What key advice would you give a budding salsero/a?

[peachexploration]

What is the one key piece of advice you would give to a budding salsero/salsera?

Mine would be to do research about the different styles of salsa before you actually start classes. In your research, talk to friends, join a few forums and talk to a few instructors about what they teach. Always good to have an idea about what you're learning before you start. :D

[salsachinita]

Excellent advice, PeachE 8) !

I would like to add music. Listen to salsa as much as possible, and get to know the various rhythms under the 'salsa umbrella'.

The more familiar you are with the music, AND the more you love it, the easier it will be for you dancewise.......being ON BEAT is one of the pre-requisite of being a good salsero/a.

[danceguy]

*-*

[SDsalsaguy]

:arrow: Be it as lead or as follow, make sure you pay attention to how to dance with your partner!

[salsachinita]

Oooooh, and fun! Don't ever forget to have fun :P !

[Flujo]

As soon as you have had your first lesson, grab a class mate, get on the floor and start enjoying yourself. Listen to the music and see how it makes you feel - let those feelings change your dancing. Don't be afraid to just dance. The moves will come in good time but for now, just dance. :)

[sweavo]

My #1 rule is don't accept anyone telling you your style is wrong! If you are dancing what you are feeling then you are the real thing!

[nowhiteshoes]

Mine would be to do research about the different styles of salsa before you actually start classes. In your research, talk to friends, join a few forums and talk to a few instructors about what they teach. Always good to have an idea about what you're learning before you start. :D

or get someone to point out the different styles in case you cant spot the difference ;); i think it may have helped me if someone explained the differences in styles visually. then one a style is picked go to different teachers (espcecially once you've mastered the basics). what/how you learn as an improver/intermediate may well define you as a dancer for quite a while; bad technique/habits picked up from a cowboy are harder to get rid of the longer you go on dancing. you may have to kiss a few frogs before finding your prince/princess.

[TheBear_CanDanceToo]

As soon as you have had your first lesson, grab a class mate, get on the floor and start enjoying yourself. Yep - I'm 100% with you on this.

Listen to the music and see how it makes you feel - let those feelings change your dancing. Don't be afraid to just dance. The moves will come in good time but for now, just dance. :)Gotta be honest. I think this is naive. For me, and I believe a lot of other folk too, if someone had said this to me when I first started, I'd have responded as follows.
"I can't. I. Don't. Know. How."
All this "feel the music" "dance with the music" stuff sounds well and good but you might as well take me to a Portugese language class for an hour, then put me in a room with lot's of Portugese people and expect me to start conversing. Until I know and understand a little of the vocabulary, I've NO IDEA!
But yeah - take it to the dancefloor - practice and play with whatever you covered in the lesson and if something else comes to mind, or you see someone doing something else, have a go.

In addition, to this - listen to as much music as you can. And practice moving to it, even just with basic steps.

[bailarina]

To always enjoy the process!!

And to consider that if you could learn EVERYTHING all in one day, it wouldn't be so fun.... to enjoy the challenges presented over time and to always appreciate that there is something new that you can learn!!

:bouncy:

[Flujo]

Gotta be honest. I think this is naive. For me, and I believe a lot of other folk too, if someone had said this to me when I first started, I'd have responded as follows.
"I can't. I. Don't. Know. How."
All this "feel the music" "dance with the music" stuff sounds well and good but you might as well take me to a Portugese language class for an hour, then put me in a room with lot's of Portugese people and expect me to start conversing. Until I know and understand a little of the vocabulary, I've NO IDEA!
But yeah - take it to the dancefloor - practice and play with whatever you covered in the lesson and if something else comes to mind, or you see someone doing something else, have a go.That's fair enough. Perhaps the feeling of music is a bias that people who have grown up in a culture where music has played a significant part have. They take it for granted that other people understand the whole feelings thing too.
I suppose you could compare it to sitting someone at a piano and telling them "play what you feel" with the obvious reaction being "Urr, how do I do that?" :shock:

Anyway even with all these cultural differences and we can still have a blast. That's what matters at the end of the day.

[sagitta]

play music 24/7. This has made the most significant difference to me when learning any new dance.

[TheBear_CanDanceToo]

I suppose you could compare it to sitting someone at a piano and telling them "play what you feel" with the obvious reaction being "Urr, how do I do that?" :shock:Flujo, that is EXACTLY what I meant (but you actually put it rather better than I did!). :)

Anyway even with all these cultural differences and we can still have a blast. That's what matters at the end of the day. :D Totally agree. :D

[John S2]

The advice I would give to someone just starting salsa is to make sure that they go to a teacher with a track record of success with beginners.
If they don't feel comfortable with the first teacher they go to then change teacher.

[nowhiteshoes]

don't rush throught the levels ending up in the adv class after 8 months!

[John S2]

don't rush throught the levels ending up in the adv class after 8 months!
Good advice. People often think that learning the mechanics of advanced moves will make them better dancers, when what really matters on the dancefloor is ability to lead and ability to follow.

[SmartAlx]

Yeah, have patience. Start with the fundamentals. Go slow. Don't rush. Don't start learning anything remotely advanced until your fundamentals are sound. Learn proper balance, frame, connection, and control of your momentum.

Listen to... no, wait... fall in love with salsa music.

Find a good teacher.

Even though much of Salsa is a partner dance, solo work helps your partner work IMMENSELY because it improves your balance, gives you control of your momentum, connects you with the rhythm, and it teaches you to think the way a salsa dancer thinks.

Listen to and believe every dancer that tells you this: It's better to do 3 moves well, than 30 moves badly.

[Morena]

Listen to and believe every dancer that tells you this: It's better to do 3 moves well, than 30 moves badly.

Absolutely true!! :)

[SalsaManiac]

In addition, to this - listen to as much music as you can. And practice moving to it, even just with basic steps.

Totally agree!

[Flujo]

don't rush throught the levels ending up in the adv class after 8 months!Advice taken.
Was considering going advanced but will be more patient and make sure all the intermediate (and beg/imp) bases are covered first. May even go back and take some improver lessons.

Thanks nowhiteshoes :)

[lolita]

Learn how to listen to music....it should be a one unseperable part of your soul

[Flex]

don't rush throught the levels ending up in the adv class after 8 months!Advice taken.
Was considering going advanced but will be more patient and make sure all the intermediate (and beg/imp) bases are covered first. May even go back and take some improver lessons.

I'd say: by all means try an occasional advanced class, but as you say don't quit classes at a lower level. I will still attend (as a student) intermediate or lower classes from time to time. There are several reasons for this, apart from any kind of salsa being better than watching TV:

- I can work on, or refresh, my lead. The moves are second nature, so I can concentrate on clarifying the lead, my body positions and timing so that a lower level follower has the maximum chance of following and enjoying the experience. Also, a less experienced follower will expose any degradation in my lead whereas good followers will compensate for any deficiencies / degradation. We've discussed in another thread how followers' skills may also degrade without constant attention and renewal. It's hard to see how they can tackle this in a similar way to leading as above.
- I can work on those little bits of style
- I can study how a teacher new to me teaches!
- I can test out new moves on the followers as they come round...
- 'putting something back in' to salsa.

I have even helped out as a student partner occasionally with beginners' classes and you'd be surprised how much you've forgotten (or can try to improve) about the basics! And about problems beginners have. I think that salsa teachers would benefit from doing this (as students) from time to time...

On topic, I wouldn't pick out any 'one thing' for a budding salsera/o as there are many equally important tips here already. To add to the pile, I would say that it is very important to have a variety of teachers as you are learning. This is because in the nature of salsa there are many ways of doing things, and teachers have different takes, often firmly held! If you stick to one teacher / class a student risks getting into a frame of mind where s/he thinks there is only one 'right' way, and also risks being able to dance with students of that teacher only!

[nowhiteshoes]

don't rush throught the levels ending up in the adv class after 8 months!Advice taken.
Was considering going advanced but will be more patient and make sure all the intermediate (and beg/imp) bases are covered first. May even go back and take some improver lessons.

Thanks nowhiteshoes :)

have started taking marchant adv class in chiswick but still do an int class in london as my lead is a work in progress and the techer really breaks things down clearly. have noticed a few times when dancing with girls who've shot through int class that they cant follow certain moves taught at int level (maybe its my lead :twisted: ).

[Flujo]

I'd say: by all means try an occasional advanced class, but as you say don't quit classes at a lower level. Thanks Flex. Perhaps during my next Salsa binge I'll do the odd advanced lesson and see how it goes. ;)

have started taking marchant adv class in chiswick but still do an int class in london as my lead is a work in progress and the techer really breaks things down clearly. have noticed a few times when dancing with girls who've shot through int class that they cant follow certain moves taught at int level (maybe its my lead :twisted: ).It's hard to tell sometimes isn't it? Looking at the same girl dance with another guy after you sometimes helps you to see how much more you have to learn - and a nice and humbling experience it is too. <removed rant about women improving faster the suggestion that men should start wearing high heels - waaay off topic>

Back on topic:
"Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery"
When someone inspires you don't be afraid to try and imitate them, and if you can, put your own little spin on it. Sample it, chop it up, reverse it, do what you can to make it your own!

[GTO Bruin]

Great advice, everyone. I'd like to add the following. Although it's natural to feel self conscious on the dance floor, try to remember that no one really watches beginners. They are expected to be there, as there are always new people starting out. People are watching more proficient dancers, either out of admiration, trying to pick up new moves, or sometimes to be critical. But being a beginner is a great time to be anonymous and just enjoy the process of learning. There are really no expectations from anyone watching.

[redsalsero]

this thread got me thinking about what i saw yesterday.
i was watching beginners classes as ussual.
and i saw this couple dancing. and i was like wow thats the worst couple i have ever seen. really they were completely offtime and doing steps like they cant hear the counting of the intructor or something.
so i continued to observe them. half through class they were gettin frustrated. the lady tells the man what to do. and she gets angry cos he doesnt do it right. so the man just stand there asking himslf now what im supposed to do.

it was really not fun to see at all. almost heartbreakin. i wanted to help them but im not a social butterfly that trys to talk and help everyone.
and i might hurt their feelings just simply by saying u guys need to parctice more. so any advice.

im considering 1: leave them alone and see them quit after this class.
or 2 going to them and saying something like.
i see u guys having some trouble how can i help?.
and saying they really need to practice at home. and listen to alot of music.

[KP-salsa]

Listen to and believe every dancer that tells you this: It's better to do 3 moves well, than 30 moves badly.

Absolutely true!! :)

But once you can do 3 moves really well, try and learn a fourth. :lol:

[terence]

. half through class they were gettin frustrated. the lady tells the man what to do. and she gets angry cos he doesnt do it right. so the man just stand there asking himslf now what im supposed to do.

it was really not fun to see at all. almost heartbreakin. i wanted to help them but im not a social butterfly that trys to talk and help everyone.
and i might hurt their feelings just simply by saying u guys need to parctice more. so any advice.

im considering 1: leave them alone and see them quit after this class.
or 2 going to them and saying something like.
i see u guys having some trouble how can i help?.
and saying they really need to practice at home. and listen to alot of music.





para 1 -- where was the teacher during this " event " ?

para 2 -- I NEVER want students taking on my responsibilty -- many times, although trying to be helpful, may complicate matters even worse .

The teacher is PAID to sort out these difficulties, and should be aware constantly of any problems that arise .


#3 -- going home to practice is not the solution their problem -- clarity is .


The golden rule when teaching classes with couples present-- delineate the responsibilities within the partnership-- stressing--NO correction by either party ( call me over )
This is a constant problem in all the genres I teach-- suddenly , someone discovers they know how to teach !!

[Flex]

para 1 -- where was the teacher during this " event " ?
.......
The teacher is PAID to sort out these difficulties, and should be aware constantly of any problems that arise .

#3 -- going home to practice is not the solution their problem -- clarity is .


Dead right.

If the couple can't sort the problem out quickly and sweetly themselves, they should call on the teacher. Or you could quietly and discreetly draw the teacher's attention to them.

[redsalsero]

para 1 -- where was the teacher during this " event " ?

para 2 -- I NEVER want students taking on my responsibilty -- many times, although trying to be helpful, may complicate matters even worse .

The teacher is PAID to sort out these difficulties, and should be aware constantly of any problems that arise .


#3 -- going home to practice is not the solution their problem -- clarity is .


The golden rule when teaching classes with couples present-- delineate the responsibilities within the partnership-- stressing--NO correction by either party ( call me over )
This is a constant problem in all the genres I teach-- suddenly , someone discovers they know how to teach !!

teacher was giving instruction to other couples..

no comment

now that i think of it yes a teacher has to see who needs the most help.
but most teachers uses a timeschedule of one hour or more so they cant help everyone.
ill try flex advice and try to point the teacher in their way.

[terence]

[quote]



teacher was giving instruction to other couples..



but most teachers uses a timeschedule of one hour or more so they cant help everyone.

ill try flex advice and try to point the teacher in their way.


Awareness, the mark of an experienced prof.

Thats a given-- but refer to above - some could slip thru the proverbial " cracks " but that, as a teacher, I am constantly aware of .

The size of the class may also play an integral part of the problem .

last para-- always the best solution !

[sweavo]

As a bystander: stay out of it!

As the teacher: split 'em up ASAP and set them individual tasks to keep them busy criticising themselves rather than one another.