Hi to everyone here at the forum. I was surfing around trying to get some tips and found this board. Absolutely brilliant I have to say. Im new to salsa and hooked already. Poor me huh. Im already waking up going 1-2-3 in my head. My dilemma is which salsa videos are best for begginers?? :doh: Im sure this has already been posted elsewhere but its a bit of a job getting through all the posts . I already have a couple 'Edie the salsa freak' ones which are mainly on styling, but im still a long way from there. I was hoping someone might remember any good ones from back in their beginner days. Many thanks in advance. :lol:
Salsa Newbie
- Thread starter jules
- Start date
Welcome to SF, jules 
I did classes for a year or so before I found DVD's so I'm no help in answering this question, sorry :?
I did classes for a year or so before I found DVD's so I'm no help in answering this question, sorry :?
Welcome to the forum Jules!
Can't really help, but I suspect absolute beginner videos would only cover stuff you already know (basic footwork, timing, outside/inside turns)
Also starting level pattern DVDs tend to concentrate on what the guy needs to do...
If you're a beginner, I say save your cash and take a couple of extra lessons or maybe an intensive course. Those extra hours of supervised instruction will be of more use than a video.
Also, if you're not social dancing yet, the sooner you start the quicker you'll learn. I was suspicious when experienced dancers told me this - but they are right!
Can't really help, but I suspect absolute beginner videos would only cover stuff you already know (basic footwork, timing, outside/inside turns)
Also starting level pattern DVDs tend to concentrate on what the guy needs to do...
If you're a beginner, I say save your cash and take a couple of extra lessons or maybe an intensive course. Those extra hours of supervised instruction will be of more use than a video.
Also, if you're not social dancing yet, the sooner you start the quicker you'll learn. I was suspicious when experienced dancers told me this - but they are right!
Hi Jules - welcome to SF
I'd agree with Andrew about getting into the clubs for more dancing, not just lessons.
I'd leave the Edie's styling videos alone for the moment or, at least, don't style when you're dancing with a beginner lead. We're fragile flowers :lol:
I'd agree with Andrew about getting into the clubs for more dancing, not just lessons.
I'd leave the Edie's styling videos alone for the moment or, at least, don't style when you're dancing with a beginner lead. We're fragile flowers :lol:
check www.salsa-videos.com
largest collection of salsa dvd's
klik on level and all the beginners are at your screen
largest collection of salsa dvd's
klik on level and all the beginners are at your screen
I'd say that most videos are pretty useless for beginner followers - the only way you learn to follow is by doing it - so get to classes and stay for the social dancing. Be brave - it's always a bit intimidating at first!
Most DVD's for women concentrate on styling - when you hit improver level maybe think about picking up one of Susanna Monteros DVD's.
Most DVD's for women concentrate on styling - when you hit improver level maybe think about picking up one of Susanna Monteros DVD's.
I tend to agree that classess and social dancing is way more important than DVDs. But I think having a good DVD is a great reference when you're at home. Sometimes I find it helpful to breakdown some of the footwork. Also, a DVD will give you an idea of what you should look like when you're actually doing these moves. For a complete beginner I would recommend the following:
1) Learn to Salsa Beginner series - Really good breakdown of moves with very specific instructions. Lot of material there also.
2) "New York Salsa" by Cultural Explosion - Not as specific with the details, but the beginning of their beginner's video will breakdown a lot of the footwork you need to know as a follower.
Overall very good videos that should help you out when you can't remember how to step for a certain move. Again..using these as refrences is a good idea.
But they will never take the place of actually dancing
1) Learn to Salsa Beginner series - Really good breakdown of moves with very specific instructions. Lot of material there also.
2) "New York Salsa" by Cultural Explosion - Not as specific with the details, but the beginning of their beginner's video will breakdown a lot of the footwork you need to know as a follower.
Overall very good videos that should help you out when you can't remember how to step for a certain move. Again..using these as refrences is a good idea.
But they will never take the place of actually dancing
Welcome Jules. 
Check the Member Review section. I'm sure there is somethign there for beginners.
Check the Member Review section. I'm sure there is somethign there for beginners.Such a warm welcome. I feel like part of the family already (Just let me get this single side turn into coppa right...). Thank you everyone for all the useful tips and the websites. Ill get cracking. Ive only ever done 3 social dances, and its obvious that more practice is the key. I have to say though this 'follow' work is hard. And injuries are eminent. Elbow in teeth, swinging bumps..And I probably have pulled the all time one yesterday when I ended up with back of my head in the poor chaps crotch :shock: 
His fault totally (ofcourse) He should have opened his legs at the T-Stance!! (Never mind I was the one watching flippin 'Edie Salsa freak' videos) Anyway, Cringe!! Ill stick to cucaracha next time.
Oh and if anyone is wondering the weather in London is miserable. Hows the weather your end
eace:
His fault totally (ofcourse) He should have opened his legs at the T-Stance!! (Never mind I was the one watching flippin 'Edie Salsa freak' videos) Anyway, Cringe!! Ill stick to cucaracha next time. Oh and if anyone is wondering the weather in London is miserable. Hows the weather your end
eace:jules said:And I probably have pulled the all time one yesterday when I ended up with back of my head in the poor chaps crotch :shock:
Could have been worse - might have been your face.... :shock:
PielCanela
Changui
Welcome Jules,
I developed about 80% of my dancing out of training dvds, I had no choice, I have to drive 2, to 4 hours to get any instruction, or flight for 6 to make it to one of the big salsa center.
As a follow, you should get down the basics, but really get them down, then you will be able with some practice to follow good and average leads, training with a partner or social dancing is a must but before that basics need to be there so you can develop a sound technical base.
London, hmm so I think you will be on1.
basics that you should learn
-front back basic ( also call mambo step)
-side basic
-back basic ( push and pull)
-cumbia basic
-Cross Body Lead (CBL) FOOTWORK - yes there is actual steps, you can wing it, but only if you do the steps you will achieve control, timing and lightness in the dance floor
-CBL inside and outside turns footwork
-Right and Left (full and half ) Axels
-Right and left turns
- Work on single spins, but eventually work if possible to doubles
-get your hands off your sides, they should be moving up and around in nice styling leaving your sides available for the lead to get in close holds through out the dance
-learn, train to look at the person who are dancing with in their eyes, smile and have good time
dvds that I will recommend for on1 are liquid silver and salsa freak, beginners and intermedium 1. there are certainly others, I know you guys/gals have Leon Rose himself there, haven't seen his videos but his dancing is amazing
I developed about 80% of my dancing out of training dvds, I had no choice, I have to drive 2, to 4 hours to get any instruction, or flight for 6 to make it to one of the big salsa center.
As a follow, you should get down the basics, but really get them down, then you will be able with some practice to follow good and average leads, training with a partner or social dancing is a must but before that basics need to be there so you can develop a sound technical base.
London, hmm so I think you will be on1.
basics that you should learn
-front back basic ( also call mambo step)
-side basic
-back basic ( push and pull)
-cumbia basic
-Cross Body Lead (CBL) FOOTWORK - yes there is actual steps, you can wing it, but only if you do the steps you will achieve control, timing and lightness in the dance floor
-CBL inside and outside turns footwork
-Right and Left (full and half ) Axels
-Right and left turns
- Work on single spins, but eventually work if possible to doubles
-get your hands off your sides, they should be moving up and around in nice styling leaving your sides available for the lead to get in close holds through out the dance
-learn, train to look at the person who are dancing with in their eyes, smile and have good time
dvds that I will recommend for on1 are liquid silver and salsa freak, beginners and intermedium 1. there are certainly others, I know you guys/gals have Leon Rose himself there, haven't seen his videos but his dancing is amazing
welcome on board Jules
and i agree with most of the guys here
training and more dancing... thats the key for begginers
actually not only begginers, for anyone in any level. and i dont really recommend any DVD as most of em focus on the lead part, and the very basics that u already know !
and i agree with most of the guys here
training and more dancing... thats the key for begginers
actually not only begginers, for anyone in any level. and i dont really recommend any DVD as most of em focus on the lead part, and the very basics that u already know !
azzey
Son Montuno
You said you had some of Edie's DVD's?
Do you have her World Famous Spins DVD? Even though you are a beginner this will teach you basic technique which you will need for cross-body inside and outside turns as well as more advanced spin technique and also has some general tips for following which are good.
salsafever.co.uk/shopping/salsa_freak_videos.htm
Guys are going to spin you anyway, regardless of whether you are a beginner or not so best learn the correct technique now and start practicing it as it can help to improve your balance and basic turns (which should be stepped rather than spun).
In my opinion (as a guy) if I was giving a DVD to someone I was teaching this is the one I would give to start off with.
Her styling DVD's, although perhaps too advanced for you at the moment (most followers don't start learning styling until the improver/intermediate level as it often gets in the way of learning correct following) there are some excellent following tips on there about where your hands and arms should be on which beat of the music.
Remember as a follower it's not your job to learn the moves. That's the guys job. Instead if you can pick up any general tips for following from these DVD's that you can use in general circumstances throughout the dance and then apply those you will improve quickly.
Lastly, most beginners try to simulate body movement (e.g. hip movement) by unnaturally and incorrectly intentionally trying to move the hips. Usually this happens because they copy an advanced beginner who is making the same mistake. I wouldn't worry about body movement at the moment, but once you become interested I would highly recommend Iris De Brito's Body Talk DVD or attending her workshops which she teaches in and around London.
irisdebrito.com/merchandise.html
Have fun!
Do you have her World Famous Spins DVD? Even though you are a beginner this will teach you basic technique which you will need for cross-body inside and outside turns as well as more advanced spin technique and also has some general tips for following which are good.
salsafever.co.uk/shopping/salsa_freak_videos.htm
Guys are going to spin you anyway, regardless of whether you are a beginner or not so best learn the correct technique now and start practicing it as it can help to improve your balance and basic turns (which should be stepped rather than spun).
In my opinion (as a guy) if I was giving a DVD to someone I was teaching this is the one I would give to start off with.
Her styling DVD's, although perhaps too advanced for you at the moment (most followers don't start learning styling until the improver/intermediate level as it often gets in the way of learning correct following) there are some excellent following tips on there about where your hands and arms should be on which beat of the music.
Remember as a follower it's not your job to learn the moves. That's the guys job. Instead if you can pick up any general tips for following from these DVD's that you can use in general circumstances throughout the dance and then apply those you will improve quickly.
Lastly, most beginners try to simulate body movement (e.g. hip movement) by unnaturally and incorrectly intentionally trying to move the hips. Usually this happens because they copy an advanced beginner who is making the same mistake. I wouldn't worry about body movement at the moment, but once you become interested I would highly recommend Iris De Brito's Body Talk DVD or attending her workshops which she teaches in and around London.
irisdebrito.com/merchandise.html
Have fun!
Hi Jules
well you can always check out my blog, there are quite a few instructionals on there
well you can always check out my blog, there are quite a few instructionals on there