Finding Trust, Technique, and Playfulness in Dance: Carrie's Journey with La Encantada Collective

Carrie’s journey into the world of dance is one of transformation, self-discovery, and connection. Coming from a high-level competitive background in beach volleyball - where she even represented Australia - Carrie knew what it meant to train hard, strive for excellence, and value great coaching. While she loved the sport, there came a point where physical limitations and the natural progression of life shifted her focus elsewhere. But the love for movement and disciplined growth stayed with her, eventually guiding her to the world of Latin dance.

It was through friends that Carrie first stepped into Salsa. She began her dance journey at a school that had a more casual learning environment. Surrounded by friends and immersed in the joy of dancing, she had fun - but deep down, she craved something more. That inner athlete in her longed for structured learning, detailed feedback, and opportunities to refine her technique.

“I was hitting a bit of a ceiling,” she recalls. “I just wasn’t seeing the improvements I wanted.”

Her friends, who had already made the transition to La Encantada Collective, encouraged her to try it. They recognised that Carrie was ready for something more aligned with her values - something that would nurture her growth as both a dancer and an individual. She took the leap.

That transition, however, wasn’t without its challenges. Having learned On1 Salsa, the switch to On2 Salsa rhythm initially felt intimidating. But a welcoming environment, coupled with a dedicated introductory session, helped Carrie feel supported.

“It was outside of my comfort zone,” she shares. “But I felt like I could trust the environment to catch me. It made the hard parts feel possible.”

That sense of trust - between teacher and student, between classmates, and within herself - became a central theme in Carrie’s experience.

Carrie describes the classes at LEC as feeling “almost like a private session” despite being in a group. The small class sizes made it easy to receive individualised attention and corrections. Having coaches who not only know how to dance but also how to teach and spot technique errors reminded her of the best coaching she experienced in her athletic days.

“There’s a real attention to detail,” she says. “Even in the Foundations level class (LEC’s second level), it doesn’t feel like beginner stuff. It’s not just about knowing how to do the steps - it’s about learning how to do them at a high level.”

She also noticed a unique culture among the students.

“Everyone’s here with the same mindset - to improve,” she explains. “There’s no ego, no weirdness. Just people focused on learning and enjoying themselves.”

This feeling of trust, community, and shared commitment stood out in contrast to past experiences, both in dance and in sport. Carrie never felt like just another face in the room. She felt seen.

Another thing that struck her was the playfulness. Despite the professionalism and technical depth, the classes never felt rigid or overly serious.

“There’s this lightness and play,” she says. “It’s still a space where we can have fun, be ourselves, and enjoy the music. I don’t feel like I have to take myself too seriously.”

For someone pursuing a PhD and researching heavy topics like abortion access, that contrast is deeply needed.

“My work is important, but it’s intense. Being in this dance space is such a joyful outlet. It reminds me that life can be playful.”

That word - playful - comes up again and again when Carrie speaks about her experience. Alongside “trusting” and “professional,” it’s one of the three words she uses to describe the culture.

It’s not just about dancing - it’s about how dancing makes her feel. Safe to explore. Supported when trying new things. Encouraged to grow without judgment.

Even in moments when she pushed her partner to join her in the transition from on1 to on2 Salsa, Carrie remained thoughtful. She realised the pace might be overwhelming for someone newer to dance, especially for a lead. It made her reflect on how each dancer’s journey is unique - and how important it is to feel met where you are.

She’s excited about what lies ahead, particularly the opportunity to eventually participate in socials and performance teams.

“It’s something to look forward to. Something to work toward.”

When asked what should never change about LEC, Carrie’s answers are clear:

“Class sizes. That individual attention makes a huge difference. And the playfulness - it creates an environment that’s joyful and supportive.”

And finally, what would she tell someone curious about LEC?

“I’d tell them it’s a place where you can trust the process, enjoy the learning, and find joy in movement. It’s not just about dance - it’s about who you get to become while you dance.”

Carrie’s story is one of courage, curiosity, and reconnection - with herself, with others, and with the music. Through her time at LEC, she continues to rediscover the energy, connection, and liberation that dance brings to her life.