By Dr. Dip, Charlotte’s Salsa Ambassador
During business hours, I’m known as a tax accountant and small business advisor. After hours, I’m known as Dr. Dip. Over the past two years, I’ve become known for my patented Salsa move. My name refers to the Dip, which is a challenging dance move that requires your partner’s complete trust. Many ladies fear the Dip because of the high risk of being dropped on the floor. So I had to develop a technique to remove all the fears of the lady being dropped. When I execute my Dip, I bring the lady very close to me, simultaneously pressing our chest and thighs together (the close connection protects the lady from falling). Next, I twist my torso and squat, which allows me to cradle the lady’s head and lower her body toward the ground. After a quick gaze into her eyes, I return the lady to her feet so we can continue our dance.
So here’s the story of my first Dip (outside of dance class). After dinner at a local Cuban restaurant, we moved the table so that we could dance. I felt like I was on a mission to try out my new move. So I took a few deep breaths and built up the courage to ask Lazetta to dance. When we started dancing, I warmed up with a few basic Salsa moves. Even though Salsa dancing relies on lots of non-verbal communication, I verbally warned Lazetta that a Dip was coming. I could tell that she was a little nervous because I was still a beginner (with no previous Dip experience). After the warning, it seemed like Lazetta began to recite The Lord’s Prayer. Unfazed by Lazetta’s hesitance, I continued with my game plan. Next, I gave her the Salsa Dip signal and performed my first Dip to perfection. And Lazetta’s prayers were answered! At first, I thought she was praying for me, but later I learned that she was praying not to kill me if I dropped her.
After my first successful Dip, I became obsessed with Dipping. I developed a workout regiment to strengthen my legs so that I was prepared to Dip all Salseras (lady dancers) regardless of their height or weight. So after practicing my Dips and sticking to my workout plan, I was ready to ask Michelle (another advanced Salsera) to dance. And after several dances and multiple Dips, Michelle granted me with the name Dr. Dip. Now, I look forward to attending Salsa events and Dipping the Salsa Stars. During Charlotte’s most recent major Salsa event, my crowning achievement was Dipping a 10-time World Salsa Champion. And this is why they call me Dr. Dip.
Ready to get Dipped or learn how to Dip? Interested in learning how to dance Salsa? Come out and join us at the Free Salsa Social at Upscale Restaurant & Lounge (every 1st Tuesday of each month), Charlotte Latin Dance’s Free Salsa Social at Villa Antonio (South Blvd on Last Tuesday of each month), every Wednesday at World Dance Center, and Eric Anthony’s 2nd Saturday Social. Beginners are welcome at all of the Salsa events.
Dr. Dip is the salsa name for our finance columnist Rashad Phillips. He typically writes about ways to save money and build wealth, but he’s such a passionate salsa dancer that he writes occasional salsa columns for us. Read his salsa articles below:
Salsa Dancing: A Love Language
Charlotte’s Salsa Scene Got Me Out Of A Funk And On With Life!!
