For a dance school it is very important to have an effective teaching method and being able to take full advantage of its strengths while limit its weaknesses. The perfect method does not exist; however, some approaches are more suitable than others depending on what the goals are. Experience shows that the rotational method, the one involving frequent partner changes, is an excellent candidate for teaching social dance, since through it students learn more effectively. Let’s take a look at what it is all about.
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Importance of studying Afro-Cuban dance to improve your Salsa
The Baile de Casino (Salsa cuban style) has a unique distinctiveness. It is closely linked to the Cuban dances that originated before it, each contributing in some way. Learning these dances individually allows one to improve one’s skills in a way that is also directly reflected in a technical improvement in Salsa itself. Not all of these dances, however, influence Salsa equally – some are definitely more relevant than others. One, in particular, is very significant as it serves as the “foundation” for almost all the others, which is why it deserves a closer look. It is the family of Afro-Cuban dances.
When, why and how understanding Cuban rhythms is important for dancers?
Raise your hand if you haven’t heard that the Clave is the most important instrument in Cuban music – and in Salsa in particular. Yet, during lessons and when you go out dancing, ultimately, all you need to know is how to dance On1. Are you sure there isn’t anything else interesting for us dancers when it comes to Cuban music?
The 5 + 1 components of a Salsa lesson
Dancing lessons are not isolated units but are structured according to a gradual progression. Each lesson is based on the previous ones and serves as foundation for the next ones. What I propose is a common and engaging formula that I succesfully use in my own courses. The structure works well for a 60 or 90 minute lesson.
Is there a “right way” to dance Cuban Salsa?
If there are two or more dance schools in your city, chances are that the teachers of these schools – and so their students – dance in somewhat different styles and perform the figures in ways that are not quite identical to each other. Having traveled and danced in many cities in Europe, I have seen that this phenomenon is present everywhere: rarely can you find two teachers dancing really the same. Cuban Salsa allows this freedom as long as it is within certain limits.
International Volunteer Day
December 5th is the annual observance of International Volunteer Day. It is a form of recognition for the contribution of millions of volunteers around the world. I am also a volunteer, supporting the Social Hub – a non-profit organization based in Lund, Sweden. What I do is simple: I teach Traditional Bachata and Cuban Salsa, making these dances accessible to everyone!
Rejections. The frustrating side of the Social Dancing
“Do you want to dance?” – “No!”. Being rejected is one of the most frustrating experiences in dance environments and, sooner or later, every dancer will have to face it. In this post, I will break down everything related to rejection and offer advice on how to minimize the chances of being rejected, how to react in a healthy way when someone declines your invitation, and how to reject others respectfully, both for your sake and theirs.
The 5 Characteristics of the Cuban Style
The world of Salsa is incredibly diverse, and some styles dominate the European scene more than others. Among the most popular styles are Puertorican, New York, and Cuban – which is the focus of this post. Each is recognized by unique peculiarities that characterize it. If you want to dive deeper into a specific style, it’s beneficial to understand the nature of its movements and their essence. As you gain confidence in dancing, you’ll be able to express yourself more freely within the boundaries of your favorite style.
Cubans: please come back to teaching us the root of Salsa
Most people who start dancing do so to socialize and have fun. That’s why dances like Salsa and Bachata are so popular. Dancing brings intrinsic joy from moving in harmony with the music and connecting with another person.
However, the more I dance the more I feel like we are missing something: the roots.
How many figures should I know?
If you wonder how the number of known figures affects your dance experience – whether with the idea that more figures means more fun, or that more figures means more advanced level – then you probably miss the meaning of couple and social dancing. Figures in fact are not the most important thing: advanced dancers usually perform very few figures and they keep continue enjoy dancing. Figures though have their own importance!