Finding Rhythm

March 1, 2021

At 29, Salmon (In School, in Society) left her job at the UN in Thailand to travel and learn to dance. The book recollects her journey, beginning in Bangkok, then going on to New York, Mexico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina. In each place, she studied and learned to dance. In Mexico, for instance, she learned the national dance--jarabe tapatio--a hat dance that mimics courting doves. In addition to in-depth descriptions of the grueling work to master each dance, she also recalls the unique flavor of each locale: the food, drink, and people. Early on, she was given wise advice: don't worry about technique; do what feels natural and comfortable. These words sustained her when things became difficult. By the time she returned to England, at 31, she was nearly penniless but rich emotionally, since, as she concludes, "I have found my rhythm." VERDICT A welcome travel memoir documenting one woman's journey of discovery and reinvention.--Susan G. Baird, formerly with Oak Lawn P.L., IL

Copyright 2021 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2021
It begins like this: Ali�nor Salmon, a UNESCO program officer based in Bangkok, Thailand, decides to leave her dream job and embark on what she calls her Bailando journey, traveling to New York, Mexico, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina to learn 18 different dances from bachata, cumbia, pachanga, and reggaeton to salsa, samba, tango, and more. What follows is a cross-cultural journey recounted here in lively, lyrical prose packed with insight and inspiration. Salmon is an enthusiastic student and shares her triumphs and failures with candor and humor. Her descriptions of each of the places she visits are colorful and compelling and make for exciting armchair travel. Though this was no mere sightseeing tour, Salmon stayed in local accommodations and sought out local dance teachers and studios. At each stop, the culmination of her visit was the creation of a video documenting her dance experience, now available for viewing on her Bailando Journey blog. Dance is an international language, and anyone interested in expanding their cultural vocabulary will enjoy this memorable memoir.

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