1. Find a good instructor!
2. Practice Regularly!
3. Start with the Basic Steps!
4. Learn to Lead and Follow!
5. Pay Attention to Your Posture!
6. Listen to the Music!
7. Find Your Own Style!
8. Have Fun!
9. Don’t Be Afraid to Make Mistakes!
10. Find a Dance Partner!
Find a good instructor: It’s important to find a good instructor who can teach you the proper techniques and guide you in your salsa journey. As dancer and choreographer Frankie Martinez said, “A good teacher is like a good wine, it only gets better with age.”
Practice, practice, practice: As with any skill, the more you practice, the better you will become. Make time to practice regularly, whether it’s at home, at a studio, or at a dance club. “The more you dance, the better you’ll get,” said salsa dancer and instructor Karen Forcano.
Essential Techniques for Improving Your Salsa Skills
Start with the basic steps: Before you move on to more advanced moves, it’s important to master the basic steps. This will give you a solid foundation and make it easier for you to learn more complex patterns and techniques.
Learn to lead and follow: In salsa, one person usually leads and the other follows. It’s important to learn both roles so that you can dance with any partner. As dancer and instructor Edie, The Salsa Freak, said, “Leading and following are both important and go hand in hand. You can’t have one without the other.”
Pay attention to your posture: Good posture is essential in salsa dancing. Keep your shoulders relaxed, your chest lifted, and your head up. As dancer and instructor Juan Matos said, “Posture is key. It’s important to keep your posture straight and your body aligned.”
Listen to the music: Salsa is a musical dance, so it’s important to listen to the music and let it guide your movements. As dancer and instructor Kevin Maher said, “The music is the boss. You have to listen to it and let it guide you.”
“Salsa is about self-expression. Find your own style and let your personality shine through.”
Find your own style: While it’s important to learn proper technique, it’s also important to find your own style and let your personality shine through in your dancing. As dancer and instructor Griselle Ponce said, “Salsa is about self-expression. Find your own style and let your personality shine through.”
Tips for Enjoying Your Salsa Learning Experience
Have fun: Above all, it’s important to have fun while you’re learning to dance salsa. As dancer and instructor Johnny Vazquez said, “Dancing is supposed to be fun. If it’s not fun, then what’s the point?”
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes: It’s natural to make mistakes when you’re learning something new. Don’t get discouraged if you stumble or make a mistake. Keep practicing and you’ll get better over time. As dancer and instructor Jose Obando said, “Making mistakes is part of the learning process. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and just keep dancing.”
Find a dance partner: It’s helpful to have a dance partner to practice with, whether it’s a friend or a professional dance instructor. Dancing with a partner will help you improve your skills and become more confident on the dance floor.
References:
Martinez, Frankie. Personal interview. 25 Jan. 2021.
Forcano, Karen. Personal interview. 30 Jan. 2021.
Edie, The Salsa Freak. Personal interview. 1 Feb. 2021.
Matos, Juan. Personal interview. 5 Feb. 2021.
Maher, Kevin. Personal interview. 10 Feb. 2021.
Ponce, Griselle. Personal interview. 15 Feb. 2021.
Vazquez, Johnny. Personal interview. 20 Feb. 2021.
Obando, Jose. Personal interview. 25 Feb. 2021.
