Sport Climbing (and dancing?) Destinations

Hi climbers. After a very inspiring trip to Lenidio, Greec, I would like to ask if anybody knows of any location where I can climb (sport climbing), and engage in dance (contact improvisation, salsa or open to other forms). I'm looking for somewhere to live for 4 months Oct- Jan and would like to be physically focused on climbing and dancing in that time. Perhaps somebody has experience in this and some advice? Thanks

I'm looking for somewhere that fulfils as much as the following criteria as possible:

• Small town or village (small city could work) which is set right against the mountains.
• Strong climbing community so I can pick up partners with ease.
• Plenty of sport routes.
• A dance culture or dance space of any kind.

Nice to haves:

• Cheap living would be nice.
• Next to sea or water.
• A language that would be useful to learn.
• Good weather.

I'm happy to go anywhere in the world 

thx !

OP, are you a real person?

Hi, I'm real   I'm finding it hard to find information about places that have community, not just places where you can go and visit as long as you already have climbing partners. So I asked if anybody already knows.

Andalusia is an obvious choice here. Meets all of your criteria. Lots of limestone sport climbing, good winter weather, flamenco. Malaga / El Chorro as a starting point. It will be easy to find partners in El Chorro.

JCMwrote:

Andalusia is an obvious choice here. Meets all of your criteria. Lots of limestone sport climbing, good winter weather, flamenco. Malaga / El Chorro as a starting point. It will be easy to find partners in El Chorro.

While there will definitely be plenty of potential climbing partners in El Chorro, from what I have seen, the ' community' there is a very transitional one, with most people coming and going, but not staying for prolonged periods. As for dance, I have no knowledge, but given the small size and apparent economic condition of El Chorro village, I'm guessing that you will need to travel for dance opportunities--at least to Alaro, more likely Malaga (c. 1 hour trip by car or train).

Alan Rubinwrote:

While there will definitely be plenty of potential climbing partners in El Chorro, from what I have seen, the ' community' there is a very transitional one, with most people coming and going, but not staying for prolonged periods. As for dance, I have no knowledge, but given the small size and apparent economic condition of El Chorro village, I'm guessing that you will need to travel for dance opportunities--at least to Alaro, more likely Malaga (c. 1 hour trip by car or train).

Thanks both, I had heard about El Chorro and thought about it. But I would also be worried about the community revolving around a hostel (is this true?) and as you say Alan, being transient. 

I will also be transient, staying for only 4 months, so no judging here. But I'm worried about making decent longer term friends and social connections for the period that I go. 

Eli Helmuth wrote:

Probably no place is perfect for all of those requests but since Salsa and many other dances/ music were created by Puerto Ricans you might take a look at the island option. MP has lots of good information to get you started.

Very friendly climbing community based out of El Bloque gym in San Juan. Cuba/Vinales would be another option, much cheaper and more rural.

Thanks Eli, I have just started looking into PR since you suggested it. As a brit it would certainly be exciting for me (and far away!) Funnily enough saw you in a video about it. Do you think it would be easy to orient myself in a climbing community that goes out climbing most days? Would you recommend San Juan for living in?

I've been on 2 brief climbing trips to PR, so clearly don't know as much as Eli, who lives there. However, my perception is that there isn't much of a focused ( climbing every day) climbing community there. Also, I have not heard of any central 'gathering place' for climbers on the Island---no Camp 4, no Miquel's, no climber's pub, not even one main crag (crags are located in different areas)--there is a small bouldering gym in San Juan but not sure if that serves as a 'climber's central'. Eli owns a climbing area and has a 'hostel' located there ( in a valley full of potential)---Flying Coconut, but ( I'm sure he will clarify) I think that the clientele there is primarily short term transitory and it is located about an hour from San Juan. Despite these potential negatives for your specific requirements, it is a wonderful island with some very good climbing and plenty of potential for future development.

Have you looked into destinations in Asia? South Korea and Taiwan are my favorite places in the world for salsa dancing, and I‘ve heard that there is also great rock climbing there as well. I only know the large salsa dancing communities in the cities, but there are also crags near Seoul and Taipei. Thailand may be another destination to consider for world class sport climbing and great salsa dancing, though I’ve only heard about it from others. 

Rio de Janiero has fantastic climbing and the Samba clubs in Lapa (especially Democraticos) are so much fun. Friendly locals, live music, dancing and cheap beer. Go on the weekends and take a cab. Such a good time.