BEIJING, July 22 (Xinhuanet) -- Thirty Chinese salsa dance enthusiasts will fly to Cuba in September for an intensive certification process but they may find time for some sun and fun on the beach as well.

The trip will last 10 days and will be the third time Beijing-based instructor Geovany Gonzalez has sent Chinese dancers to experience salsa in Cuba over the past year.

"They will learn from Cubans who perform and teach the dance the way that made it famous 50 years ago," said Gonzalez, bouncing in his chair and slapping his arms to demonstrate the rhythm.

"Salsa means 'sauce' in both English and Spanish," he added. "It is a mix of chopped vegetables or fruit, especially tomatoes, onions and chili peppers, used as a condiment.

"The dance is as tasty as the sauce, neither of which is for show but, rather, spontaneous and natural."

These qualities, according to Gonzalez, form the soul of salsa.

Gonzalez is a Cuban who has been promoting his country's culture in Beijing for almost 10 years.

Early in 2008 he hosted free salsa classes for 40 people at his Guantanamera nightspot.

"The Chinese love to learn salsa because it's very different from their traditions," he said. "They have opened their minds and souls to things from Cuba."

The Cuban form of salsa is a bit different from what most people see on the international stage.