THE far-reaching rhythmic tentacles of salsa music have firmly taken root in Bermuda.

On any given Saturday evening, Champions Night Club on Reid Street in Hamilton bursts at the seams to accommodate scores of locals who flock to the popular night spot to enjoy a night of salsa dancing.

Ricky Spence, who forms part of the local salsa dance group Bermuda Sea Breeze, describes salsa, which is of Cuban origin with jazz and rock elements, as a music form which "connects the soul and makes one happy".

Mr. Spence, 43, has placed a very respectable fourth at the World Salsa Shine Championships held annually in Miami, Florida for the past two years.

He declared: "Salsa is coming! It's like learning how to play football. It's a commitment and something you have to like and want because it takes about six weeks to learn.

"The music just moves your mind and feet and makes you happy. It makes me happy whenever I dance and it's a dance that allows you to connect with your girlfriend or wife, whichever. It's really a beautiful dance."

A barber in the North Shore, Pembroke community, Mr. Spence was bitten by the salsa bug two years ago while travelling abroad.

"I was in a night club and everyone there was dancing to salsa music, but I couldn't dance. So when I returned home I took up lessons and from there on the rest is history," he recalled, adding that those who participate possess a genuine "appreciation" for the music.

He said: "I really enjoy it and salsa is growing locally. You get a good mixture of people who come out and we all enjoy one another in good spirit.

"You can have so much fun dancing to it and at times you see others trying different moves and it doesn't make a difference how old you are. I try to encourage as many people as possible to come out and join in the fun. It's very positive and it's definitely catching on."

Bermuda Sea Breeze Salsa Dancers, formed a year ago, comprises Jamal Ming, Greashena and Ricky Spence, and Lisa Tye.

Together the flamboyant group of dancers cater to visitors and locals alike performing in hotels and various other private functions across the island.

Greashena Spence, Mr. Spence's niece, reckons salsa is here to stay.

"I think salsa has come a long way since it first started here with more getting interested and taking it serious. It's a good hobby for the more mature crowd and basically it's fun," said the performer.