Q.
What is Salsa?
A.
Salsa is a sexy, energetic and fun partner dance. Unlike some partner dances, it is a very sociable dance - you don't need to have a regular partner. In fact, it is common for salsaros to dance with people they have never met before. That's part of the fun of dancing Salsa.
With it's sociable nature, Salsa has become highly popular, all around the world. Today, you can easily find Salsa clubs wherever you go anywhere in the world.
Q.
What are the top three reasons to pick up Salsa?
A.
1. It's fun and easy to pick up. There are no demanding pre-requisites on flexibility and strength, so anyone, regardless of background and age, can be proficient within months.
2. Salsa's fast pace and high energy moves will give you a good cardiovascular workout and build body awareness.
3. You get to meet fun-loving people from all walks of life, with the same interest in dance.
Q.
What is the difference between the Levels?
A.
Everyone learns differently and at different paces. But as a rough guide:
Beginners: 0-3 months
Improvers: 3 - 9 months
Intermediate: 9 months - 2 years
Advanced: 2 years plus
Q.
I am a total beginner with 2 left feet and I don't have any dance experience. Will I have trouble picking up Salsa?
A.
No worries. We specialise in teaching beginners from scratch. Just like you, most of our students do not have any dance experience. Our Level 1 Salsa class is structured for beginners, with clear, step-by step instructions on what to do and how to move, every step of the way. With a little practice and patience, you'll be able to dance by the end of your first lesson. The classes are focused on learning quickly, in a fun relaxed atmosphere.
Q.
Do I need to attend class with a partner?
A.
Not at all. Many students come for the class alone, or with a group of friends. In any case, during the class, you will be partnered up with your classmates. Partners will be rotated during each class so that everyone gets a chance to have a partner. If we have an imbalance, students without partners simply wait between pairs for the next rotation. We will be rotating partners frequently throughout the class.
Q.
I'm coming to class with a partner. Do I still have to rotate partners?
A.
Rotating partners is not solely for social reasons; it is critical to the learning process. Although everyone has a different style, the "lead" signals that are used in Salsa are generally standardized (within the different styles of Salsa). Therefore, if your lead signals are clear (as a leader), or if you're able to interpret these signals accurately (as a follower), then you should be able to dance with any salsero. Dancing with different partners will give you a true test of whether your leading/following technique is correct.
It is absolutely your choice if you wish to dance only with your partner outside of class. However, during class, it is necessary to rotate partners as that is part of the learning process.
Alternatively, if you do not wish to rotate partners, you can do a private class instead. With a private class, you can structure it according to your preference and learn at your own pace. If you would like to arrange for a private class, please email us.
Q.
Where can I see your class schedule?
A.
To view our class schedule, simply click on "Classes on home page" on the navigation menu
Q.
How do I register for classes? Can I just turn up for classes on the day and pay on the spot?
A.
To register for classes, simply turn up and register. Yes you can pay on the day.
Q.
How many people are there in a class?
A.
It depends on which individual class, some have 10 students some have 30 plus. Generally our venues have over a 100 dancers every night, throughout all our levels. Whatever the case, we always ensure we give student focus and keep the classes fun and entertaining, as well challenging and progressive.
Q.
How can I arrange for private classes?
A.
If you'd like to have a private class or workshop for yourself or for your organization, please email us, and we will gladly quote you, and advise of the process.
Q.
What should I wear to the Salsa class?
A.
For shoes - Anything that stays with your entire foot when you lift it, and allows you to pivot comfortably on hard wood floors. Absolutely NO slippers, mules, or footwear that leaves your heel when you lift your foot. Flats and heels are both allowed. Sneakers are also allowed, as long as they do not cause too much friction when you pivot.
For clothes - Anything that’s comfortable and allows easy movement of your arms and legs especially. Office wear or exercise gear is fine too. Preferably no short, tight skirts which restrict movement, and no long flowing skirts, which tend to obscure the feet.
Q.
What if I can't make it for a particular lesson? Are there any make-up classes?
A.
If you can't make it for a particular lesson, you can attend the class that's offered on the other day. The lessons are structured on core techniques, which help you learn quickly, without the need to memorise long complicated routines. In addition, remember that you can come back for the same-level class, as often as you like.
Q.
I want to organise a large office party, or a group event of friends. Do you cater for that?
A.
Yes definitely. On top of our weekly classes and large monthly parties, we entertain and host many corporate & private events. We have over 30 years experience in this field and we have been booked 100’s of times. We are totally flexible and can make a package that suits any event. From small Hen Parties to large global events. We have hosted events for Glaxo, BBC as we many other TV companies, Manchester UTD, Chelsea FC, Beechams, Wimbledon Tennis Company, Royal Variety Performance, Hilton Hotel’s, Audi, BMW, Porcshe etc etc
Q.
How do I make payment?
A.
Simply pay by cash on the door, or by cheque or paypal in advance.
Q.
I've taken Salsa classes at other dance schools, but I'm thinking of taking up Salsa classes with you. Which level should I begin at?
A.
Each school has a different syllabus, focus and method of teaching. While many schools do cover some of the same basic moves like basic step, cross body lead, cross body lead turn, the actual movements and points of emphasis may have some differences, even for moves like basic step. At IDC we also pay very close attention to the fine details of each move, and we place much importance on connection. Each Salsa class builds upon the moves taught in the previous level. Therefore before you advance to the higher level classes, it is important that you are familiar with moves from the previous level, so that you'll feel comfortable in the class.
The easiest way to determine this is for our instructors to have a quick 5-min assessment dance with you at the studio. If you wish to set up an appointment, please feel free to contact us.
Q.
I'm slightly overweight. Will I have any problems picking up Salsa?
A.
No worries. Salsa dancers come in all shapes and sizes, and some of the world's best dancers are quite fleshy. At the end of the day, what determines how quickly you can pick up Salsa is not your size, but how hard you practice, how many dancing hours you put in, etc.
Q.
Are there any age barriers to picking up Salsa? What is the age range of your students? Will I have any problems picking up Salsa if I'm in my forties/fifties/sixties?
A.
There is absolutely no age barrier. We've had students from 16 years, up to 60+ years, while most of our students are in their 20s and 30s. As long as you have no problem in mobility, you can learn to dance Salsa. And if you aren't able to participate in any activity, no worries. You can always sit those out.
Q.
I've noticed that your some of your classes have female instructors. Can a female instructor teach the role of a leader?
A.
Absolutely! Female instructors who can take on both the leader and follower roles make one of the best teachers, simply because they know what it feels like to be led. Therefore, they can instruct you on how to lead a follower in a way that's clear and yet considerate. All our instructors are familiar with both leading and following techniques.
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