Club Salsa Hull - Advice for Beginners



Salsa dancing is great fun and really helps to keep you fit. At Club Salsa we have three levels of classes. In the beginners’ class, as well as learning the basic footwork and rhythm, men (leaders) will also be taught how to lead a partner and ladies (followers) how to respond to the leads, i.e. the leaders need to give positive leads and the followers should not lead themselves. Both leaders and followers should keep their arms relaxed and their steps small. When you have completed all the essential moves and feel confident enough, ask your instructor whether or not you are ready to move up to the next level. The rest is practice, practice, and practice!

Level One (Beginners: 0 - 3 months). Learn to move in time to the salsa rhythm, basic footwork and how to dance with a partner. Men (leaders) learn how to lead a partner whilst keeping your footwork in time. Ladies (followers) learn how to follow and recognise the leads. You’re a beginner if you … have been dancing Salsa for less than 12 weeks; are still not confident with the rhythm; are often on the wrong foot; haven’t learnt basic turns, half turns and cross body leads; feel that the pace of normal Salsa music is impossible.

Level Two (Improvers: 3-9 months). Build on the basic moves and develop simple turn patterns including figure of eight and trading places. Learn cross body leads with turns and other variations. Begin to dance with more confidence and style. You’re an improver if you ... have been dancing for less than six months; are confident with the rhythm, but are still occasionally on the wrong foot; usually feel that the pace of normal Salsa music is too fast.

Level Three (Intermediates 9 months plus). Improve and develop your style and increase the range of moves. Men learn more complex leads and ladies start taking on double spins. Routines include intricate footwork combinations and become more complex.

The above is a guide Everyone develops at their own pace and there is no pressure to move on if you do not feel ready. If in doubt please ask any of our instructors. We would not recommend that you move too soon as you may not be able to lead or follow the moves in the next class and will hold others back.