in a semi-pro class. After traveling and performing in many different places in the United States, Mio has returned to Shimane.
Using Salsa, Mio would like to introduce way to have fun in a different culture. She also sees it as a way to exercise and help keep a person younger and healthier. She believes Salsa is a place to meet new people, enjoy food, drink, and a happy environment.
Classes
Izumo: Friday 7:00 ~ 8:00 / 8:30 ~ 9:30
Matuse: Beginners Class – Thursday 7:00 ~ 8:00
Contact Mio Alexander on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/saninsalsamio/