Faqs

01/06/08

Do I need a partner for the nightclub classes?
No! Quite the opposite! We have singles and couples attend the classes, and we rotate so everyone can experience meeting and dancing with other people!

How much do the classes cost?
Only £5 per person and you pay as you go. No course fees. So it's easy to come along and give it a try. Much less expensive than the gym!

Do I need to sign up?
No: Just come along to the first class.

Can I come on my own?
Yes: It doesn't matter if you come with a partner or not.

I really want to start, but I am feeling shy about going on my own?
Don't worry: Every person who has started something new has probably felt this to some degree. Our instructors are very friendly and won't let you get behind or embarrass you. All the people at our classes and events have the same goal - they want to have fun and learn to dance ... just like you. In our Absolute Beginner classes all we assume is that you can walk.

Am I too old?
No: Our classes and events attract a broad range of ages, sizes and personalities. The one thing in common is that they are all friendly and want to dance - and that's all that matters. Everyone is welcomed by our instructors and students alike. Age is certainly no guide to ability or enthusiasm

What should I wear on my feet?
Something comfortable: Lots of men and women wear leather soled shoes, which are fine. Ladies usually prefer something with a slight heel, which is fine if you are used to them. A shoe with an enclosed toe area is good for beginners….. No Flip flops or very strappy sandals as they don't offer any support and you will spend the whole class trying to keep them on your feet.

What clothes should I wear?
Something comfortable: Smart casual: It doesn't really matter what you wear to dance in as long as you can move your limbs easily. Most people wear smart-casual.

Do I need to bring anything?
A sense of humour: Because you will have a really great time.

For the classes do I have to pay for parking?
No. Our venues we use for our classes have free parking.

What is Cuban Salsa

THE BASICS

Salsa means 'Sauce' and so the dancers should depict a very hot and spicy interaction with each other! It is a dance of courtship.

The overall look of the Cuban Salsa should be sensuous, sexy and fluid, with the dancers moving around each other in circular movements.

Cuban Salsa should be danced on the ball of the foot and the steps should be kept small at all times.

Drops and lifts are permitted - but Cuban Salsa is all about looking after the lady so these moves should be delicate and subtle.

We should see plenty of interweaving dance moves.

Cuban Salsa is danced ON the beat - the couple typically begin to move on either the first or third beats.

Although couples can break away and dance individually, there should be contact between the man and woman for most of the routine.

HISTORY

Salsa is still relatively new compared to other Latin-American dances, such as the Cha Cha Cha or the Samba, and as such is still in the process of evolving.

Cuban Salsa is the most original form of Salsa. (The Mambo or 'Modern Salsa' derived from Cubans and Puerto Ricans who emmigrated to New York and mixed Salsa with elements of Rock and Roll).

Salsa dance was a response to a variety of new instruments, like the bongos, the double bass, and the cow-bell that were introduced to Cuba in the early twentieth century.

One of the main differences between Cuban Salsa and the Mambo (or Modern Salsa) is that in the Cuban Salsa dancers move around the floor and around each other in a circular motion. In the Mambo everything is much more linear, with the dancers moving from front to back in a straight line.

A lot of the movements in Cuban Salsa are representative of the man trying to get 'inside' the woman. This is often depicted with the use of a prop, such as a scarf.

BASIC MOVES

Cuban Salsa basic is a three-step pattern taken during four beats of music, in a quick, quick, slow (tap) rhythm.

Cuban Motion
Cuban motion is essential in the characterisation of any Latin dance, especially the Mambo. It is used throughout all the basic steps.

Cuban motion is all about weight transference between the legs. As weight is transferred to and from each leg, the hips should move in the opposite direction; so step left, hip right. However, good Cuban Motion is not just about swivelling hips. The movement should originate from the centre of the body, and therefore the shoulders, ribs, hips and knees should naturally move to the rhythm of the music.

Open Break
An Open Break is sometimes taught as the first step in Salsa. It simply amounts to an 'opening out' of the hips from a close contact hold.

Cucaracha
Cucaracha is the Spanish word for cockroach, and in dance are often known as a 'second position break'. It's a basic International figure consisting of side breaks to the left and right. The Cucaracha is essential in establishing the rhythm and timing of Cuban Salsa.

Salsa turns
Salsa turns are also known simply as 'Changing Places', and is a simple but essential move in which the man and the lady continuously change places. They are circular movements that use plenty of intricate arm work.

Tornelio
A signature move in which the woman holds the man's hand and spins him around while he squats on one leg.

The Chair
A signature move in which the woman literally sits on the man's right thigh.

Underarm Turn Right or 'Alemana Turn'
This move is usually danced from, and back to, close hold but can be used in an infinite variety of ways depending on the ability of the dancer. The man releases hold with his right hand, raises his left arm and then simply turns the woman under his raised arm bringing her back to close hold again.

Cuban Salsa has been taken from the BBC website

This site was last updated 01/06/08