Salsa: beginners
This course has now finished
Course Code: DDP075
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Duration: 9 sessions (over 10 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
If you’re new to Salsa dancing, you may not be aware that there are actually a few different types of salsa dancing that are danced around the world. You will be dancing LA-style Salsa, like its name suggests, orginated in Los Angeles, USA. LA-style Salsa is danced in a line but dancers break on the first beat of the music (on 1) rather than on 2. Many newer dancers find this timing more intuitive!
You will learn lots about footwork, rhythms and important techniques on how to lead and how to follow.
What will we cover?
We will cover all the basics in Salsa, Basic step, Cucaracha, Cuban step, Cross body lead, right and left Spot turn, Cross body Lead with the Left and Right turn. The last 10 minutes of class we will do what we call “Rueda” we will dance in a circle in couples but with lots of fancy ways to change partners through out the dance. Its fun!
Throughout the course, we will discover the rich history of salsa. We will explore its origins as well as its rhythmic music and the cultural context in which it was born. We will explore the popular Salsa styles such as the cross body lead also known as the LA style as well as the lead/following technique, posture, rhythm, footwork and the sensuality of Salsa.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Have a clearer understanding of Salsa and its rich origins.
Use and recognise the most common Salsa styles and techniques.
Demonstrate good form and posture and feel comfortable leading or following.
Confidently perform a short combination and most importantly enjoy doing so.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is suitable for beginners, however all levels are welcome. Salsa is a dance that is always worthy of practise, especially the ability to lead anyone and everyone.
A beginner’s dance class isn’t just for newcomers. In any beginner’s dance class there will be student’s from all types of backgrounds. We all have different learning techniques and paces. If your first class seems overwhelming and you can’t get it the first time, don’t worry: dance is heavily reliant on repetition so it will happen. We want you to learn and to have fun so just give it your best and keep coming back!
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
• Follow spoken instructions
• Use numbers to recognise rhythms within dance.
• Work within groups and pairs safely.
Please Note: We do not usually accept under 19 year olds except in special circumstances - please see Students under 19 for more information.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The secret is to have fun and to let it go, the only rule in the class is to enjoy the moment. Outside the class listen to as much music as you can and obviously practise, practise and practise.
HEALTH CHECK
You may or may not be asked to participate in rigorous activity from time to time. Please consider whether you could do this, if you are in any doubt consult a medical practitioner.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Wear clothes which you feel comfortable in. Comfortable, breathable shoes. Please do not wear stilettos, sandals or platforms.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You can retake the course to review the beginners steps and really master the techniques or try out one of our many other dance courses. More advanced classes follow on after a beginners course, according to demand.
Nuno Sabroso has most recently appeared with Dancing with the Stars Panama as judge and choreographer. A professional dancer, singer, choreographer and performer from Lisbon, Portugal His training in Ballroom and Latin American dance began more than 20 years ago and since then dance has taken him all over the world. After completing his BA degree in Dance he worked extensively in Portugal for equal opportunities and wheelchair dance achieving 3rd place at the World Championship as a standing partner. He has taught dance continuously for over 15 years and is qualified in all styles of Ballroom and Latin plus Salsa, Contemporary and Jazz. Nuno’s warm, contagious personality shines throughout his classes and he enjoys teaching people off all levels and abilities.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
