LOVE LOCAL
Sharing her joyful story, lawyer, model and dance teacher Yasmin Dang (@yasmindang1) celebrates the Cambridge community
I’ve lived in Cambridge for more than 13 years now and I call it my home. I began my journey as a law student at Anglia Ruskin University, completing my law degree and master’s there, and have since dedicated almost a decade to working as a lawyer. Living and growing up in Cambridge has introduced me to a multitude of wonderful people from all corners of the world, which is something that has kept me here. I love it here because there is a real sense of inclusion and community. I learnt to dance in Cambridge, which led me to becoming a salsa teacher alongside my full-time legal career. I also did my first fashion show in Cambridge – Mill Road Eco Chic Fashion Show – and now work as a fashion model, supporting local artists in styled shoots. I recently had the chance to be a part of the Grand Arcade Rainbow Runway to fundraise for Pride too. The community has allowed me to be free and creative, and I value this immensely. The place that means the most to me is Parker’s Piece. It was on a bright summer day there that I met my partner. I was
dancing salsa and having a picnic with my friends. We were right next to the famous Reality Checkpoint lamppost, which marks a cherished memory for us. This park is beautiful in so many ways, as it has been the scene of countless picnics, quiet hours spent with beloved books, heart-to-heart chats, romantic ferris wheel moments and serene walks. The best concert I’ve ever seen here was during the annual Cambridge Jazz Festival: the ten-piece band Colonel Spanky’s Love Ensemble at the Junction. They delivered a great rendition of Britney Spears’ Toxic
among other wonderful singalongs. I loved the festival so much that I returned the next day to see Go Go Penguin. Being right at the front, pressed against the barrier before the stage and feeling so close to the performers, was a truly wonderful experience right on my doorstep. When people ask me for local recommendations, I always point them towards Mill Road’s offerings: the highest- quality coffee at Dom’s; the beautiful, romantic French bistro of Fancett’s; for something more casual, you can’t go wrong with authentic Korean food at Bibimbap or the famous Xiaolongbao at Noodles Plus. I often finish a day out at 196 cocktail bar which is, in my opinion, the best place to be on a summer evening – alfresco style. One thing I’ve never done here, but plan to, is visit the Gog Magog Hills. I first heard about them at the Cambridge Folk Festival, where the band The Trials of Cato released an album inspired by the hills. This summer, I hope to enjoy the sunset there by attending some of the Sundowner Sessions at The Gog Farm Shop. I can’t wait!
SHARE YOUR LOVE STORY
If you’ve been a Cambridge resident for a year or more and would like to appear on this page as one of our next interviewees, drop the editor a line at louisehoffman@bright.uk.com
82 JULY 2025 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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