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Answers
to the questions we are often asked about our
classes
When can I start?
Do I need to book?
We run most of our classes as "drop
in sessions" so you can start as soon as
you're ready and you can come along as often
as you like - if you miss a class, it's not
a problem. We take people whatever level they're
at, no matter how many classes they've attended
before nor where else they've been learning.
From time to time we run courses and specialist
workshops
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| I've
learnt other dances before, do I need to start
in the beginners class?
Your experience of other dances will certainly
help you once you've got the basics of salsa -
every type of dance has it's different basics,
so it's worth getting these right. You may find
that one or two private lessons are more appropriate
as a "conversion course" |
| Do
We Accept Complete Beginners? Yes!
At every session, we welcome absolute beginners
as well as those who have experience, so it's
unlikely you'll be the only one! Whether you're
aged 14 or 60 - or somewhere in between - you'll
always be welcome! |
| What
should I wear?
When learning to dance salsa you will get hot
so wear clothes you can move about in freely and
that won't make you too hot. Many wear jeans and
t-shirt to classes and dress up more at dance
and party nights. It's worth taking a change of
shirt and investing in good anti-perspirant/deodorant.
For classes we recommend low-heeled shoes with
soles that will slide around and don't grip the
floor too much such as those with plastic or leather
soles. Rubber soled shoes such as on trainers
will put strain on your ankles and knees. What
you wear isn't critical for your first few visits
- you don't need to buy a new wardrobe just to
come along and get started! |
| Do
I need a partner?
You don't need to come along with any unwilling
partner but you can bring as many friends as you
like. You should soon make new friends and feel
comfortable coming along on your own if necessary |
| Who
goes to salsa? Are there any age restrictions?
Almost anyone can come to salsa - if you can walk
you can learn salsa. Salsa is most popular with
the 18 to 55 age group but we also have both younger
and older dancers. Check on the class pages for
any age restrictions imposed by the venue. |
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What
style of salsa do you teach and why? What are
the differences between the styles?
We teach the New York style of salsa "on
1" sometimes referred to as "Cross
Body Style". Some teachers combine styles
or don't stick to the "rules" too
much - we've found that this doesn't work well
in reality. Becoming good at one style properly
will make it easier learning another properly.
The New York style involves a strong emphasis
on technique so if you can learn that other
styles should be easier.
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What
are the different levels and which one should
I be in?
Although there is no set standard for salsa
levels in the UK we like to align our levels
with the highest in the UK. This should mean
that if you are for instance in our Improver
level, you will be at least in Improver level
if not higher at any other class in the UK.
This should avoid ever being told you're in
too high a level class elsewhere. So what are
our levels? The following are intended as a
guide - our teachers are best placed to help
you find your correct level:
| Level |
Typical
time |
Techniques |
| Absolute
Beginners |
0
- 2 months |
basic
stepping patterns and simple partner work,
holds, etc |
| Recent
Beginners |
1
- 3 months |
cross
body lead, simple turns, short easy routines |
| Improvers |
2
- 6 months |
pivot
turns, copas, longer routines |
| Intermediates |
6
months + |
variations
on copas and turns, difficult moves and
styling |
| Advanced |
18
months + |
more
styling, complex footwork and moving to
music |
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