Seven quick tips to learning salsa

When I started salsa classes, I wanted to learn as much as possible as quickly as possible. And I wanted it yesterday. Why? My friends were going to salsa parties and I would be the only guy leaning against the wall (although I enjoyed watching them and had a great time). If a girl would ask me, I would look around and say: ‘Me? Oh not me. I can’t dance if it would save my life’. She gave me a look as if she didn’t believe me.  Later I told her : ‘ I wasn’t lying, was I?’. We had a laugh.  But she was great, continued dancing and made it look as if I knew what I was doing.  She made me look kinda cool.  After that experience I knew I wanted to learn a lot as soon as possible. So next time I’d be prepared...

If you also want to learn salsa quickly,  here are seven tips from my experience:

1. Take lessons! Obvious maybe, not so obvious if you grew up with salsa. By taking lessons you will learn to dance in a way that most people will understand. Meaning you will be able to dance salsa all over the world with anyone. Choose a school in your neighbourhood, or take private lessons.

2. Repeat the lessons! People forget up to 95% of what they learn. Whether it be a combination or technique, repeat it for yourself. That is repeat in your mind and by doing the steps. One hour after class and the next day (within 24hrs). Remember much more using this method.

3. Use that cameraphone! With permission use it to film that combination you don’t want to forget. And if you do, you’ll be able to watch it again.

4. Follow a workshop/bootcamp! Workshops and bootcamps can teach you a lot in one day. Different themes, and even a whole beginners course are possible. So ask someone you know or check the internet for a bootcamp in your area.

5. Become friends with a pro! I don’t mean for you to call Eddie Torres and ask him for his latest move. I mean your local expert. If your a beginner, it can be almost anyone that dances longer than you do. Ask for tips or ask a dance. Whichever is apropriate.

6. Live it! Listen to different styles of latin music, search salsa videos on the internet, read a book, buy a DVD. When I started dancing, I would be staring in front of me, trying to memorize my salsa lesson. My co-workers thought I’d lost my mind! I was doing turns in the hall. People were laughing, but I was having fun with it and living it. And yes, improved every day.

7. Now go practice! What are you still doing here? You’ve learned the proper technique and ‘how to’. Now go and practice with somebody. Whether it be after class, at your dance school party, club, or at home. Ladies, gentlemen, followers or leaders become the best by (social) dancing with many different people of different levels. Still here?

-Bizzi