What does it take to become a salsa dancer? People from all walks of life ask this question before taking their first steps. We have welcomed doctors, shop assistants, web designers, and truck drivers into our salsa dance classes. Initially, most students fall into three categories. Some have formal training in other dance styles. Others enjoy dancing casually at family events. Finally, many have absolutely no dance experience at all. The first two groups might have a slight advantage. However, anyone can learn this beautiful art form. You just need a willingness to learn and a basic sense of rhythm. Above all, whichever group you fall into, you must remember to relax! You are simply learning to dance.
What to Expect in Your First Class
Your very first session moves at a deliberately slow pace. Because everything is new, it might feel like a lot of information. Please do not worry. With practice, these initial steps will soon feel incredibly easy. First, we concentrate on basic footwork and left and right turns. Next, we introduce the essential techniques of leading and following. Afterward, you will practice your new skills before grabbing a cooling drink. Alternatively, we can teach you and up to five friends in our private home studio.
Building Your Skills in Next Steps
Over the following weeks, you will repeatedly practice those basic steps. During these sessions, we also introduce foundational moves for partner work. Consequently, you will soon learn to dance through an entire three-minute song. Although it sounds daunting, achieving this milestone takes very little time. Essentially, the beginners’ stage consists of six or seven core moves. You can think of these steps as the building blocks for your complete routine.
Advancing to Improvers Classes
The second half of our evening focuses entirely on improvers. This section is perfect for those feeling confident with basic Cuban salsa. Here, you are ready to learn more complex and involving patterns. Because there are literally hundreds of Cuban moves, we keep classes varied. Therefore, we introduce a fresh selection of steps every month. Additionally, we regularly revisit earlier techniques since it is incredibly easy to forget them.
The Fun of Rueda (Cuban Wheel)
Rueda offers a fantastic way to practice your new moves. Most weeks, we include at least a short session of this style. You can compare Rueda to a fun Latin barn dance. Couples dance in a circle while the men advance to the next lady. They do this by reacting to the instructions of a designated caller. In theory, all men move together in perfect time. In reality, the wheel often descends into hilarious chaos. However, mistakes are completely part of the fun. Furthermore, ladies do not need to memorize the moves because that remains the man’s job. Without a doubt, Rueda puts a smile on everyone’s face.
Exploring Other Latin Dance Styles
Besides traditional salsa dance classes, you will frequently encounter other exciting rhythms.
Bachata
Originating in the Dominican Republic, Bachata uses a very close hold. Furthermore, it features a much more melodic beat than standard salsa. You will hear these beautiful tunes played at almost every event. They provide a welcome break from the sometimes frantic salsa tempos. Sweet Salsa regularly holds classes for this style, so please check our current timetable. While the closeness takes time to get used to, it is an incredibly rewarding dance.
Merengue
Merengue shares many arm movements and turn patterns with salsa. However, you dance Merengue on a very regular 1-2 marching beat. As a result, it requires far less intense concentration. If you ever witness one of our famous ‘merengue muddles’, you will understand its highly social nature.
Kizomba
Kizomba has grown massively in popularity over the last decade. If you thought Bachata was intimate, this Angolan dance is incredibly close. Sweet Salsa does not directly teach this specific style. However, our Associate Teacher Abi holds a Tuesday evening class right after beginners’ salsa. You can ask Abi directly in class about her teaching schedule and local events.
Cha Cha Cha and More
From time to time, Julia and Steve provide tuition in additional Latin dances. Usually, the group decides on the style together during the evening. Learning rhythms like the Cha Cha Cha is highly beneficial. You will undoubtedly hear this associated music at various salsa parties and social events.
The first two groups probably have a slight advantage but anyone can do it – just bring a willingness to learn and, if possible, a slight sense of rhythm.
But, whichever group you fall into the first thing you need to do is RELAX! You are learning to dance, that’s all.
And Also..
The good news is the it’s not all about learning. We also get to practice what we have learned and to socialise with the group. The more experienced students will always help out the new people and are more than happy for the experience to develop their own dancing skills. For those who become a little more confident there are also our salsa party nights at The Canberra Club and other venues.