“Everyone keeps saying that nothing happens in Kolkata, but I want to fight this idea. Along with my studio, I have taken a little bit of ownership to do something here… I love it that Kolkata has the spirit to dance Latin styles such as salsa, bachata and kizomba. Hot Latin Thursday (HLT) is proof of that. It has been going strong for 10 years now!” said Hitesh Teckchandani, also known as ‘Salsawala’, who started HLT in 2014. On May 16, HLT completed a decade of setting the floor on fire with a party at Effingut, Park Street
All images by Amit Pramanik
The celebrations got underway with a merengue workshop for everyone present, with Hitesh advising: “Don’t grip, just vibe with your partners”. Two concentric circles formed on the dance floor — while the outer circle remained in its position, the inner circle kept moving clockwise after finishing every sequence. A lively crowd filled the space, most of them being regulars who usually make it to every HLT
Attendees from all age groups — both dancers and non-dancers — grooved in pairs to the syncopated rhythms of Latin music. Attention goes into making HLT a safe space to explore a social dance style, and to include everyone in the community who has been bold enough to step up. Shibansu Ghosh (in picture), who came to HLT for the first time, said: “Even though I don’t really do salsa, I love dancing and surely want to come back here again.”
Another energetic face in the crowd was that of Swasti Shah (in picture), a designer who attended the event wearing her own label. “I live in New Town, but I still came all the way to Park Street because it’s just so good! Once you’re here, you don’t want to leave this space. This is why I keep coming to HLT,” said Swasti
“The first time I came to HLT, it was a party of a different level. It was on Ashtami and a Durga Puja-themed party. Everybody was in traditional ethnic wear, looking so good and dancing their hearts out to Latin beats! There has been no looking back since,” said Priyam Bose (right), who joined Hitesh on the HLT journey eight years ago, with the two getting married during the Covid-19 lockdown
