Learn to Dance Salsa : Basic Steps for Beginners

Monday, August 17, 2009

Tips For Taking Dance Lessons

When it comes to the idea of taking dance lessons you want to do your research first. This can be a great way to learn something new but you want to make sure you will get a lot out of it. Find out what types of dance lessons are offered in your area. You may have a particular type of dancing you wish to take part in. If not, find one that could be very interesting for you and that you like the music of.

Some dance lessons require you to have a partner and others don't. It is important to find this out before you sign up. If you need a partner start looking for one early. Make sure it is someone that will be committed to showing up for the lessons. You can also find out if there are other singles that want to do the class and perhaps the two of you can become partners that way.

The length of the dance lessons as well as when they are held is important to. Generally they should be at least one hour in length per session for you to really learn a great deal in them. The class can run for several weeks or even many months depending on what you are going to learn while you are in it. Make sure you can commit to that frame of time. Some programs even offer childcare services so ask about them if you are worried about getting a sitter so you can attend the various dance lesson classes.

Make sure you sign up for a class that is right for your level of skills. Most of the time you will find beginning, intermediate, and then advanced dance classes in the different categories. You want to start with the beginning classes if you are new to it or you feel you have no real understanding of dancing that you are comfortable with. Then you can move into a higher level of class as your skills improve.

Find out who the instructor for the dance lessons is as well. You want someone that you feel comfortable with. That way you will get more from each of the sessions. If you don't know that individual ask if you can schedule a meeting with them before you sign up. You want to ask questions too such as their own dancing experience, why they are teaching the lessons, and what you should be able to get out of the program.

Ask for references too so you can find out what other people have to say about taking dance lessons from that instructor. If the feedback is very positive then you want to get signed up. However, if you are getting mixed reviews then you may want to continue looking for another program.

Make sure you find out how many people will be in your dance lesson class too. The smaller the class the better because then the instructor can observe and give pointers more often to you. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing for your dance lessons too. You want to be able to have the freedom of movement.

Finally, loosen up and have a great time with all of it. You don't want to be rigid and tense while you are learning how to dance. Be willing to experiment and to see yourself as a great dancer. Hopefully there will be some mirrors in the classroom too so that you can see for yourself how great you look. This will increase your self confidence for when you are ready to get out there on the dance floor.

Dancing is a common social activity that many people love. In wedding ceremony, dancing is a very important part. Therefore, many people want to learn to dance especially the new couples who want to dance a bridal waltz on their wedding. DanceXcite is a good choice for them to learn to dance Sydney. They provide wedding dance lessons such bridal waltz Sydney.

Dance Lessons Are a Great Way For a Couple to Connect

Many couples agree that they just don't spend enough one on one time together. As a result they can grow apart or at the very least be disappointed with the same old routine all the time. One way to get some quality time together and to have a great time is to enroll in dance lessons. That way you can learn something new together and even practice at home in between sessions.

If you feel that the only time you and your spouse have time for each other is when a problem around the house or with the kids needs to be resolved then you are definitely in need of some fun. Bring the passion and romance back into your relationship too when you take dance lessons. You will both remember many great things about the other that helped you to fall in love in the first place.

Dance lessons also get your body moving and that can be different from what you usually do with each other at home. It can help you to feel more attractive for your partner as well. Dancing tends to relieve tension too and help people to loosen up. These are all benefits that can carry over into other areas of your relationship as well.

There are many forms of dance lessons too including those for hip hop, country swing, ballroom dancing, and more. Salsa dancing has become very popular lately so you will need to decide on what you wish to learn. If you have more than one area of interest chose one and then move into the next class after you are done with the first one. You may be able to get a discount when you sign up again so make sure you ask!

Dance lessons are going to walk you through the basics of the movements. If you have avoided dancing because it feels awkward or you don't know the right moves then this is your opportunity to learn it in a very relaxed environment. You may find it intimidating to learn when they club is packed but this way you aren't placed in such a situation.

A great time to take dance lessons is prior to getting married. You may have a great deal of anxiety about how you are going to look out there in the spotlight at your reception. It may mean a great deal to your spouse to be that dancing is included as part of that special day. Committing to dance lessons shows that you take his or her needs seriously and that you are willing to do your part to make the wedding day very memorable for both of you.

Dance lessons are very affordable and they are a great way for a couple to connect again. After you are done with the lessons plan a special night for dinner and an evening of dancing. In fact, you may like it so much you make it a monthly thing that you both look forward to. No matter what skills you have in dancing right now you will be able to learn more and to become more confident as you do.

You can invite other couples that you know to join you for dance lessons as well. You may be more comfortable if others that you have a relationship with are in attendance. Then you can make it a group effort to learn something such as dancing. Bring the subject up the next time you are with a group of your friends and see what people think of the idea. You can also have some information about what is offered in your area to share with them as well.

Dancing is a common social activity that many people love. In wedding ceremony, dancing is a very important part. Therefore, many people want to learn to dance especially the new couples who want to dance a bridal waltz on their wedding. DanceXcite is a good choice for them to learn to dance Sydney. They provide wedding dance lessons such bridal waltz Sydney.

Learn How to Salsa Dance & Improve Your Relationships

People who learn to salsa dance say one of two things about their relationships:

  • that it has breathed fire back in to their relationship or
  • that they have developed more confidence in themselves and are able to communicate more effectively with the opposite sex.

They also say that not only do they feel better, but that look better, by being involved in such a great social activity as dancing.

Dancing brings couples together emotionally and physically. It can help restore and improve current relationships as well as establish new ones. Your confidence builds, making it easier to meet new people and change your way of life. This increased confidence affects every aspect of your life - especially your relationships.

Just think, instead of going home to sit in front of the television each night, you could be putting on your dance shoes and enjoying an evening with the one you love, or making new friends out on the dance floor.

Learning to salsa dance has the added advantage of keeping you fit. You won't have to feel guilty about paying out for those gym fees when you don't go to the gym because you got bored with it. It is one of the best ways to enjoy yourself and get in shape. Best of all, salsa dancing is a quick moving exercise that builds endurance, gives the best cardiovascular workout ever and lifts your spirits and leaves you feeling invigorated. No wonder your relationships just keep getting better and better.

There are many different ways you can start off learning to salsa dance. You can practice at home with the help of books, videos and DVDs. There are any number of learn at home type courses available. Once you have got a basic idea of the different moves, follow up with lessons. Dance classes are a good idea before venturing out on to the dance and club scene. Salsa dance clubs have become increasingly popular. Whatever way you decide to go, just remember, dancing is to be enjoyed. Smile, smile, smile!

http://www.learntosalsadance.info

The author, Anne Howes, Keeps fit salsa dancing and chasing her dogs around. Anne is keen to see other people enjoy dancing as much as she does.

Learning Salsa Dance Steps

Learning salsa dance steps is just the beginning of your journey into a unique style of dancing. Many people believe that salsa came to the world from Cuba via New York. It has elements of Afro-Caribbean and Latin influence in the music and dance steps that are performed in this fast moving dance.

The seemingly spontaneous moves are broken down in the beginning learning phase to basic foot to hip movements, which will allow you to master the steps quickly and easily. Early on you also have to master learning multiple patterns based on fundamental salsa holds (cross hand hold, hammerlock, cross body lead, inside turns, and many more sexy, smooth patterns.

The Pretzel is one move that has a key twist, and hand change; you can do Dips (basic and those with a lot of flourish). You need to watch that dip tho' as you need to keep your partner safe when this this one.

Back Spot Turns and Multiple Rotations - ever see those couple that just spin together on the dance floor? That could be you! are the Double Left Turn, Double Right Turn and Hook steps.

There is an added advantage to learning to salsa dance, dancing is actually the most natural form of exercise around but it's also a lot of fun. The continual movement of the salsa dance steadily burns calories and tones the body at the same time.

Most salsa dancers have fabulous physiques because their muscles are shaped and defined with the work they have to do when dancing. Best of all, salsa dancing is a quick moving exercise that builds endurance and makes it one of the best cardiovascular workouts that you can have.

You don't necessarily have to go out to a class while learning salsa dance steps.

You can safely learn these techniques in the comfort of your own home where no one can see you, until you are ready of course.

Learning salsa dance steps at home will improve confidence in your abilities. You'll find that you look forward to dancing and social situations in general.

The nice thing about learning at home is that you can learn salsa dancing at your own pace.

ANYONE can dance, and dance well.

The author, Anne Howes, Enjoys salsa dancing as well as chasing her dogs around to keep fit.

http://www.squidoo.com/learningsalsadancesteps

Why Try Salsa Dancing?

If you're looking for a dance that's worth taking up, the answer is definitely Salsa. Need a bit of convincing? Well, here' are 7 reasons for why you should try Salsa:

1. Socializing: Dancing is not surprisingly, one of the best ways to meet new people. This is the foremost reason why people get into dancing in the first place. It's just a very social activity, and it was made to be such. With dancing, you've no choice but to socialize!

Also, if you have a friend or some other person you want to bond with, there's no better activity than salsa dancing. No two partners have ever finished a dance and not share a personal connection afterward - it's just the nature of the dance to bring people together.

2. Physical health: It's practically common sense that everyone needs exercise, but if jogging or doing pull ups is too boring for you, why not dance? Also, with dancing, you can adjust the intensity of the workout by pacing yourself with the speed of the music.

Not only will it improve general health and promote weight loss, dancing also deters certain diseases like Alzheimer's, heart ailments, even diabetes. It will also improve your daily energy, mood, and digestion. There are dozens of other health benefits that come with regular dancing.

3. Grace and coordination: As you learn how to dance and do every flick, swing and snap, you're actually developing agility, dexterity and self-training coordination. Mastering a dance gives you control over your body's mechanics. You'll have better posture, walk more gracefully, and generally have better coordination.

4. Psychological health: As mentioned before, exercise releases endorphins -nature's own defense against depression. Also, pursuing dancing keeps you busy, which will take your mind of your vices -a good push in the right direction especially if you're in the middle of trying to quit a vice.

Also, being able to dance should get good at it, and that will contribute to your self-esteem. Salsa dance will give you confidence and the readiness to face the world.

5. Dance is argued by many to be the highest art form. It's human expression at its finest. It's part of our culture as a race. Truthfully speaking, it's more than just moving the body, it's communicating on a deeper, more primal level. Dancing has been part of every era in our history; knowing how to do it exposes you to a world that's profoundly influenced human culture.

6. It's popular: If you're afraid of taking on a hobby you'll find difficulty practicing because of its low level of popularity, then you need not be afraid with Salsa. It's almost insane as to how popular this dance is. An average of 4 to 5 salsa festivals and salsa congresses are held every month, each in different locations all over the world. You'll never run out of gatherings to go to.

7. Curiosity: If you've made it this far in the article, then you must be curious about the dance. Maybe that's all the reason you need. What are you waiting for? Go ahead and Salsa!

Now you can dazzle with Latin beat and do the Salsa dance. To tap, sway, and turn visit Jennifer Ramos'http://www.SalsaCrazy.com today!

Friday, July 17, 2009

Spice Up Your Life by Learning to Salsa Dance

Learn the basics of salsa dancing with your preferred learning method.

Sexy, passionate, sophisticated - how do you want your salsa's character to be? But before thinking about that, you first have to learn the basic steps of this dance sensation. Put in mind that with good skill foundation, you can always surely push your performance on top.

Today there are already multiple ways to learn salsa dance. There are formal schools that offer weekly scheduled sessions for practical lessons in a dance studio. Also, there are tutorials in video formats such as DVD and others.

Currently, there are various tutorial forms in which you can learn how to dance salsa. There are formal dance schools that offer systematic dance lessons. Also, there are lots of videos on DVD's and on internet that provides self-learning dance tutorials. In addition, there are also e-books, articles, tips that can be found over the internet which will somehow help you in your learning pursuits.

Many different ways on how to dance salsa are now readily available. There are number of good formal dance schools that offers step-by-step systematic ways aside from books or e-books, which are digitally available over the internet. Moreover, the most popular way today is the dance videos tutorial. Learning while watching the instructors do the basic salsa moves is currently the most efficient and most effective way to learn different salsa dance moves. Most people prefer this way of learning, since the majority of people have visual advantage.

On the other hand, contrary to formal lessons, tutorial dance videos offer non-conventional, alternative learning experience. Visually stimulating videos showing step-by-step procedures of the basics of salsa and is more convenient, unlike in the formal dance schools.

With this kind of learning aid, time is not a constraint. Learning can be done whenever and wherever a student wants to learn. Also, there are lots of possibilities with the dance videos: you can swing your hips while cooking in the kitchen or learn tapping and kicking while sweeping the floor of your living room.

With the internet, you can easily learn the basics and advance techniques of salsa dance. There are many information and tutorial services for salsa over the internet, and with just a simple click, you can easily acquire your desired dance step.

All these learning methods are now available in the internet. With few clicks, you can enjoy the digital learning experience of salsa dancing. In fact, there are many salsa tutorial services in the internet that you can choose from.

After learning all the basic skills, you can now push on your creativity. Improvise and bring on the sexy character of your dancing.

Now you can dazzle with Latin beat and do the Salsa dance. To tap, sway, and turn visit Jennifer Ramos'http://www.SalsaCrazy.com today!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Salsa Dance Shoes

Salsa is one of the most popular forms of ballroom dance. Young and old alike, whether male or female, are fond of this type of dance. However, those who love to salsa need a good pair of salsa shoes to be in best form for dancing. Since these shoes are made especially for this type of dance, serious salsa dancers need salsa shoes to last them during marathon dance sessions.

Discounted pairs of salsa shoes are perfect for beginners of this type of dance. Kids in particular who grow up so fast need a cheap yet good pair of these shoes. For a beginner class, though, special types of dance wear and salsa shoes are not really prerequisites. Students who are starting to learn how to dance can wear just about any comfortable clothes and leather-soled foot wear. For advanced salsa classes that require more spinning, salsa shoes with special soles meant for spinning are a must. Those with thin leather or suede shoes are especially required.

These types of shoes have a great fit unlike other shoes. Worn slightly tighter than regular street shoes, they should have a snug fit but should not pinch nor bind the dancer’s feet. Salsa dancers need to be able to move with ease without hurting the foot. The feet should be in contact with all parts of the shoe. If the foot constantly slips out of the shoes, the dancer cannot maintain her poise and grace. Those with full-foot insoles push the heel forward, thus ruining the feet. Loose soles can cause foot blisters that are painful Dancers’ heels should completely fit in the heel cup of the salsa shoes for dancers to maintain good balance.

So go ahead and purchase a good pair of salsa shoes and show off your best form as you put your best foot forward, while dancing what else but salsa?

Dance Shoes provides detailed information on Dance Shoes, Ballroom Dance Shoes, Salsa Dance Shoes, Discount Dance Shoes and more. Dance Shoes is affiliated with Ballet Dancewear.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Basic Salsa Dance Steps

Mastering the basic step will be the first key step to developing proper technique and timing in salsa. Your spins and partner-work techniques will be executed in sync with the rhythm of the music once you have mastered your basic. Think of the basic step as the drummer in a band. It keeps you and your partner on time.

I encourage you to practice these steps at home but it goes with out saying that online instruction is no substitute for real time studio instruction. There are many finer elements of the basic step such as the Cuban hip motion and arm work. What you get in a class that you don't get from your computer is invaluable feedback from your instructor and the opportunity practice with other students. I hope this tutorial will get your feet moving but make sure to get the proper training by stopping by a studio salsa class.

Salsa music is played in 4/4 time and has 4 beats to the measure or bar. The basic step happens with in 2 measures or 8 counts. The Salsa Basic Step is danced as follows...

FOR THE LADIES
1. Step forward with your right foot on the first count
2. Step forward with your left foot on the second count
3. Step in place with your right foot on the third count
4. Pause on the fourth count
5. Step back with the left foot on the fifth count
6. Step back with the right foot on the sixth count
7. Step in place with the left foot on the seventh count
8. Pause on the eighth count
Repeat Step 1

FOR THE MEN
1. Step back with the left foot on the first count
2. Step back with the right foot on the second count
3. Step in place with the left foot on the third count
4. Pause on the fourth count
5. Step forward with your right foot on the fifth count
6. Step forward with your left foot on the sixth count
7. Step in place with your right foot on the seventh count
8. Pause on the eighth count
Repeat Step 1

Because of the pause on the 4th and 8th counts, salsa has a rhythmic feel of slow, quick, slow, - slow, quick, slow,

The Salsa Basic Dance Step is danced in closed position with the Man facing the Woman.

There are four points of Contact between the Man and the Woman.

1.) The Leader takes the Follower's Right Hand with his Left Hand.

2.) The Leader places his Right Hand on the Followers back.

3.) The Follower places her Left hand on the Leaders shoulder.

4.) The Leader and the Follower keep their chin up and maintain eye contact.

Now that you have your feet moving, make sure to enroll in salsa classes to get the experience of doing the basic step with different partners.

Todd is the founder of Urban Salsa Dance Co. located in Times Square. Urban Salsa offers weekly new york salsa dance classes.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Dance - Learn to Salsa Dance Your Way to Confidence and Fitness

The Oxford Dictionary defines confidence as boldness, fearlessness, impudence & presumption. Well, you need all that and more when you learn to salsa dance.

Salsa dance and music came to the world from New York via Cuba. The Afro-Caribbean & Latin cultural mix has given us a very distinctive music and dance form. The frenetic pace of salsa dancing doesn't leave any room for hesitation. Confidence in your every move is really essential if you are to get the most out of your dancing.

You don't have to be worried or anxious about how you look when you salsa dance. No one will be looking at you. They won't have the time as they will be totally absorbed in their own moves.

Any dancing will burn calories, but salsa dancing will burn up about 600 calories per hour when you are on the dance floor. You get a terrific cardiac workout, build stamina, slim down and generally will look better than you every have.

Experts agree that exercise helps in beating depression. Intense aerobic exercise can boost your mood. Studies have shown that regular exercise works as well as antidepressants to relieve major depression. It may even help prevent depression in the first place.

Salsa dance three times a week for about 45 minutes a time (or thereabouts - more is better), for the best results. If you exercise hard enough to feel out of breath - that's even better.

The thing is, you don't have to go to classes when you first start learning. There is a good range of books, videos and DVDs so that you can start to learn salsa dancing at home. After you have got a basic idea of what to do, then you can launch out, find yourself a teacher and get out on that dance floor.

Learning to salsa dance is great fun. It increases your self confidence, burns calories and develops muscles you never knew you had.

You don't necessarily have to go out to a class while learning salsa dance steps either. You can safely learn these techniques in the comfort of your own home where no one can see you, until you are ready of course. The nice thing about learning at home is that you can learn salsa dancing at your own pace.

Learning salsa dance steps at home will improve confidence in your abilities. You'll find that you look forward to dancing and social situations in general. ANYONE can dance, and dance well.

When you think about it, dance is actually the most natural form of exercise around, makes you feel and look great, and what's more, is a lot of fun.

The author, Anne Howes, Enjoys salsa dancing and chasing her dogs to keep fit.. She likes to see other people enjoy themselves as much as she does.

http://www.squidoo.com/dance-learn-to-salsa-dance

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

What Makes Learning Salsa Dance Steps So Hot

There's an infamous story about salsa dancing and just how much of a compulsion it can be. A man goes to a salsa club and finds a woman standing to the side by herself. He asks her to dance and she's amazing, the most amazing salsa dancer he's ever guided on the floor. Confused, he asks her why she's alone if she's so good. She explains sadly that she used to come to this club every night and dance with her husband - but then he died. The man offers his sympathies, and then asks if she still doesn't have any friends or family to come to the club with her. She says, "Yes, but right now, they're at the funeral."

Salsa becomes an addiction to those who can't resist the street rhythms of this unique music/dance form, built on top of a basic Cuban guaracha, which features a call-and-response pattern. Layered on top of this infectious form are Spanish and African rhythms, with a heavy influence of Puerto Rican music. Clearly, salsa is a multicultural mutt that first began to make itself known in the mid-1960's and blossomed later commercially in New York City.

The most important music section to any salsa dancing is the percussion, featuring claves, cowbells, conga and timbales, with trombones, trumpets and an electric baby bass providing the stop-and-start melody lines. Lyrically, you can expect either eroticá - the kind of hot and spicy sexual innuendo that would accompany this kind of sensual rhythm - or romántica, featuring more tender tales of heartbreak and lost love. In both cases, singers are expected to improvise in an effort to make the music alive and spontaneous.

The footwork can be equally exciting and unpredictable. The Latino influence dictates that the man generally leads and sets the pace with machismo bravado, while the woman follows his move, arms up, with a natural style that keeps the beat and creates a fluid dynamic with her partner. Though a certain basic style is generally adhered to, within that style bursts forth passion and emotion to match the music.

Salsa dancing, in short, distills what is the most thrilling about the relationship between a man and a woman and focuses it into a dynamic dance that's alive and still evolving. It's also a fun way to meet new people, an easy dance to learn, and an electrifying way for a man and a woman to have as hot and steamy a time as a couple can have - with their clothes still on.

Do you want to learn salsa dance steps? Get a free online trial membership to Baila Society Online Dance Studio to learn salsa dance steps and become a better salsa dancer.