Salsa Night at Kings Kraal

I am going to touch on too many topics today, but first and foremost, welcome back besties!

I must live under a rock... because it's not until recently that I found out about Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba as a social concept (SBK if you're not new to this). What can I say? *shrug* you learn something new every day.

As a lady with two left feet, it has been an adjustment but I believe in humble beginnings. One month in and it's starting to make sense haha.

BUT. But, what's fascinating is: Remember the novel I won't shut up about? Yes, the one I'm writing, the very reason for this platform, the method to the madness like I keep saying. In 2020, I drafted the first official encounter between Claire and Thomas at a Rumba bar (back to the initial point) with Rumba as a social concept this time around, happening in Lubumbashi. When you'll read it (because I know you will), you'll notice Claire wearing a satin dress with her hair tied back that night (remember this, it's important, I'm about to jump to another point).

Two weeks ago, I saw the social media ad about Salsa night at Kings Kraal and thought "well, I'm gonna have to go!" and I kidnapped one of my girl friends for the occasion (on a Thursday, I know, life is for the living). I have this satin dress that I've been dying to wear but had nowhere to go. Instinctively I picked it out for the night; it made sense to me. We put on our dancing shoes and off we went. I didn't realise the coincidence until the next day.

The night was vibrant, the crowd was friendly. All courtesy of Paciano Arleandro, the most well-dressed Kizomba instructor. But my personal highlight was the wooden easel that hid a little secret. Paciano had asked Mokgadi Tleane to perform a live painting while we danced. How often does that happen? Like I said, I do live under a bloody rock. That was exciting! She revealed her beautiful expressionist acrylic canvas once done and I unfortunately will not shut up about it either (do I ever?).

The reason this anecdote ties back to the novel is because, in some sense, could you say I was Claire for a night? Doesn't life often imitate art?

I don't know, you tell me. Remember: I promise to write back ;)

Live Painting

Long exposure photo