Nakuru’s entertainment scene has steadily been finding its rhythm, but nothing quite captures the city’s pulse like an Afro-Latin dance party.

Over the weekend, the Bennito Salsa hosted a celebration of Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba and Kizomba music

The meeting time for the event was set for 1:30 p.m., but excitement had me arriving a full half hour early.

The drive itself felt like a pre-party since our “nganya” vibe, complete with cool music, set the tone for the day.

By the time we arrived at the resort, I didn’t quite know what to expect, as it was my first time attending such an event.

The environment, however, was welcoming, and the organization of the venue gave the afternoon an added touch of class.

Introductions began, and at first, the dances looked deceptively simple. From the sidelines, Salsa spins and Bachata steps seemed like something anyone could pick up.

Shock on me, though I quickly found myself dancing off beat, my two left feet betraying me with every turn. But that was part of the charm.

The instructors broke down the moves into easy-to-follow patterns, and as the practice progressed, I realized this was the perfect place for anyone who thought they couldn’t dance.

The steps were manageable, the laughter contagious, and the learning process itself turned into a fun way to bond and interact with new people.

As the afternoon wore on, the venue came alive. Chairs circled the dance floor, creating both a stage and an audience. At the center, dancers from all walks of life found themselves swept up by rhythm.

Some moved with ease, their steps sharp and fluid, while others stumbled their way through the beats, laughing off every misstep.

Salsa dancers on the dance floor at the Salsa Party on 14 September, 2025.

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

If you couldn’t keep up, the solution was simple: slip back into your seat, recharge, and cheer on the next brave soul who dared to take the floor.

The evening unfolded through dance. Salsa came in first, its quick spins and infectious energy demanding precision and flair. The crowd clapped along as confident pairs turned the center into a whirl of color and motion.

Then came Bachata, smooth and romantic, with close embraces and swaying steps that told stories of connection. For a few, it looked effortless; for others, it seemed more like a cautious negotiation with the music.

Kizomba shifted the mood, bringing a sultry, intimate rhythm that required subtlety rather than speed. The dance, often described as walking with intention, drew in pairs who seemed to melt into the music.

Still, not everyone mastered the art, one or two dancers looked as though they were calculating their next move like a math problem.

But in this circle, effort mattered more than perfection. The beats brought the climax of the evening, igniting the floor with energy.

What stood out most wasn’t the skill level but the spirit. The dance floor became a place where culture met community, strangers became partners, and rhythm erased hesitation.

I can confidently say, “You don’t have to be a dancer, you just have to want to dance.”

What's popping in Nakuru this weekend?

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Purity Kinuthia