Anna Maria Wojciechowska has always been a dancer. As a child growing up in France, and later Poland, she studied ballet for five years, but gave it up after her aunt, also a dancer, passed away.
“I used to dance for her as a little child,” said the 25-year-old health manager. “When she died, I thought that was pretty much it. I didn’t want to dance anymore.”
When she moved to the U.S. five years ago, Wojciechowska rediscovered dancing, this time while hanging out at clubs like Nacional 27 (325 W. Huron St., 312-664-2727).
“It became my passion,” said Wojciechowska, who lives in Chicago. “That’s why I still dance. I’m not a genius. I don’t know all the steps. I have this in my soul. That’s the most important thing.”
She hits Rumba (351 W. Hubbard St., 312-222-1226) and Pasha (642 N. Clark St., 312-397-0100) whenever she’s in the mood for Latin music.
Which is pretty much most of the time. And especially when her favorite Chicago band, Bandoleros, is playing.
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Anna’s 4 dance resolutions
1. Always wear comfortable shoes. If you’re like Wojciechowska and dance for hours straight, wear shoes that won’t kill your feet. “That’s chief No. 1 [tip],” Wojciechowska says. “If you’re wearing heels that are too high, they won’t be comfortable and you’re not going to dance that well.”
2. Listen to the music. Some people, according to Wojciechowska, dance without listening for the song’s rhythm or beat. “They look like they’re somewhere else,” she says. “You have to listen to the music.”
3. Enjoy yourself. Have a good time, even if you don’t know the steps, Wojciechowska says. “Don’t be ashamed. If you love the music, you’ll look good on the dance floor. People can tell right away when you love doing it.”
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4. Do the bachata, not the macarena. Wojciechowska recommends the bachata, which blends elements of salsa and meringue into a simple side-close-side step that will give the impression that you know what you’re doing. Starting with your weight on your right foot (on a four-count): 1) step to the left, 2) bring your right foot to your left, 3) step to the left again and 4) bring your right foot to your left. Repeat, only this time step to the right.