From my first steps inside of Ping Tom Park, it felt like I’d been whisked away to a secret garden. In the recesses of Chinatown lies a serene green space. This park is a haven of tranquility complete with a large pagoda and waterway.
The very first time I taught a salsa lesson for SummerDance in the Parks was in this very park with El Caobo, Fania Records official DJ. It was such a welcome opportunity to be back at this park a few years later. This time we had ping pong tables, food trucks , and an open dance floor.
I enjoy helping to set the vibe at events. It’s fascinating seeing new and familiar faces. Plus it’s a marvelous rush to teach crowds of people.
At this event, I was joined by some members of Desueño, my Latin Contemporary dance company.Once the lesson concluded we started dancing to El Caobo’s sweet beats. We danced under the pavilion, along the pathways, and along the canal. It was so picturesque dancing near the waterfront .
We danced until the street lights came on and the stars were visible in the night sky. It was a wonderful evening in Chicago. As it came to a close I made a mad dash for the nearest food truck. The Pork Chop sated my hunger with a pulled pork sandwich with a liberal dollop of BBQ sauce. I devoured it and was back on the dance floor in record time.
The last song of the night came with the exuberant cry of “otra, otra”. Another! Give the people more music, more time to indulge in the lush surroundings, more time to be connected through this experience. That is how we ended the night, dancing to the music.
