Salsa Returns To Beverly's Lynch Park This Summer

BEVERLY, MA — Salsa is coming back to Beverly's Lynch Park to help celebrate this summer's heat.

The city will present two separate "Summer Salsa in the Park" events at the park on July 13 and Aug. 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. Both events will allow participants to learn the basics of salsa or practice their moves.

Yaya Rodriguez will begin the evening with an hour of instruction followed by social dancing with DJ Frankin Condori.

Residents are invited to attend on their own or with a group. There is no experience necessary.

"Social dancing is everywhere in Latin American countries — it's such a wonderful part of the culture where music and dancing just happen no matter where you are," Katherine Shao, organizer of the event, said.

Shao said the desire to recreate that Latin American vibe on the North Shore led her to apply for a Beverly Cultural Council grant to make it happen.

"In the Boston area, one can find a variety of wonderful dance socials for salsa, bachata, tango and other Latin specialties," she said. "We just thought it would be wonderful to have something like that, but right on the ocean — imagine."

"Those with beginner status at salsa need not worry. It's the whole point of having an instructor for the first hour. After that, you get to practice the moves you learned. And with social dancing, you don't have to worry about having a partner — you simply pair up with a new person for the next song."

Those participating are encouraged to bring water and other non-alcoholic beverages. There will also be room for a picnic dinner with dancing on the shell and the surrounding lawn.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own water, non-alcoholic drinks, or picnic dinner. Dancing will take place both in the concert shell and on the lawn.

In case of rain, the event will move to the park's Carriage House.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)