If you’ve never taken dance lessons before, it can be scary going to that first salsa dancing lesson. Perhaps you’re nervous about your (lack of?) coordination or rhythm. Worried about coming without a partner. Don’t know what to wear or what shoes will be appropriate.
Don’t worry…
Everyone feels that way. Relax and Just Do It! You will be glad you did.
Salsa dancing is a skill that anyone can learn. While a few people might pick it up quickly and easily, relax and know that for most people, it will take lots of practice to become good. But, the practicing is VERY FUN, so no problem! You won’t be expected to learn everything immediately, no worries. Take your time, enjoy each little achievement along the way, and ask lots of questions of the instructor(s) – they are there to help. The more you relax, the quicker you will learn, and the more fun you will have.
No partner? No problem!
In fact, you will become a better dancer if you dance and practice with lots of various partners. Couples that learn together and largely only dance with each other begin to compensate for each other’s weaknesses, and because of this, each never really knows what pieces that they *don’t* yet have down. So, when the occasion comes around that you do go to dance with someone else, someone who doesn’t know to automatically compensate for your missing pieces, they won’t be able to dance with you very well, nor you them. Leaders won’t know where they are weak in leading, and follows won’t know what moves they have trouble following. While having a dance partner can help get you more practice hours in, if you do, be sure to go out and dance with lots of other people, as often as you can. If you don’t have one, don’t worry – I became a very good dancer without ever having a dedicated partner, and I’m a better dancer for it.
Wear comfortable clothing to class, clothing that allows you to move freely, and ideally without extra fabric that will get in the way – avoid tops with long frilly sleeves that can get in the way, or delicate lacy sweaters that might get snagged on a watch or a ring. In fact, avoid as much jewelry as possible on your hands and wrists – your partners will thank you for it.
Eventually, you will want to get yourself some real dance shoes with leather soles, ideally suede. In the meantime, if you have shoes with leather soles and they are comfortable, wear them. If possible, avoid sneakers and other shoes with rubber or non-skid soles – you want to be able to pivot and spin easily. Ok, in your first class you probably won’t do a whole lot of spinning <grin> but pivoting is always important.
Ok, off you go! Find yourself a class and get started. And for practice in between classes (or to give yourself a head start before your first class), check out salsa dancing lessons on DVD – see my sidebar.
