Why do I feel like such a Beginner ?
I’ve been dancing for three years, and I STILL feel like an amateur out there…
Getting Over the FEAR
Dear Edie,
I've been taking classes for three years, and I still feel like a beginner. I'm terrified of Salsa clubs.
Any suggesions?
- Fearful Salsero
Dear Fearful Salsero! Maybe you're curious about Salsa dancing. Or maybe you've taken a few classes and you're ready for a REAL Salsa night. Here's the thing: it's intimidating! You don't know anyone. You don't have a partner. You barely know any moves. Trust me, EVERY Salsa dancer has felt that way. So here's the advice I wish someone had given me!
1. Make Plans for BEFORE
Get a group together and meet for a drink, coffee or dessert first. Everybody's a little nervous, and that's okay! That nervous energy turns into giggles and fun, and suddenly you're in the perfect mindset to dance. No one wants to join you? Meet up with your friends anyway, then head out early on your own. You'll be fine. I promise!
2. TAKE the Class!
Almost every Salsa night starts with a beginner lesson, and it's made just for YOU. The best part is that the lessons always rotate partners. You'll meet new people and start building a list of dancers to dance with later. And you can stop worrying about whether you have a partner, because you don't need one! Most dancers come and go ALONE. It's about the dancing! The class also gets your ears ready for Salsa music, which makes it so much easier to find the beat later.
Edie's TIP: When you rotate and meet someone you really enjoyed dancing with, just say, "Let's dance later!" Done! Now the guys don't have to work up the nerve to ask, and the gals don't have to wait to be asked. Pressure GONE!
3. Make Plans for AFTER
You took the lesson. Awesome! You danced a few songs. Even more awesome! But now your feet are tired, your rhythm is slipping, and you're watching advanced dancers do crazy things while you try to keep up with leading, following and turning. And it's only 11:00! What do you do?
Don't make Salsa the END of your night. Make it the interlude! Meet up with friends who weren't there. Go to a party, a club, or get dessert or drinks. Now you have a story to tell, and a reason to bring even MORE friends next time. This matters because if you sit and watch until you're sleepy, you'll dampen the fun you had earlier. Go out on a high note!
Want to learn about Salsa music? Come dance with me! We have group classes every TUESDAY night at the Denver Highlands Events Center, with a FREE wine and cheese social afterward. Got questions? Send them my way!
our Group Class website: https://www.thisissalsa.com
— Edie, The Salsa FREAK!!
https://www.salsafreak.com/bio
When Will I Get Good? Advice for Beginning Partner Dancers
“Edie, when will I get good?”
When beginners ask me that question, I can’t help but smile.
My usual answer is two simple words:
It depends.”
I always suggest educating yourself about what Beginner’s go through during the beginning phases of learning.You can read about how myself and others got started here at the Dancer Hangout!. (more…)
Learning Salsa from the Beginning: A Male Perspective
By Russel Longo – Los Angeles, CA
Learning Salsa from the Beginning: A Male Perspective
Let me preface this by admitting I’m not the greatest Salsa dancer in the world and never will be (among top dancers, that title is always up for debate anyway). I’m simply part of the huge crowd who’ve fallen in love with Salsa music and everything it stirs in the human spirit. I’ll assume you’re a member of this lively group too.
My first experience with Salsa was strictly as a spectator, and the music and dancing left a lasting impression. Judging by how many men are taking classes these days (in my last three group classes, guys outnumbered women 2 to 1), it’s clearly made an impact on you as well. I grabbed a friend to teach me the basic step—that was all she knew, but it was enough. Then, like many of you fellows, I decided to test the waters with a group class. What an ego deflator! Many of the women looked like they’d been dancing for years, and some even seemed annoyed by my shaky lead. Worse, I was flanked by guys who looked like they already had it figured out.
It’s easy to get excited about a new interest, but the reality of learning the skills can be hard to swallow. Realizing it takes more than one lesson to be a good Salsero, I had a decision to make: invest the time (and the ego bruising) to learn this well? It took about 2 seconds to answer yes, but the thought of quitting did flash through my mind. This is the pivotal moment for any novice. Those who forge ahead get results; the rest get discouraged and fall away. Don’t be in the second group!
Private lessons were crucial in breaking through that first confidence barrier. I strongly recommend two or three privates early on to accelerate your learning. I took a dozen or so before going back to a group lesson—big difference. You’ll be more relaxed and focused after private instruction from a good teacher. New steps come faster, you retain more, and you start to develop a feel for moving a woman around your frame. I still have a long way to go (I’m a perfectionist), but enough classes give you a clear path forward.
PROGRESSING FROM THE BEGINNING
There are Great Salsa dancers and Good Salsa dancers. Great dancers can command any floor, and few reach that level. But even Good dancers impress the casual spectator—and that should make any beginner happy. Why? Because becoming a good dancer is a very realistic goal for 98% of the population. With good teaching, mental focus, and practice, you can reach a level that’s fun to dance and fun to watch.
It’s the grind of going from a poor partner dancer to a good one that sidelines most who quit. As I’ve said in my Salsa story, a confident, strong lead is a must for the man. A good male lead can make an average female partner look better; the reverse is less common. Several good teachers have told me this puts a male dancer several months behind a female at the very beginning (assuming no prior partner training). That’s unsettling when you walk into your first group lesson and the women are kicking your tail around the floor with intermediate moves! Consider this a friendly warning.
Now the good news: it only takes a few lessons—private preferred—before a man gets a beginning feel for leading. At that point you’re way ahead of the guy who never partner dances at all. A few weeks of practice and you’ll lead quite well. Nothing flashy yet, but enough to truly start enjoying those Salsa sounds. A worthwhile first goal.
GOALS
What do you expect from your dance experience? How good do you want to be? Are there dancers who inspire you? (If so, talk to them—if they’re friendly, they may offer valuable advice.) How much time are you willing to invest?
Someone once told me there are two types of dancers: those who dance for how it makes them feel, and those who dance because they like to perform for others. The first type dances for what it brings to themselves and their partner; the second is also concerned with how others see them. In reality, nobody is purely one or the other. Still, be true to your personality. If you want glitz and flash, find instructors who teach that. If you’re more conservative (is there such a thing as a conservative Salsa dancer?), find an instructor whose style fits. The goal is a realistic mental image of the dancer you want to become.
Finally, decide how much time you can invest. Ignore people who brag that they’re naturals. ALL GOOD DANCERS PRACTICE—with their partner, with other partners, alone, and at different clubs and venues. That’s exactly what makes them good. So practicing is a must.
How much time depends on how quickly you want to progress. Some dancers put in several hours of practice for every hour of instruction. At that rate, within a few months you’ll be in an intermediate group class leading the women nicely. I’d recommend at least one group lesson per week for the first two months, plus two or three privates to tighten things up. If you can’t manage that, do what you can—but set a time goal.
THE PARTNER
Find a regular one! Best advice I can give. It’s frustrating to come back from a lesson excited, only to practice with coat racks and lamp fixtures. You need a partner who will make mistakes with you, challenge your lead, tell you when you’re using too much pressure, compliment you when you’re doing it right, and learn alongside you. If she can come to lessons with you, even better. Otherwise, at least find time to practice together.
She doesn’t have to be a significant other. Girlfriends and wives are natural choices, but us single guys have to consider other options. Sisters work great (as long as things don’t get abusive—family can be that way). Female friends are always an option—and if you’re shy about asking, get over it! You’ll have to ask women at clubs to dance, so start with women you already know. Worst case, ask someone at your lesson if they’d like to practice a few minutes before or after class. It’s actually easier than at a club because they’re obviously there to learn, just like you.
CONFIDENCE
A brief word on confidence. Your confidence grows with your experience and skill. The first time I visited the Mayan, you couldn’t get me to ask a woman to dance—I wasn’t comfortable with my Salsa ability. So I waited for the high-energy Top 40 “intermission.” After practicing and dancing with enough partners, the apprehension fades. There’s a saying in the military: you don’t rise to the occasion, you default to the level of your training. In other words, you’re only as good as the practice you bring to the floor. So, once again: practice what you’ve learned. Sorry to beat a dead horse.
FINAL NOTE
Let’s face it guys—women don’t dress to impress and head to clubs just to be led by novices. I know that isn’t always fair to the men given how long leading takes to develop, but those are the breaks. It isn’t easy on the women either, sitting around waiting for confident male dancers to ask them. This isn’t new. Male Tango dancers in the early twentieth century would dance for hours with each other before ever going to clubs to dance with women. I’ve seen the same in other ballroom styles. Why should Salsa be any different? I’m nowhere near where I’d like to be, but learning and growing is part of the fun. So don’t get discouraged, put in the time, and reap the rewards!
By Russel Longo – Los Angeles, CA
Single-Leg Salsa Dancer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnsz8Uc3enE
The One vs Two Argument
Dancing On-2: Also known as in some New York circles as… New York Style On-Clave Dancing
AAAAAaaaaahhhh…
The never-ending argument of the elusive “Clave”,Meaning “Key”… (more…)
Salsa Dance Styles of the World
Salsa Dance Styles of the World
What is the difference between Puerto Rican style, Cuban Style, LA Style, New York Style, Colombian Style, Cali Style, Cuban Style, and now… Musicality Style?
New York “On-2” and Puerto Rican Style Salsa
Well, let me explain. The Puerto Rican style can be danced on the “One” or the “Two” beat of the music, but it involves a tremendous amount of very technical footwork (“Solo” if you’re from LA, or what they call “Shines” in New York.) (more…)
Choosing a GREAT Salsa Dance Instructor
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Since 1994, the aim of my articles here at SalsaFreak.com, has always been, and continues to be, to provide you the best, non-biased, and most accurate information on this planet.
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Choosing a great Salsa instructor can be very confusing and frustrating if you're a beginner, and don't really know where to start. If we're already going to be spending our hard-earned cash on dance lessons, we want to make sure it's spent wisely and only on the best - not wasted on SOME IDIOT who "thinks" he/she knows how to teach Salsa.
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The type of information you are about to read is PRICELESS. Keep in mind, that we're all different and unique. We may even end up choosing different instructors than our friends choose. If you don't like a particular instructor, but your friend does, then, unless you are physically joined at the HIP, go to a different instructor without your friend. That's life. Accept it, and tell your friends to accept it, because sometimes, that's just the way the world works.
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I'm going to explain to you what you should expect and look for when choosing an instructor that is male or female. Whether you are a male or female, I highly recommend taking private lessons and classes from both male and female instructors. Take as many as you can afford, then after a while, choose for yourself which instructor "fits" your own individual personality and style.
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What a woman should expect from a good female instructor:
Learn the basics, timing, women's footwork, hand, arm, head, and hip movements, and most importantly, sexy styling techniques.
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What a man should expect from a good female instructor:
Learn the basics, build confidence, improve your lead, refine subtleties, solve timing and leading problems, get over any hang- ups they have with getting THAT CLOSE with the opposite sex, and get positive feedback. Be more aggressive with your lead. How not to be too shy or have a weak lead.
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What a woman should expect from a good male instructor:
Learn the basics, timing, how to follow a great lead, get over any hangups you have with getting THAT CLOSE to the opposite sex on the dance floor, and get positive feedback. How not to backlead.
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What a man should expect from a good male instructor:
Learn the basics, timing, men's styling, fancy footwork, and highly technical moves. Learn how to maneuver a woman into any lead. How to use your entire torso - not just your arms - to lead a woman
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WITH THAT SAID...
Just because you can dance, doesn't mean you can teach. Period.
I've seen some amazing dancers really upset their students because they don't understand the fundamentals of "quality teaching".
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Choosing a Good Male Instructor
The male instructor you choose should dance very well and stand out among the crowd with ANYBODY he dances with - not just his regular partner. Only watching and being impressed with him with his regular partner can be VERY deceiving. He should even look good dancing with a beginner. Before you sign up with him, get references from dancers that have taken instruction from him. Go watch him dance at the local nightclubs. I don't care how much "experience" your instructor has teaching. If he can't lead each partner he dances with beautifully, and look great with each one, then I wouldn't go there.
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Watch him closely. Make sure, number one, that he follows the rhythm. Make sure he looks comfortable dancing. Make sure he doesn't steel the show, and look off-balance with his partner - in other words, is he really dancing with her, making her look good, or just concentrating on making himself look good? Does he appear to be just dancing and performing aerials, spins, and complex shines by himself, or is he "really dancing" and more importantly, complimenting his partner?
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Look at his partners. Make sure his partners are enjoying dancing with him. Without the instructor's knowledge, quietly ask three of his partners after each song (whether it was his regular partner or not), if she would recommend him as an instructor for you. The majority of the time, on first impulse, women will tell you the truth. She may say, "Well, he's a little rough.... a little stiff..... doesn't follow the rhythm...... puts me in difficult moves that I can't follow....". This is a negative.
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If you get two out of three negatives for two out of three women, well, there you have your answer. If you get one out of three negatives, then you're taking a slight risk asking him to teach you. However, I highly recommend taking instruction from a man that has every woman melting like butter, and all dreamy-eyed after she dances with him.
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Men, your male instructors should also be able to be good "followers" when you're practicing your lead with them. They should be able to follow and critique your dancing when you lead THEM during practice. They should only back lead you when showing you the pattern - but not once you "get it".
Ladies, don't get too used to your male instructor. Remember, not everyone is his caliber. Don't be spoiled by him. You'll regret it, and other men will regret YOUR ATTITUDE if you start comparing them verbally and/or with your eyes. Remember, when we touch and dance with another human being, our partners can "feel" in their bodies our emotions and attitude in a sixth-sense sort of way - male or female. Watch it. I go into great detail on this in my Beginner's section.
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Choosing a Good Female Instructor
Female instructors should know how to lead - not necessarily to a male instructor's calibur, but at least the basics, cross body leads, back breaks, multiple spins, dips, and other standard moves. For most female instructors, leading is relatively difficult for them, because they RARELY get any practice doing it, and virtually NEVER get to lead at nightclubs - much less when they're teaching men. Knowledge of the man's footwork, moves, and breaks are critical. Being a man, the advantage of having a female instructor is that you get to practice with an excellent dancer. Most of the time, men are intimidated to ask the "great female dancers" to dance. Now this is your chance.
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Because she has danced with the best of the best, she can point out the moves you're doing that feel awkward or just don't "feel right". She'll look at and correct your hand placement, your thumbs, your posture, the timing and execution of your turns, all that. Be aware that leading her will be a piece of cake compared to most of the women who are not at her level. Most advanced females and/or instructors can follow virtually ANYTHING - even if the move is executed horribly, or just plain wrong. This is how an excellent female dancer can even make a beginning male look incredible.
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However, remember that not all women are at this caliber. To avoid getting used to leading such a great follower, ask her to close her eyes at times during practice, to see if she can follow you blind. This will help your lead tremendously. Female instructors shouldn't have any problem doing this for you, and will find it very helpful for them as instructors.
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Ladies, when you're learning from a woman, make sure she teaches you how to be sexy. Like I've said many times before in other articles, being sexy on the dance floor is a "learned thing" - if you aren't naturally a BOMBSHELL (99.9999% of us aren't) then you've got to be "shown" how to do this. Being sexy also comes over time and experience, as you build up your confidence on the dance floor. My article on "Sex Appeal" gives an excellent explanation of why this is important.
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Lastly, Don't expect your instructors to dance with you at a nightclub because you're "paying them" for privates or classes. This is an unfair tradeoff. Leave them alone. Let them have their fun too. Many of them go to nightclubs to relax and have fun like the rest of us. They also may be out there trying to drum up new business, and may only want to dance with their favorite partners to look as good as possible for potential prospects and film scouts. You see, since they have many many students, they are probably asked to dance by them all the time. Unless they ask you to dance, or suggest it, let them be. Don't expect them to be your "instructor" in the nightclub either. Many of them consider it impolite to correct their students in a nightclub while dancing with them. This is common courtesy. The only corrections should be made in class.
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ADMITTING YOUR MISTAKES
Remember that dance instructors are human, and make mistakes like all of us. They have a tremendous responsibility to help make you look good on the dance floor. The worst thing that could happen to them is if you took a few classes with them, continued to dance horribly, and you pointed at them as your instructor. Talk about pressure!
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They should never teach you beyond a dancing level you can handle. Don't force them to go on to the next level, or teach you new fancy moves, especially if they think you still need help with your basic. Trust them. If you chose the right instructor, they know EXACTLY what they're doing. You must understand them clearly, and communicate EXACTLY what you want to get out of the lesson. Make sure you have the end goal in mind for that lesson and agreed upon between the two of you, so you won't feel cheated at the end of the session. It may even be a good idea to type-up or write out what your goal as a Salsa dancer should be. I know this may sound rather "anal", but hey..... WHATEVER WORKS!
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Make sure you understand very clearly what they're saying and trying to teach you. And don't ever, ever, EVER be shy to ask as many questions as you can possibly think of. That's what you're paying them for.
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LASTLY... REMAIN TEACHABLE / COACHABLE
Some students think they have become so good, that they feel they can no longer do anything wrong. Stay humble. Stay teachable. Stay coachable. I've been in this business since 1994, and when I train my Salsa Apprentices here in Denver now, I STILL learn new and amazing things that I never knew before! Keep an open mind and heart. Learning new things keeps your mind and body young and healthy!
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When you find the right instructor, you will not only learn steps—you will discover confidence, connection, musicality, and a whole new way to express yourself. Take your time, ask questions, stay humble, and never stop being teachable and coachable. The moment you think you know it all is the moment you stop growing—and in Salsa, there is ALWAYS something fabulous still waiting for you around the next turn. So keep moving, keep learning, keep smiling, and for Heaven’s sake… HAVE FUN!
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See you on the dancefloor!
Happy Dancing!
- Edie, The Salsa FREAK!!
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Edie, The Salsa FREAK!! is one of the most recognized and respected Salsa Instructor/Performers in the world. In the past thirty years, she has traveled to 65 countries teaching the world to dance, and has been the first American to teach in 18 of those countries. She now lives in the high mountains of beautiful Colorado with her wonderful husband, Nick.
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You may contact her at www.SalsaFreak.com
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Reader Commentaries:
Dear Edie:
Excellent article! One of my students up in Atlanta sent your URL down. I now live and teach out of central Florida. I've been a professional ballroom dance instructor going on fifty years. While I "grew up" and gained my early education through the franchised "chain schools" - Arthur Murray as a student, then trainee, then instructor for five years as well as one year with Fred Astaire - I grew tired of the high pressure selling and went independent. I never made tons of money but there are about 25,000 dancers out there who would give you a good recommendation if you mentioned my name.
I agree with you in almost every situation.
Keep up the good work. Just wish I weren't so old...I'd help you out! I am doing a two-day workshop next weekend in Georgia in beginner and advanced Foxtrot, Waltz, Swing and Mambo. Should be a lot of fun.
All the best,
Ray "Old 'n Slo" Gardner
Finding the Clave
Finding the Clave
by Manny Siverio, New York
I originally learned to dance Salsa/Mambo by breaking on the ‘1′. I had no idea of what breaking on ‘2′ meant, let alone what the clave was or for that matter what it meant to count an 8 measure bar. It was a pretty frustrating time in my dancing life. I had to think too much. I found myself counting so much that all I could do was pull my hair in frustration. I was able to follow the steps in class, but when it came to dancing what I learned to an actual tune, I was always told that I was off timing. (more…)
I Have “Decided” to Become and Excellent Salsero
Dear Edie,
I just wanted thank you so much for your site. I just began learning Salsa, and like many men I was overwhelmed by the prospect. As a man, the expectations are such that you are supposed to “get” all this right away so that you can lead properly. I was disheartened after my first group lesson, as things seemed to go so fast, I did not even have a chance to “feel” the basic steps. I thought I was just not cut out for this until I came across your site, and realized others had the same issues when they began. I realized I was not alone in my concerns, and (more…)
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