This may sound simple but you simply must take lessons and if possible take two or even three a week if you can; especially at the start.
Why do we recommend you take so many lessons each week? Salsa music is complicated, may beats interwoven, and it takes time to tune your ears and feet to the rhythms.
By taking so many lessons at the beginning it reinforces what you are learning and will pay big dividends later on in the learning process.
When starting to learn Salsa its better to join a group lesson; private lessons are great for working on specific parts of your dancing but you will not get them most out of them until you have the basics down.
When joining a group lesson pick one for your level; its better to under estimate your ability than over estimate it.
There is nothing more off putting then arriving at your first lesson and find yourself out of your depth; surrounded by come dancing contestants!
Some tips on choosing the right group to learn with.
1) A class that runs for 6 to 10 weeks at least once a week.
2) The lessons are progressive; this is where you build up each week on the moves learned.
In your firs couple of months you should look too:
2 progressive classes each week
1 night out practice session at a club or event
1 private lesson after approx 5 weeks or more not essential but great to work on specifics.
Your First Lesson
Well done you have made it to your first class. May be you have come on your own or brought a dance partner. One thing we can guaranty is that you are feeling nervous.
You are worried that you have no rhythm, that you have two left feet which are on backwards. Most of all you are worried about falling flat on your face not able to dance Salsa.
As this is a beginners class look around you will see every one is looking and feeling exactly the same. You are not alone.
Remember its about having fun Its not a competition.
Here are some basic rules about lessons you should stick to what ever your level.
1. Find a teacher that suits you, its not one size fits all. There are many Salsa teachers and many ways to teach Salsa each person needs different things to enable them to learn. If your first teacher dose not do it for you find another. Your learning so get the most out of it by having a teacher and class that suits you.
2. Stay focused on what is being taught. This may sound a little simple but if you only have an hour to learn why waste it on chatting; you can do that after at the bar.
There are 1000s of distractions in class, your partner, other class members, that new cute dance partner that your about to dance with. Remember youre paying to learn Salsa; get your moneys worth.
3. Swap partner during the lesson. Yes thats right dance with different people. You may have come with a friend or significant other and want to dance with them. If the instructor is asking you to rotate your partners join in.
Why do this? it will speed up the learning process and get you used to dancing with different people; you will be doing this in the clubs. The major benefit is learning to lead and read a lead; by changing partners it will teach you to make the connection with your dance partner which will make your Salsa experiences much more pleasurable.
4. Face the same way as the instructor you are trying to follow. This will simply help you pick up the moves they are teaching much quicker. Sounds simple but you will be amazed out how many people dont do this.
5. Count out loud yes in the classes count out loud this is the one thing you should do all the time in class. I stress do this in the class so you dont have to do it in the Salsa club where it would not be accepted.
Both you and your partner should do this in the classes. Dancing in time to the rhythm is the most important part of dancing salsa. The simplest of moves or sequences look amazing when danced in time with the music.
6. Write down the move or sequence. Give your self time at the end of the class to write down what you have learnt. You will quickly develop a short hand for the different turns and moves that make up a sequence.
Dont ever stop doing this at what ever level you are at. I bet your instructor writes down the new sequences they learn. Again a very simple idea but it will speed up your learning no end.
Ok here is something that you need to understand it will take approximately 2 months to start find you feet. Some people are quicker but every one has that moment of enlightenment eventually when they feel the Salsa rhythm in their sole and the feet begin to follow.
We have said this before its about having fun not competing.
Lee has been dancing salsa for over 3 years and enjoys travelling all over the world to learn more about salsa dancing. He is the webmaster for http://youcansalsa.co.uk a Cuban Salsa dance website.
Did you find these tips useful? If you would like to find out more about Salsa dancing please visit http://youcansalsa.co.uk and discover how you can learn to dance salsa and be a hit on the dance floor!
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