What is a typical salsa class like?
A typical salsa class will start with a warm up where everyone lines up behind both teachers to learn some of the footwork you might be using in the class and also to physically warm up.
The teacher may then find you a partner but partners will rotate so that you get to meet lots of people in the class and improve your leading and following skills (which tends not to happen if you are with just one person).
There will be some music at some point to practice the first few moves. This sequence of teaching moves slowly then adding them to the last moves and putting it to music will continue to the end of the class where there will be a last song to put it altogether.
Which class should I go for?
If you want to dance at social events, just want to learn to dance or want to meet people, come to any salsa class at your level.
How much do classes cost?
Most classes cost £5, but check our Promotion Offers for details.
How long are the classes?
All classes go on for an hour.
What if I've never danced before?
Complete beginners are always welcome in the beginners classes and there are usually quite a few first timers in every beginners class.
What if I've done other kinds of dance before?
If you have done other kinds of dancing, such as ballroom or irish dancing, you will probably pick up salsa quite quickly. It is recommended, however, that you do attend the beginners class in order to learn the specific basics for salsa.
I'm not sure what level I am at?
Everyone moves through the levels at their own pace, but typically after 2 months you will be able to move from beginners to improvers, and after another 4 months from improvers to intermediates. This is only a rule of thumb.
I have an injury/illness/pregnancy. Is it safe to dance salsa?
While salsa is a relatively low impact activity with fairly natural movements, you should check with your doctor before dancing.
Of particular concern are back and shoulder injuries which could be exacerbated by a partner pulling to hard (this is bad technique on their part, but does happen). People with knee injuries should avoid twisting movements such as the 'Suzie Q'.
If you are pregnant you may find that it strains your abdomen to lift your arms over your head, which happens a lot in salsa. you should check with your doctor before dancing.
Can I get injured from dancing salsa?
If salsa is danced with good technique and consideration for your partner and others around you, there should be no danger.
However, it does happen that people's feet and ankles get kicked on a crowded dance floor (take smaller steps!) that a dip can go wrong (leaders: always ask your partner if they are OK with being dipped before doing so) and so on.
