Dear Edie,
I'm visiting your bio at http://www.Salsaweb.com/stories/edie.htm . Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I could just feel the electricity and excitement as I read. There seems to be much to offer at that website so will take me a while to get through it all. I like to explore all the links of websites of interest to me. You mentioned not knowing the difference between Salsa, Merengue, and some other dancing - well I can relate, 'cause I thought they were the same too, 'til I read your comment. So much to learn, so little time. :-)
I have questions and concerns, but I'm reluctant to mention them as they may be answered somewhere on the site. Then again, I'll just bet many would be answered by just doing, by going ahead and learning and visiting a Salsa club. I am in Northeast Ohio, a large city, would hate to think we don't have any. I believe there may be at least one in downtown Cleveland, I'll research some local newspapers and see. But, first things first, it seems lessons are the beginning.
Partnered dancing is beautiful, I love it, but I do have a concern because I don't have a "partner" for this. Also, I am a black, overweight female. These Latin women are sooo beautiful as you described in your story. I am wondering would I stand out like a sore thumb. It is so sad to go to an establishment to dance and everyone else is dancing and you're sitting there. I related to the question you received from a young man that couldn't seem to get ladies to dance with him.
Again, don't want to place the cart before the horse. I'm off to find lessons, 'cause I believe deep down in my heart, I've got the Latin beat, and would eventually be a Salsa diva - music is in my soul.
Thank you again for sharing.