I didn’t go into salsa with a particular goal in mind.
I’ve always had a feeling that I was meant to express myself through movement. I just knew that the world around me was crumbling.
I needed an outlet for my energy.
After my first class, I knew it was going to be a difficult road and everything felt awkward: basic steps, turns, partner holds, and counting salsa music.
I decided that I would set two vague goals:
- To be a “competent” dancer in 3 months (whatever that means)
- To be provide someone enjoyment with my dancing
- To meet lots of new people
This blog is my attempt to reevaluate my journey and hopefully help anyone reading understand the mindset of effective learning.
I will also reflect on the Essex Salsa scene and how we can move forward as a community.
Finding ‘Your Style’
As I’ve got more into dancing, I’ve been watching so many videos online and the way people lead.
Everybody is different.
No leader or follower dances in the same way.
Whilst it is the case that students resemble teachers as in the act of imitation, they inherit some of the form and technique of their teachers, everyone has their own flavour.
Some dancers have experience of other dance styles and it’s fascinating to see how these styles carry into their salsa dancing.
Any physical activity can affect the dynamic of your dancing – I used to play a lot of sports and learnt a few martial arts styles. These past activities affect the way I move now.
I’ve found myself the admirer of many leaders.
There are so many elements that stand out in a lead, but there were two ideas that I wanted to emphasise in my leading:
1) The follower’s skills – exhibit the skills of the follower in a beautiful light
2) Smoothness and clarity of the lead
Whilst I still admire many aspects of other people’s dancing, I find myself looking further afield.
Thanks to the internet, we can access an overwhelming amount of information and see the best dancers perform in a matter of seconds.
Watching the top dancers online has made me think in greater depth about what I can improve, and my end vision of the dancer I want to become.
The First Teacher is Not Your Last
My first observation to anyone who is setting out on a path of learning is to remember that your first teacher is unlikely to be your last if you want to reach a certain level of mastery.
As a way of an analogy, when you start learning how to count and calculate basic sums in school, you learn from someone who can nurture you at that stage.
If, however, you are learning how to carry out polynomial division, your teacher would usually have quite a different skill set.
Note that I say different and not better – a nursery teacher is not inferior to a college professor – they cater to different audiences.
Your Learning Evolves with Your Development
The next point is that the aspects that you concentrate upon evolve as you learn.
When I was first learning Mandarin Chinese, I had to concentrate on some basic elements of grammar, pronunciation (a major focus) and using the language functionally.
As I got better, I had to explore the language more organically by chatting with native speakers, reading more complex authentic materials, and developing more sophisticated sentence patterns.
Concerning dance, it is clear that I need to start adding more elements to flavour the fundamentals.
Although basics are always important to practise, there is a world of difference between the way a beginner does the basic step and how an advanced dancer approaches it.
Even if you look at a basic right turn for a lady, there is a world of difference in the way a beginner approaches it compared to an advanced dancer. I would happily attend a workshop just to take these fundamentals to the next level.
Exploring Possibilities
Learning anything can be humbling, and potentially can put you off.
However, if you choose to draw inspiration from others with higher skill levels or different skill sets, you can become a more effective learner.
It’s fascinating when I watch other high-level dancers. They are all different and have special characteristics in their dancing.
This uniqueness of expression underscores the artistic beauty of dance.
At this stage in my learning, I need to challenge my perspectives by experiencing the best.
My Commitment to the Essex Salsa Scene
When I started salsa, I was only thinking about what salsa could do for me.
There are so many aspects of the scene that are bright, positive and brilliant.
But as I’ve learned more, I realise that there is so much work to be done.
I love salsa. I want to do more to make the scene more inclusive, exciting, and courageous.
A Lack of Awareness
You see the same faces when you go to salsa events and classes.
Whilst this is brilliant as there is a obvious level of commitment, there are not enough beginners and young people starting.
The scene is not flourishing as it should.
Inspiration is lacking.
Exposure is lacking.
People don’t know what salsa – and dance generally – can bring them.
Heck, I didn’t know or understand anything about salsa before taking it up.
Why does a young boy dream to become a professional footballer?
Why do young girls dream of becoming a model?
Sure, money can form part of that inspiration, but I think role models play a major part in motivating young people to want to start.
Some Ideas to Grow the Scene
Free Classes for Under-25s
Money is also a prohibitive factor.
Young people tend to have less money, and perhaps they need help entering the world of dance.
It may be possible to bring more young people in by offering free classes for under-25s, or some promotion on the beginner course to get them started.
These promotions act as loss leaders that will pay off in the long run.
Of course, you cannot ignore the cost of marketing and advertising, but that’s why we engage in market research.
Spending time asking young people what will get them to start learning is really important.
Referral Programs
Your existing customers are your greatest assets. Encourage them to bring friends and spread the word about your salsa classes.
- Incentives: Offer discounts or rewards for referrals.
- Community Building: Create a sense of community and belonging, making dancers more likely to invite others.
By implementing these strategies, you can overcome financial barriers and create a vibrant, inclusive salsa dancing community for young people in Essex.
I know how it is to encourage friends to come to salsa events – believe me I’ve tried – but don’t give up!
Social Media and Performance
In the UK, Rasa is standing out as someone who is attempting to engage a little with people via social media to build a following.
She also isn’t just dancing but is addressing important issues. Honest social commentary is important in getting more people involved.
Young people are on TikTok, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
Pop-up performances are difficult to organise, but they are brilliant ways to educate the public about the possibilities. This might take collaboration between clubs, and potentially hiring amazing dancers to reveal what is possible.
It takes so much bravery to expose yourself like this. But that’s what it will take to build wide-awareness.
Oh and by the way, here’s my first YouTube video:
The Beginner Conundrum
The fear of starting something new is terrifying.
I remember how overwhelming it was as if it were yesterday.
Giving Beginners Dances
I think that we have a duty to help beginners as much as possible and give them dances.
If you disagree, it’s not a problem as everyone is entitled to their own viewpoint, but I feel a certain level of moral responsibility to dance with everyone I can. I honestly tire myself out by trying to dance with as many people as possible!
It is always hard approaching new people, but I’d say that it’s best to dive in headfirst and ask people to dance.
This approach not only helps beginners feel welcome but also fosters a supportive and inclusive dance community.
Teachers in particular should always ask new people to dance, as it’s so important for their confidence.
Group Warmups and Shines
A common practice in the salsa community is a group warmup.
When I was starting, I distinctly remember not having a clue what was happening when we were doing the group warmup, and although this did not discourage me, I know that many beginners would feel overwhelmed.
Some clubs do separate absolute beginner warmups. If it is the case that there isn’t enough capacity to run a separate warm up, then I think that one of the teachers should have a quick conversation with the beginners and newbies.
I originally sought out Shulaugh, a private teacher, because I felt overwhelmed in these warm-up sessions.
It would be comforting let them know that the warm up will be challenging to follow, but they can feel free to either sit it out or have a go, and that these shines will be addressed in due course.
Structure
I’ve come to the conclusion that the best way to run classes for absolute beginners is through a structured program, ideally over 8 to 12 weeks.
I honestly believe it would be worth running these as a loss-leader, offering classes at a heavily discounted price.
This approach can:
- Build Confidence: A structured program helps beginners gradually build their skills and confidence.
- Ensure Commitment: An extended timeframe encourages commitment and regular attendance.
- Create Community: Regular interaction over weeks helps form bonds among participants, fostering a sense of community.
- Promote Long-term Engagement: While initially offered at a loss, this strategy can lead to increased retention and long-term engagement as dancers progress and start paying for more advanced classes.
By investing in beginners this way, we can create a loyal and passionate dance community that benefits everyone in the long run.
Conclusion
Starting something new can be daunting, but with the right support and community, it can become a rewarding journey.
I’ve shared my experiences and thoughts on how to grow the Essex salsa scene and help beginners feel welcome. Now, I’d love to hear from you!
Join the Dance Community:
- If you’re in Essex, consider joining our salsa classes and events. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, there’s a place for you in our community.
Share Your Story:
- Have you faced similar challenges in your salsa journey? Share your experiences in the comments or on our social media pages. Let’s learn and grow together!
Spread the Word:
- Know someone who might be interested in salsa? Share this blog with them and encourage them to give it a try.
Together, we can make the Essex salsa scene more vibrant, inclusive, and exciting. Let’s dance!
