How do I start Salsa dancing?

How could I start dancing Salsa?

Congratulations! If you are just starting out, welcome to a wild ride.  Salsa dancing will prove rewarding to you in ways you can barely imagine right now! Salsa is the most fun you can have standing up. However, starting out isn’t easy! From the beginning,you’ll miss the beat, lack coordination, fear the unknown, and then of course you will  be scared of making a total ass out of yourself.  These  play into the equation. It takes time, lessons (yes, it does), practice, and a little addiction, to get the most out of it.

First of all, you need to take Salsa lessons, and I recommend at least 2 times or three times a week. Why ? Because, it takes time to get the beat that you hear in your ears, and feel in your heart, into your feet. Repetition helps!  If you take lessons in the beginning, many times a week, it reinforces things you learn.  In addition, after two to three weeks of group classes, taking a private lesson which helps you pick up the style, and lead or follow technique, that isn’t necessarily abundantly clear in group classes.

And then To dance with everybody, everywhere, anytime.  You’re just starting out, you’re not expected to be Fred Astaire!  Dance with as many people as you possibly can, and don’t be afraid to ask that great dancer that you see in the club for a dance, or some help (or some pointers).  It pays to learn to lead and follow from a variety of people, spread yourself around.  You will learn FASTER!

Finally, try to get out of the classes into the clubs! That’s where a lot of the fun is anyway, and why hold it off.  A lot of the classes are in the clubs anyway, but if you’re taking classes at a ballroom or a private studio, make sure to make it out to the clubs at least once a week.  Not only is it a blast to go out dancing, but in the beginning it can help reinforce those things you learn in class.  Nothing like some real world practice.  It also help you get used to the music which is played in the clubs, which by and large, is faster than what you find in your typical salsa class!

What if I dont speak spanish?

Don’t worry! This is where the phrase “Shut up and dance!” became popular.

Most importantly, have fun! We begin with this, and we end with this.  That’s what dancing is all about. Relax, take a deep breath, and get ready for the ride of your life . . .