You work hard to earn money to spend on Salsa classes. But are you really getting the most for your money? Well, that largely depends on your attitude and how you approached your dance classes. Here are a few tips to help you achieve maximum results and progress from your salsa classes in minimum time.
• Know What You Want To Improve. Without a clear idea in your mind about the skill or ability you are to develop, your progress will be slow. While taking Salsa classes, or any other dance lessons, have clear communication with your instructor on what is expected from you. Make your instructor aware of your specific goals so they can better direct and assist you in accomplishing them.
• Have A Short-Term Goal. Students with goals, whether it is a performance or a night out at the Salsa club, tend to be more motivated, practice more often and retain more of what they learn. Choose a goal that feels realistic and achievable to you and go for it!
• Focus. Before you enter the room, clear your mind of any outside issues or concerns. Use your class time to relax and clear your mind. Instead of focusing on your worries, concentrate on your dancing. Knowledge is gained through focused attention and a willingness to learn. Apply yourself to the task at hand and do your best to perform the new elements according to the instructor’s direction.
• Learn at your own pace. Everyone learns at different speeds. Do NOT compare yourself to others in class. Some students pick up more quickly. Some have had more experience. They are not your concern. Focus on YOU!
• Know Your Timing. Dance instructors often describe steps with numbers and/or verbal cues such as walk, turn, step, etc. Learn what these cues and steps are. Don’t feel silly to count out loud in class. It is often encouraged in beginning Salsa classes and will help you learn faster and remember.
• Take Notes. As soon as you walk out of the door, your mind becomes distracted with “life.” Before you know it, you will be struggling to remember what you just learned. Take notes immediately after class while the information is fresh in your mind.
• Mental Rehearsal. You will be amazed at how easy it is to retain what you learn with just a few minutes of mental rehearsal a day. Put in the effort to do the mental exercises and watch your progression soar.
• Consistent and Regular Practice. New movements must be practiced until they become familiar to the body. That is why consistent and regular practice outside of class is required if you wish to improve quickly. Students most often attend a once-a-week Salsa class, which leaves 6 days between each class – which is too much off-time for noticeable improvements in your dancing skills. There is no way around it – you MUST practice more frequently than once a week if you want to improve.
• Eat Light. Don’t eat a heavy meal right before you go to any class. Dancing on a full stomach makes you feel heavy on your feet and bogged down. Have a small, high-energy snack before class instead.
• Wear Proper Attire. You wouldn’t wear an evening gown to play basketball or a bathing suit to ski the slopes. When you dance, you’ll be able to dance your best if you wear appropriate clothing. For Beginning Salsa classes, the standard attire is “nice casual”. This could mean anything from jeans to casual dresses for ladies. It is considered polite for men to wear sleeves and for ladies to avoid backless tops and dresses. Footwear is important. Wear shoes that are not too heavy, stay strapped to your feet and have smooth soles. Rubber-soled shoes, such as gym shoes, make turns and pivots difficult and sticky. Flip flops and sandals are hard to dance in, as well as dangerous. Heavy and large shoes make it hard to take small steps and move quickly. Wearing inappropriate shoes can lead to ankle and knee injuries, so it’s important to dress accordingly. It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on expensive dance shoes for beginning Salsa lessons
• Ask Questions. In class, don’t hesitate to ask your instructor if you have a question. Don’t ask your current partner because the answer you receive may not be correct. Also they may be trying to focus and your question may be distracting them from the lesson. Other students with the same question will appreciate your courage.
• Have Fun! It’s okay to feel nervous for you first Salsa class. It entails learning something new while in close contact with the opposite sex. Just relax and introduce yourself to the other students in the class as you switch partners. After a few weeks, you will most likely have made a few new friends.
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