In both Project Management and salsa, the focus is on effective leadership, supporting your partner or team, clear communication, and adaptability. Although Project Management is often seen as a rigid and structured activity, it requires a lot of flexibility, creativity, and interpersonal skills – much like the well-executed moves of a dance.
In the Connections team, Andreea Corcodel blends these two fields with the grace of a natural dancer: when she’s not managing tasks and teams as an IT Project Manager, she steps into her dance shoes and lets herself be carried away by Latin rhythms.
Eight years of passion
The passion for Latin dance emerged by chance, as the most beautiful experiences often do. In the fall of 2016, Andreea visited a Latin club and fell in love with the atmosphere: everyone was dancing, smiling, and having a great time. This led to enrolling in a dedicated dance school and, eventually, eight years of dancing to Latin rhythms.“I fell in love with salsa. For me, salsa means energy and joy. The vibe conveyed by the music energizes me, and when I dance, I feel free,” she says.
A dance step ahead of fear
At first, she joined a beginners’ group, and over time, with each class, she improved, especially since she attends training sessions twice a week.
She participates in Latin dance parties and tries to be present at festivals both in the country and abroad.
“Right now, I don’t aspire to perform or compete. I’ve attended 2-3 boot camps, and the choreographies I learned were showcased at the dance school’s anniversary. Dancing in front of a large audience pushed me out of my comfort zone.”
At work, as a Project Manager, Andreea needs the courage to make difficult decisions, manage risks and uncertainties, inspire, and motivate her team. Dance represents exercises of courage, coordination, and a rhythm that you must always feel.
“At first, I was more timid, thinking I was or could be criticized, but I realized that the people around me weren’t looking at me; they were enjoying their own experience. So, I was able to fully enjoy dancing.”
Community. Socializing. Mind.
Salsa offers a range of physical, mental, and social benefits, being a dynamic and energetic activity. Physically, salsa dancing improves cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, coordination, and muscle tone, contributing to overall better health. Mentally, salsa stimulates memory and concentration, as dancers must remember and follow various movements and rhythms. In terms of socializing, Andreea’s life has become much more active, constantly meeting new people from diverse cultures and professional fields. She has integrated into a beautiful community and formed new friendships, and dancing perfectly complements another passion of hers: traveling.
Tips for beginners:
One essential tip: Dance like nobody’s watching!