Guide for Beginners Part2

What do I wear?

Salsa dancing is pretty athletic and you will break a sweat.  So wear loose clothes that breath!  That is the main thing.

Clubs: some have dress codes, but generally if you dress up a little, you’ll be fine.  Guys, generally slacks and a nice shirt with collar will get you in anywhere.  Jeans and t-shirts shirts should be avoided, particularly on weekends. No sneakers or athletic wear.

Ladies, dressy jeans are popular but not recommended.  For one they aren’t ideal to dance in.

BUT, MOST IMPORTANTLY, dress festively!  After all, this is a party!  Dressing a bit for it will make you feel more like you’re a part of it.  And you want to look good out there anyway! I find that the more I dress up, the better time I have. Ladies, pull out that sassy dress you never had the courage to wear. Guys, the GQ look is always good, or a guayabera (a Cuban dress shirt). Or some tropical look if it’s summer. Have fun with it!

Also, be prepared to check your coat. Most clubs try to maintain a cleaner look, so if there’s coats everywhere it takes away from the atmosphere. It also leads to people taking the wrong coats and even can be a fire hazard.

What about dance shoes?

Dance shoes will help you!  Don’t just rush out and buy them, but ask around and get recommendations.  Guys are pretty easy. Ladies, with heels particularly, you have to really find some that fit just right.

Shoes run about $80-$120.  They have leather soles, either plain leather or suede.  Suede is better to dance on but problematic since you can’t wear it on the streets.  They have special brushes to maintain them.  A lot of people will bring their dance shoes and change, but be discrete about it.  You don’t want to bring your stinky shoes in a grubby Stop-and-Shop bag! You can wear plain leather around, but it does wear out.

If your shoes do wear out, don’t throw them away. Take them to a cobbler and they can resole them, etc. for a fraction of the cost. Plus you don’t have to break in new ones.

You’ll also see “jazz shoes” which are fancy sneakers with split heel and toe.  They are really comfortable for studio lessons and practicing but generally aren’t what you would wear to the club.

“Nobody asked me to dance”

One of the most enjoyable things about Salsa is dancing with a lot of different people. Many dancers I know in fact try to do exactly that, but it’s not always easy to approach people. So if you want to dance and you’re not, the best thing to do is to make yourself “available” for dancing. Some suggestions:

• Don’t sit behind a table, but stand at the edge of the dance floor.
• Smile, make eye contact, don’t keep your arms folded. That’s a naturally defensive behavior. Body language counts.
• If you have a drink in your hand, keep it by your side and be ready to put it down. Again, you want to be open, don’t use your drink, arms, other people, or furniture as a protective barrier of sorts.
• Ladies, if you have a purse, put it down. You can’t dance with a purse. Sorry! Its best to just bring your ID and cash in a pocket, and if there’s a few other things, bring them in a small purse that you won’t be concerned about if you leave it somewhere.
• If you’re with a group of friends, keep your circle loose and open so that people can pull you out of the group.
• ASK SOMEONE! Ladies, guys alike, if you want to dance with someone, just ask them!

“I’m intimidated by all the good dancers!”

Don’t be.  We were all there once and we’re interested in growing the Salsa Community.  Ask the good dancers to dance, they will.  One or two songs certainly, you can’t ask for the whole night!  Guys, ask the ladies, ladies ask the guys.  The more you dance, the better you will get.  The more you dance with people better than you, the faster you will learn!

The basic rule: IF YOU WANT TO DANCE WITH SOMEONE, ASK!

 “I’m not getting any better!”

Are you dancing a lot?  Some people tell me they are taking all these classes but aren’t getting better.  It turns out they never go out dancing! If you are trying to become the world’s best dancer before you’ll be seen out there, forget it!  You gotta dance! What’s the point of taking all these lessons if you don’t go out to the clubs?

Are you taking any lessons? Occasionally I meet people who won’t take them for one reason or another. That doesn’t make sense.

Also, get some music and listen to it a lot!  Once you can feel the music you’ll dance much better and with more passion.

Finally, it’s not about how good you are anyway, but if you’re having a good time and meeting people.  Don’t worry about it!

Music:

Get ahold of a Salsa mix in the “Latin” bin at your local record shop.  There’s a ton of them, like “Salsa Hits 200x”.  Some DJ’s also have mixes they’ll sell you.  Crank it up!

Alternatively, there’s tons of internet stations that play salsa.

If you don’t speak Spanish, ask the DJ’s when you hear what you like.  Much of the stuff you want is available online.

Guide for Beginners

#1 Question: Do I need a partner?

Heck No!  Never once have I been anywhere where it was required.  By some magic usually there is a pretty even ratio.  Just show up! In fact, it’s a great way to meet people in a very unpretentious setting. People are there to dance.

Where do I start?

My personal suggestion for your first venture out is to go to a club where they offer a drop-in beginner class, and take it.  Don’t be late! The basic steps is always explained at the start, and if you don’t get that, your going to have a tough time.

At a club lesson you’ll also very quickly be introduced to some people who are also new at it, learn the basic steps, and get a feel for what all the craze is about.  Maybe organize a group of friends if you’re unsure of yourself, but all of the places are VERY FRIENDLY.  Salsa is a fantastic multicultural experience, but the bottom line is people are out there to have a good time!

If you have two left feet and no clue, I suggest taking “Sergio and Salud” class in burbank (which I go to).  It’s designed as a level 1 “beginners Salsa” class where they will go over the basics of dancing Salsa.  This class is ALWAYS a fun!  Wear comfortable shoes, with non-rubber soles if possible.  You don’t need a partner but BE ON TIME!  The beginning of the class is the most important part.

Then what?

Once you got your feet somewhat sorted out at Sergio and Saluds class, start going out and checking out local salsa clubs.  My experience is that many beginners take lessons but fail to go out and practice. 

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Try checking out different salsa classes, talk to other people that can give you their opinions about what they like and what they dont like. Moreover, you’ll get a sense of what instructors are out there and what to expect from their classes.  Some instructors you will find yourself learning a lot from, and some not so much, depending on how you learn.  i.e. Find the instructors you click best with–don’t just stick with what you know.

What about studio lessons?

Studio lessons are more intensive and you will learn quicker than in a club, but the key is to first get the basics and also find an instructor you like before you spend the money.  That’s why I recommend Sergio and Salud class a few times first.

Studio lessons usually run in 4-8 week blocks, and incorporate a curriculum, so you need to go the entire session to get the most out of it.  They usually run about $10-$15/hr for however many hours for the whole session, and meet once per week.  Most instructors offer different levels at varying times, so start with beginners, and after that take the intermediate, etc.  Some instructors will let you drop in on the sessions but it costs more than paying for the whole thing in advance.

Visit the Salsa instructors page for listings of where to go.

What does it cost to go out?

When you go out for a night of dancing, you should plan to spend at least $20 as an obligatory rule of thumb and perhaps $30. Why? Well, nightclubs are businesses that depend on patronage. $20 includes cover, a drink or two or some bottles of water, coat check, and maybe parking. When patrons come in, beg the cashier to be let in free, don’t spend any money at the bar, and go home, that’s like sneaking into a movie. You can do it, but it brings down the quality of events that we as Salsaeros can have because the clubs are businesses. The DJ’s and staff have to get paid, the rent on the building and the insurance has to be paid, the owners and promoters have to get something, and all the advertising, marketing, and promotions have to be paid for. It’s the unfortunate truth. So, please, SUPPORT THE CLUB when you go out. If you don’t like to drink alcohol when you dance, buy water, juice or soda, and tip generously. Seriously, the bar revenue is what allows the dancing to happen.

Cover charges in LA are on average about $10, and lessons usually $2-$3 extra. Some places offer “frequent dancer” cards, or online discounts which will save you a few bucks if you’re on a tight budget.

What about alcohol?

Many people, especially as they get better, don’t like to drink in the clubs when the dance because their dancing gets sloppier. Well, that’s okay if you’re a serious professional dancer and nothing else, but my take on it is this:

1. It’s a party! Have a few! Who cares how perhaps slightly sloppy you dance. You can always hang with Fred Astaire the next day.
2. If you’re worried about how sloppy you dance, have another drink. I find you actually get slightly better because you’re more relaxed and less self-conscious.
3. Of course we’re not talking about getting wasted here…

But, some people don’t like to drink which is fine. Then… please support the bar! Buy a soda or juice or water or something.

Choosing a Salsa Instructor

4) How to Pick an Instructor

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As you start dancing one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing your dance instructor. The better the instructor, the quicker you will learn and the more enjoyment you will get out of your dancing. With a bad instructor you may not be happy with your progress and decide to give up. It is not easy for a beginner dancer to evaluate and choose a dance school as there is a fair amount of criteria to consider. This section of the guide will assist you in choosing the right instructor for you. Please understand that different students react differently to different teachers. One instructor, who your friends may like, may not be the best for you and vice-versa. Once you have decided you would like to take classes, we highly recommend you visit as many instructors as possible, and watch or join at least one class to see if you’re comfortable with the instructor and the learning environment. Â

Â	4.1) How do I find a salsa instructor?
Â	Â	Finding a dance instructor in your city is not always easy. Today most major cities will have a number of salsa instructors to choose from. If you are in a smaller city you may have more difficulty. Here are a few methods for locating salsa dance instructors: Internet: Many cities have a web page dedicated to listing salsa instructors for that region. On the search engine, type “salsa” and “city name” for your city. This will give you a large and varied list of instructors but it’s still up to you to evaluate them. Click here for a list of salsa city links. Word of Mouth: Asking dancers in the clubs about salsa schools. This is a good method because you’ll get someone’s opinion in addition to the instructor’s name.However you have to keep in mind that they may not have ever tried anyone else’s class so take the advice with a grain of salt. Phone Book: Call up dance schools from the phone book (salsa or ballroom) and ask if they teach salsa classes. This is probably the most time consuming, but you will be able to ask what styles they teach and what their specialty is. In case there are no salsa instructors in your city, we would recommend finding a willing partner, and ordering instructional videotapes to learn from. The alternative is to travel to nearby cities for instruction. This may not be feasible depending on how far away you are, as it can get expensive and time consuming. Â

Â	4.2) Is the more expensive instructor better?
Â	Â	Price does not determine the quality of an instructor. Although some instructors who gain a good reputation may match their demand with an equivalent price, the more expensive instructor is not necessarily better. Also class length can range from 45 minutes to 2 hours, so pay attention when you look at the price. Â

Â	4.3) Instructor to Student Ratio
Â	Â	The more individual and personalized attention you get, the better. The amount of attention you receive in a group lesson can vary greatly. The 1:1 ratio of a private lesson is ideal but a small class can be just as effective and a lot cheaper. Some classes are small with a limit on the number of students able to enroll. Others have as many as 50 students. Just keep in mind that the smaller the class, the easier it is for instructor to give more individual attention. Some classes have multiple instructors and/or volunteers. This improves the ratio in your favour considerably. These classes may be more expensive, but if you value personal attention the cost will be worth it. Â

Â	4.4) Male or Female instructor?
Â	Â	Whether you prefer a male or female teacher is really up to you. A female instructor may have more insight for females, and a male instructor may have better insight for guys, but this is not always the case. A good instructor should understand both roles, and be able to teach both guys and girls equally well. For specific things like styling, you may want to choose an instructor of the same sex; but for everything else, it shouldn’t matter (especially at the beginner level). Â

Â	4.5) Is the best dancer also the best teacher?
Â	Â	There are some great dancers who are also great teachers, but this is not always the case. An instructor’s skill set is very different from that of a dancer’s. Teaching requires a fundamental technical understanding of dancing and human movement. This is gained though experience and training. However even if a teacher has the required training and experience, they still require the ability to verbally and visually communicate with the students at a level they’ll understand and learn. These traits are not always present in a great dancer, so don’t assume the best dancer will be the best instructor. The only way to tell is to take or watch a class and ask their students for their opinion.

4.6) Are instructors who teach many different dances better?

Instructors who have studied various types of dance for a long time can use this experience and knowledge in their classes. This experience can definitely improve their teaching ability. However, some instructors with various dance backgrounds may not have studied salsa specifically. Although they seem to know salsa, they teach with a different “style”. This is often the case with some ballroom schools which teach salsa on the side because of its popularity. Many ballroom teachers can teach salsa well, however a teacher who is a “jack of all trades” may not be as good as one who is a salsa specialist. This is not a good indicator of the skill of the instructor as it can go either way; again the best way to judge is by participating in their class and seeing if that is the style you want to learn.

 

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Â	4.7) Location and Venue
Â	Â	The instructor you choose should hold classes in a venue that is relatively convenient for you the student. In addition, select a class time that will give you some leeway in case of traffic or other delays. Make sure you are able to attend on a regular basis. If you can’t commit to a fixed weekly schedule; then try doing a workshop which only requires a few hours on a specific date. If not, then buy an instructional video, which allows you to watch and learn at your own pace. Another key factor when discussing venue is what type of room the classes are conducted in. Classes can be held in a variety of locations – dance studios, dance clubs, gymnasiums, basements or homes. The ideal location will have good ventilation and lighting, hardwood floors, full-length mirrors, and lots of space. It is possible for a great instructor to teach at a bad location, however it is important for you to be comfortable with your learning environment.   Â
Â	4.8) Class Atmosphere
Â	Â	It is very important to be comfortable with the instructor and the students around you. A social and fun atmosphere will enhance your learning experience. Some instructors may not always have control over their class; others may seem to teach with some form of military training. A fun learning environment usually means a better learning environment. Also, make sure there is a relatively even number of guys to girls or ensure that the instructor regularly rotates the students to ensure everyone gets a turn at trying a new move. Keep in mind it is rare to have the exact same number of guys and girls. However if there are 20 girls registered and only 5 guys, many girls will not get a partner for the entire class, even with the instructor rotating partners. You may want to find a session with more even numbers so you will get more time to learn the step with an actual partner. Â
Â	4.9) Ask Around!
Â	Â	When deciding which instructor to select, a good approach is to ask some of the veteran dancers in the clubs which instructor they recommend. Note, many dancers are biased to the instructors that taught them, so also ask why they recommend this particular instructor. Try to get as many opinions as possible and this will help you to get a good sense of which instructors are the best or most popular in your city. Â
Â	4.10) Changing schools
Â	Â	We recommend you try many different instructors. However if you decide to change schools, there are a few things to keep in mind. Instructors all have different ways of measuring class levels. Some may rank students as “beginners”, “intermediate” or “advanced”. Other schools may use levels “level 1″, “level 2″, etc. In addition, “advanced” students from one school may not be at the same level as “advanced” students from another school. One instructor’s syllabus and rating system is usually quite different from another. This variation will not make a difference to you unless you switch schools. Most instructors will want to evaluate your skill level before you join so that you will be placed in the right level. You may want to choose instructors that you know will also offer advanced lessons in the future when you progress. It is natural to feel loyal to your first salsa instructor, but try to avoid feeling like you’re “cheating” on your current instructor if you decide to take classes with someone else. It’s okay, and in fact very beneficial to your dancing to a get as much varied input as possible. You also don’t have to leave your existing school. If you’re happy with it you may just want to supplement their classes with a class or workshop from another instructor every now and then.   Â
Â	4.11) Skills of a dance instructor
Â	Â	A dance instructor must have excellent understanding of the material he/she is teaching. In the case of Salsa, this includes being able to teach both the men’s and woman’s steps. In addition to the steps, additional details such as the timing of leading and following or weight transfer should be well understood by the instructor. An experienced instructor will be able to warn you about common problems students have with each step and how to prevent them. Assuming the instructor knows all this, he/she is required to be able to successfully communicate this information to the student. This is probably the most important skill of a good instructor. Just watching the instructor perform a specific step over and over is not enough for the average student. The instructor should be able to break down the step, and verbally explain each segment of the pattern. They should be able to pinpoint the problems the students are encountering and help them through it using explanations, examples and demonstration. A good instructor should be approachable and open to answering your questions. Lastly, just like a coach, an instructor should be able to encourage the students and be understanding. A caring and fun class atmosphere will greatly enhance the learning experience and will most likely bring the student back. Note: There are different types of classes, and different levels. Higher level classes are purposely not broken down as much as beginner classes. So make sure you’re in the right class by doing a placement evaluation with the instructor   Â
Â	4.12) Evaluating an Instructor’s Skill
Â	Â	As a beginner student it is very hard to evaluate how good an instructor is at teaching. Remember we’re evaluating their teaching skills, not dancing skills. You can learn a lot about the instructor through observation even if you are new to dancing: (1) How well does the instructor break down the steps? Is it too fast for you? Too slow? (2) At the end of the classes, did most of the students learn what the instructor tried to teach? Did you? If most of the students have a look of confusion at the end of the class, the instructor most likely did not adapt to the class level, or did not break down the steps well enough. (3) Did the instructor cover both the leaders and followers parts thoroughly? Were student questions answered well? Did the instructor even ask for questions and/or feedback? (4) A great way to judge an instructor is by his/her students. Can the instructor’s advanced students dance well? Can they dance with students not from the same dance school? In addition to these observations, any professional instructor would be glad to answer questions you may have. The following is a list of sample questions you should ask your potential instructor. (1) Their dance/salsa experience. (2) Length of time they have been teaching. (3) Ask to explain the style they teach and if it is the same style that is danced in the clubs. We highly recommend that you try a few different instructors. You will notice different teaching styles. One is not necessarily better than another, but you may have a favorite from which you learn the most. The most important questions to ask yourself after the class are; Were you happy with the lesson? Did you learn something new? Did you enjoy the lesson? If the answers are yes, then you’ve succeeded in finding a good instructor for you. Â