Is there an easy way to remember my steps and
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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

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!

 

Until next time keep dancing and smiling

 

Fabio