Archive for the ‘learn how to salsa’ Category
Depending who you speak to when wanting to know the origins of The Salsa dance you will get a lot of difference in opinions. Few wouldn’t agree that the music and dance originate from Cuba. Salsa dance music was born through the integration of the African rhythms brought there by slaves mixed with popular Spanish Son music.
It’s also important to note that the modernizing of the Mambo dance in the 1950s was influential in forming what would become known today as salsa .
In New York in the 1970s, the word salsa which means sauce, was used to describe this vibrant and sensual Latin dance among the growing Latino community. The Salsa dance spread quite rapidly across the world and many styles were created like New York Style or on 2 salsa , Cuban Style , Casino Style, LA Style , Puerto Rican and London style to name a few.
Many salsa enthusiasts, including myself have taken lessons and salsa dance instruction to learn how to salsa dance one or more of the above styles. The salsa dance moves will differ from style to style. So how do you decide which style to learn? Well I would recommend try a few classes and go to salsa dance clubs in your city or area pick the style you are most comfortable with and enjoy dancing.
I hope you enjoyed the first post on the most commonly asked beginner salsa
dance questions as mentioned in part 1 the following questions were the most
commonly asked questions in my Salsa For Beginners Classes. As I have mentioned
previously I have taught over 3000 people to salsa dance and these questions
were the most common questions asked in the various countries and areas I have
taught in. More than likely as beginner salsa dancer you will have the same
questions. OK here are few more questions and the answers for you!
Is there an easy way to remember my steps and
moves when dancing?
moves when dancing?
This question is a popular one amongst the males
or the leaders of the dance. I can understand this one as I was once there
myself years ago. What helped me was practicing the basic salsa steps over and
over to salsa dance music. I always made sure that I had the basics and my
timing was in sync and on time with the music. The other thing I got into the
habit of doing was writing down the salsa moves after every class (this of
course was before phones with video function was more commonly available). I
would draw diagrams and write along side the dance move or step a description on how to execute them. I remember having a student that used to
come to class and record his salsa steps and moves in his PDA. If you are
going to bring a phone ,camera or any recording device please make sure to ask
permission if you are taking the video of anyone other than yourself. A couple
of final tips on this question is firstly to have a structure ( a bit like a
safety net). What I mean have a least 5 of your favourite salsa moves that you can
lead very well and have drilled time and time again in a sequence. You can use
this as “time to think” of another move to add on to your sequence, just
remember don’t stop keep moving even if you are doing numerous mambo breaks
between your moves.
or the leaders of the dance. I can understand this one as I was once there
myself years ago. What helped me was practicing the basic salsa steps over and
over to salsa dance music. I always made sure that I had the basics and my
timing was in sync and on time with the music. The other thing I got into the
habit of doing was writing down the salsa moves after every class (this of
course was before phones with video function was more commonly available). I
would draw diagrams and write along side the dance move or step a description on how to execute them. I remember having a student that used to
come to class and record his salsa steps and moves in his PDA. If you are
going to bring a phone ,camera or any recording device please make sure to ask
permission if you are taking the video of anyone other than yourself. A couple
of final tips on this question is firstly to have a structure ( a bit like a
safety net). What I mean have a least 5 of your favourite salsa moves that you can
lead very well and have drilled time and time again in a sequence. You can use
this as “time to think” of another move to add on to your sequence, just
remember don’t stop keep moving even if you are doing numerous mambo breaks
between your moves.
For the ladies/ followers this isn’t normally an
issue for you. All you are required to know is your basic moves and timing and
not lead.
issue for you. All you are required to know is your basic moves and timing and
not lead.
How long will it take me to learn how to salsa
dance?
dance?
A very popular question this one and a very
difficult one to give an exact answer. I have been dancing salsa for 11 years
and I am always learning from other professional salsa dancers ,dancers from
other styles and peers. The learning never stops. My experience has shown me
that when it comes to salsa for beginners I find that it starts to come together
after 4 to 5 lessons (In a structured course). By come together I mean my
students have understood the basics and start to understand how to move as one
and in time with their partner in time with the salsa dance music. My advice to
beginner salsa dancer is learn the basics well so get it as these are the
foundations of your dance and the more advanced moves all stem from the
basics.
difficult one to give an exact answer. I have been dancing salsa for 11 years
and I am always learning from other professional salsa dancers ,dancers from
other styles and peers. The learning never stops. My experience has shown me
that when it comes to salsa for beginners I find that it starts to come together
after 4 to 5 lessons (In a structured course). By come together I mean my
students have understood the basics and start to understand how to move as one
and in time with their partner in time with the salsa dance music. My advice to
beginner salsa dancer is learn the basics well so get it as these are the
foundations of your dance and the more advanced moves all stem from the
basics.
What is the best style of salsa to learn?
The more popular styles of salsa are salsa on 2
(New York Style), Cuban, Afro Cuban and LA Style. They are all great styles to
learn and all fun to dance.It’s up to you. My preferences are Cuban and LA style
and have danced the others and have enjoyed them also.
(New York Style), Cuban, Afro Cuban and LA Style. They are all great styles to
learn and all fun to dance.It’s up to you. My preferences are Cuban and LA style
and have danced the others and have enjoyed them also.
When can I go out and dance in public?
Straight away is my answer! It’s on the dance
floor you improve and learn how to salsa dance quickly. I make it appoint to
tell my students to start dancing straight after their first lesson if they can.
When I run my classes I allocate dance time in them and I made a rule that they
have to dance to 3 salsa dance songs before they could go home!
floor you improve and learn how to salsa dance quickly. I make it appoint to
tell my students to start dancing straight after their first lesson if they can.
When I run my classes I allocate dance time in them and I made a rule that they
have to dance to 3 salsa dance songs before they could go home!
Until next time keep dancing and smiling
Fabio