U.S. Air Force Officer, Josh Edelman, may be deployed in Afghanistan, but he doesn’t let that keep him from his passion for salsa dancing. What’s more, Edelman is using dancing to bring others together and encourage an environment of positivity on his Air Force base. U.S. Air Force Officer, Josh Edelman, may be deployed in Afghanistan, but he doesn’t let that keep him from his passion for salsa dancing. What’s more, Edelman is using dancing to bring others together and encourage an environment of positivity on his Air Force base.

Edelman holds salsa and bachata classes twice a week on his base while deployed. According to him, the benefits of salsa dancing help military members relieve stress that can come with being deployed.

Photo courtesy of Josh.

“In a deployed environment life can get stressful and depressing. Salsa dancing brings people together and creates a fun social atmosphere where you can forget about everything else going on. The social aspect, high spirited energy, and workout you get from dancing have helped many people,” he said. “In general I believe dancing can bring the world together. Starting at the community level it can make a big difference. Bringing people together and enjoying the music and the moment is something special.”

For him, salsa dancing is about fully enjoying the present moment. “Salsa has taught me how to communicate without words, be more sociable and to appreciate the present moment,” he said.

Pictured above: Josh dancing with friend, Jennifer who he met in Cuba. Photo courtesy of Ethan Yuan Photography.



From Spanish to Salsa

One year as a kid at a summer camp in Massachusetts, Edelman met exchange campers from Spain, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and other South American countries. It was then that he fell in love with the Hispanic culture. He quickly became fluent in Spanish. He went on to become a Language Officer and Aircraft Maintenance Officer in the Air Force.

Then, in 2015, he went to Panama for an advanced language course with the Air Force. His group took a salsa class and he fell in love with the dance. He has been dancing ever since.

While living in Charleston, South Carolina, he started a group to bring the salsa community together. When asked how a new dancer can get involved, he said “My recommendation is to go to a salsa dancing event that offers a free class for beginners. Almost all dance socials offer a free beginner class. It’s a great place to try it out, meet new people, and decide if you want to pursue class with a local studio.”

Working and Traveling with the Air Force

Today, he works for the Air Force on missions working alongside embassies, the DEA, Coast Guard, and local nationals. He has been to Cuba, Colombia, and Panama to name a few countries.

“The Air Force has allowed me to travel to many places which I am grateful for. I have also traveled for personal vacation. My favorite places would have to be Cuba and Panama,” he said. “I enjoy Panama because it has aspects of the USA that I love while retaining various natural and cultural traditions. I can enjoy Panama City for its livelihood and well-developed infrastructure but I can travel to the countryside and live in the more traditional farm regions.”

Dancing Abroad

He attended Cuba for a week-long dance intensive in Havana where he went to workshops during the day and performances at night. “It was more than I could have expected. The dancing, the spirit of the Cubans, and the beauty of everyone coming together made it magical,” he said.

He spent a few days traveling through Cuba, volunteering on farms in the countryside, and getting to know locals. He said he fell in love with the people of Cuba.

“As expected, I fell in love with the people and their spirit. While Cuba is beautiful in both its interior and exterior countryside, I was impressed with the people and their ability to enjoy the life they had regardless of the communist government that runs them. The seductive culture and ability to enjoy times with friends and family was what I fell in love with the most,” he said.

Representing the U.S. Abroad

Pictured here: Josh volunteering in Cuba with the locals. Photo courtesy of Josh.

He believes we can be respectful travelers and represent the U.S. when we travel abroad by meeting with locals and immersing ourselves in the communities we travel to.

He said, “Many people travel to go take pictures and buy stuff. When you spend time with the people of that country and make a genuine effort to connect and establish a relationship you not only represent our country well but you make a positive impact on those individuals of that country.”

For salsa how-tos, a look behind the scenes at his Air Force dance classes, and overall inspiration and positivity check out his Instagram and blog.

And as Edelman would say, “Keep smiling!”