What is Salsa?
Salsa is both a dance and a genre of music. Deriving from son, pachanga, guajira, guaguanco, mambo, rumba, chachacha; the expression Salsa today can be considered a generic term incorporating elements of all of these rhythms and musical styles. It is now the most popular dance form in the country and has led to London being termed the ‘Salsa capital’ of Europe. The music and dance are: fun, dynamic, uplifting, passionate……
Why dance Salsa?
Salsa classes provide a fun, social environment to learn a new skill and serve as the perfect antidote to a day in the office. As well as toning the body and improving one’s posture, dancing provides an excellent cardio-vascular workout, which strengthens the heart and stimulates the body to burn fat, thus aiding weight loss.
Dancers report improvements in both strength and energy. The environment in which learning takes place also encourages interaction with others and increases self-esteem and a sense of well-being.
First and foremost our classes are about having fun and learning something new – so don’t feel nervous. You are amongst like-minded people, all keen to learn while having fun, under the watchful eye of qualified and highly experienced teachers. Enjoy the experience!
What if I have 2 left feet?
If I had a pound for everytime someone has said this! We pride ourselves on our patience and our ability to break down and explain Salsa movements. So just be patient with yourself and mentally commit to regular attendance for several weeks to determine if it’s for you. Remember, Salsa is a journey, not a destination and you are guaranteed a lot of fun along the way, as long as you don’t take yourself too seriously.
What should I wear?
As with most dancing, attention should be given to comfort and freedom of movement. Because our classes take place in a bar/club setting and not a dance studio, some form of casual clothing is the norm. We generally suggest for ladies to wear a shoe with a slight heel and a smooth sole. However, many students have found that they feel very comfortable in dance trainers.
What kind of Salsa do you teach?
The dancing taught by most teachers in this country can be divided into two broad categories: Cuban Salsa and Cross-body Salsa (which incorporates New York/Puerto Rican and LA style salsa)
At Salsa Esperienza all teachers are required to dance and teach both styles.
A recent trend has seen many of the new wave of teachers less familiar with the traditional Cuban salsa, meaning that, sadly, new dancers are less and less exposed to the joys of this wonderful style. Despite personal preference, all styles of salsa have much to offer – so learning as much as possible is indeed an enriching experience.
Do I need to book a place?
No. Classes are run on a drop-in basis, so simply turn up and pay on the night. The beginner’s class is designed specifically to introduce absolute beginners to the basics of Salsa footwork and partner dancing.
Do I need to bring a partner?
No. If you can, that’s great, but it is by no means obligatory. Classes are run using a rotation system, meaning that you will have the opportunity to dance with many different people. This greatly improves leading and following skills and allows students to learn from each other in an informal and supportive atmosphere. It also contributes to the social nature of Salsa and certainly adds to the fun of the class.
What happens if I can’t make it every week?
That’s no problem. The classes work on an ongoing basis, and are not structured as a course. While continuity is obviously a key to becoming an accomplished dancer, don’t worry if you miss a week. You can simply carry on where you left off.
Final tips …
Salsa is similar to every other skill. It requires practice, a positive attitude, a willingness to learn from others, and not being afraid to make mistakes along the way. We always feel sad when we see someone come along for a salsa class one week and then never see them again! Despite our passion for Salsa we acknowledge that it may not be for everyone. However, the keys to success are certainly consistency and a positive attitude. Thousands of our students can attest to this and we hope it will be the same for you… Enjoy your salsaEsperienza! 🙂