1. HAVE AN OPEN MIND
Many times we walk into a class feeling as though we have already learned most of what is being taught, but that we need just one thing (a new step, syncopation, body move, timing etc.) When this happens, we tend to only hear what we want to hear and not necessarily what is being taught. Many teachers use patterns as a means to teach a skill; that skill would be the primary thing to learn in that class, not the pattern itself.
2. BE IN THE RIGHT LEVEL
Many times we think, “I’ve already taken the Beginner Salsa course and I’m ready to jump to the next level”. Remember, completing a Salsa course doesn’t guarantee that at the end of it you’ll be ready for the next level. NEVER get in a level that is beyond your capacity, you will only waste time, money, patience, and the worst thing of all is that you will end up detesting learning to dance. Remember it’s the quality, not the quantity.
3. BE ON TIME
If you are there from the beginning of the class, you will obviously have a better understanding of what is being taught than if you come to class in the middle of an explanation. Besides, it’s not fair to the teacher or to the rest of the class to have to keep repeating things for the late comers.
4. ENCOURAGE YOUR PARTNERS
On occasion, we will have a new student worried about the more advanced students in the class getting frustrated with them. While you are working on your dancing, be aware of what emotion you may be projecting. Beginner dancers tend to take this more personal. If you’re frustrated with yourself, they may think it’s them you’re frustrated with. Remember to always encourage your partners, it makes all the difference. The more comfortable people are in class, the more often they will come.
5. COME AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE
Coming to classes as often as possible will improve your dancing considerably, even when you think you know it all. I guarantee you will learn something new. Remember, you never stop learning.
6. TAKE PRIVATES
Taking group classes is a great way to learn patterns. However, if you really want to understand and polish your dancing, privates are the way go. To be honest, some things cannot be taught in group classes because of the time constraint. For this reason, some technique can only be fully taught in private lessons. A private lesson is an excellent way to improve your dancing quickly. You should consider taking one.
7. GET AS MUCH PRACTICE AS POSSIBLE
Come early to class, stay after class, practice as often as possible. A coach once told us that there should be 5 hours of practice between each class. While you may not be able to practice that much, just know that the more you practice, the better. The key to improving your dancing is practice, practice, practice!!!
8. HAVE PROPER TOOLS
You don’t have to buy dance shoes, but having adequate footwear eliminates one potential roadblock to your learning. A good pair of shoes will last a long time if they are properly taken care of. Think of it as putting good tires on your car. If you are committed to dancing, invest in the right shoes. If you choose not to have dance shoes, you should wear a pair of shoes with thin, flexible, plastic, or leather soles that are slippery. Ladies should avoid wearing flip-flops and instead wear shoes with ankle straps for support. Please avoid tennis shoes and work boots. Clothing should be cool and comfortable.
9. HAVE FUN
Remember that this is a social activity. Think of why you walked into your first class in the first place. Most people choose to start taking classes in order to learn to dance socially and to have fun. Also remember that the learning process guarantees that mistakes will happen. You will learn faster if you learn to laugh at your mistakes instead of stressing over them. Enjoy the learning process!
Dance Etiquette
1. ASKING FOR A DANCE
GentlemenWhen asking a lady to dance, it is best to stick to traditional phrases:
Avoid repeatedly asking the same partner to dance with you, unless she requests it. You are strongly encouraged to ask many different partners to dance, including beginners. This not only improves the social dynamics of a dance, it also helps you become a better leader. Keep in mind that good dancers can make any partner look good. |
LadiesFeel equally comfortable asking a gentleman for a dance, even in a formal setting. You are strongly encouraged to dance with many different partners, as this will make you a better follower.Keep in mind that a good dancer can make any partner look good. |
2. DECLINING A DANCE
| GentlemenDon’t get discouraged if you get declined once in a while. Keep in mind that everyone needs a break from time to time. If you do get declined, be gracious about it and smile! | LadiesTry not to decline a dance unless:
If you decline a dance this means sitting out the entire song. It is inconsiderate to dance a song with anyone after you have declined to dance it with someone else. |
3. GETTING ON THE DANCEFLOOR
| GentlemenIt is your responsibility to escort your partner to a place on the dance floor where you are not blocking couples who are already dancing. | Ladies
Allow your partner to lead you out to the dance floor. |
4. SHARING THE DANCEFLOOR
| GentlemenIt’s your responsibility to take care of your partner and make sure she doesn’t bump into other couples. If you are on a crowded floor, remember to take small steps. | Ladies
Minimize your styling on crowded floors and remember to take small steps. |
5. DEMEANOR
| GentlemenBe personable, smile, and make eye contact with your partner every so often throughout the dance. Try to project a warm and positive image on the dance floor, even if that is not your personal style. Avoid looking elsewhere while dancing with your partner; your eyes should remain focused on her and your ears on the music. | Ladies
Be personable, smile, and make eye contact with your partner every so often throughout the dance. Try to project a warm and positive image on the dance floor, even if that is not your personal style. Avoid looking elsewhere while dancing with your partner; you should remain focused on following your partner’s leads. |
6. DANCING TO THE LEVEL OF YOUR PARTNER
| GentlemenIf you are more experienced than your partner, dance at the level she is in. Always start with simple figures, and gradually work your way up to more complicated patterns. Never blame your partner for missed steps. | Ladies
If you are a more experienced dancer than your partner is, be patient with him. Remember that the learning process can be challenging. |
7. TEACHING ON THE DANCEFLOOR
| GentlemenAvoid teaching your partner new patterns during a social dance. Concentrate on doing what both of you can do, and enjoy the dance. Unsolicited teaching can make your partner feel uncomfortable and takes the fun out of dancing. | Ladies
Avoid telling your partner how to lead you during a social dance. Unsolicited teaching can make your partner feel uncomfortable and takes the fun out of dancing. |
8. AT THE END OF THE DANCE
| GentlemenWhen a song comes to an end, escort your partner back to where you asked her to dance. Never just leave your partner out on the dance floor. Remember to always thank your partner after a dance. | Ladies
After the dance is finished, thank your partner. |