Tamsyn Landale started her salsa career many years ago in London. Having performed, competed and danced with many of the world's leading dancers, Tamsyn still has a passion for seeing her students learn and grow to burn up the dance floors themselves. But besides dance, what else is Tamsyn all about. Let's find out as we chat to her in this edition of After Hours.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Grow up? I have no intention of ever ‘growing up’!! That said, there is one person in particular who’s characteristic traits I do aspire to have and develop in my lifetime: A man who has an amazing ability to connect and communicate with people, to make them feel totally at ease regardless of their position in life. If I had just a fraction of the rare combination of his strength, wisdom and humility along with his uncanny sense of humour (and of course awesome dancing skills!)… I’d be doing well. Who do I want to be like when I grow up? My father.
Who is Tamsyn?
I am many different things to many different people (but that doesn’t mean I'm confused). I balance the roles of friend, sister, daughter, partner, lover, teacher, student, colleague, manager… the list goes on and I'm determined it will continue to expand and develop…. Watch this space!
How did you discover Salsa and when was this?
Classes were being held in my gym (Edinburgh sometime in the 90's) - I'd known for many years there was a form of dance I wanted to take up but didn't know what it was - until I saw salsa! Been addicted ever since....
What is your current favourite Salsa song?
Way too many to list here but included are: Blue Mambo (Charles Fox) / a Bryan Keys track - cant remember the name but it's 4.39 mins long!
Tell us something about yourself that not many people might know.
I don't have a gallbladder.
Do you wear different dance shoes for different occasions (workshops / classes / performance / social)?
Yes, jazz shoes for classes / workshops etc and heels for dress up occasions.
What do you look for most in a dance shoe?
There are many things.... comfort, quality, style etc but quality is probably top of the list.
How important is it for you to be wearing dance shoes when you dance?
VITAL!
What do you enjoy most about Latin dance?
Social dancing and that EVERY dance you dance is different
What recommendation would you make to anyone (learners to advanced) when buying dancewear of any kind?
Buy good quality & good fitting - don't skimp on price (especially on shoes - you only have one pair of feet and they have to carry you for the rest of your life!).