Salsa City Forum » News and Chat » Starting Salsa

Hi everyone

Been real keen on salsa for a while, just never had the nerve to start. WELL. Started with martial arts this Wednesday, so am on a roll...
Just needed your help on a few things (sorry!)

Where and what times are the classes held?
Any suggestions for someone who has never done the salsa, doesn’t have a partner, but has been wanting to do it for the last 7 years?

Hi Ad

A list of local classes is here.

Take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions.

Browse the forum to get a feel for what to expect of salsa in Cardiff.

Post again if you have any more questions.

Hi All,

I would like to learn Salsa, but is it very difficult to pick up? I have never had any formal dance training.

Is it difficult to pick up? It depends. Some people pick it up quickly, some never do.

Not having previous dance experience can be an advantage. Salsa looks best when danced in a relaxed and fluid style, which can be difficult for those with training in more “prescribed” styles.

Hello to you new starters...

We all began somewhere, I have been dancing for about 7 months now and I still feel a beginner you will learn loads as you go along, salsa is good fun, you get to meet loads of lovely people. I started on my own it took me ages to pluck the courage to go, but I haven’t stopped since.

I go on Tuesdays to Bar Cuba beginners start 8:30pm, and then Zync at about 11ish.

And I go on Thursdays to Bar Risa the beginners class start at 8pm.

Please come along don’t be scared we don’t bite!!!

Regards

Jemma aka Jimbo

Hi. I want to join in the Salsa scene but have never done it before. Sounds like fun, but I do not want to make a fool of myself in the class. Which nights are the best for brand new starters?

The answer is simple start in a beginners class and work up the levels slowly, then you will feel more confident as you go and not feel or look a fool. I do not think people are so judgemental on people starting off. As people have said everyone, absolutely everyone started as a beginner, so there should be no judgement on anyone.
Come along to Bar Risa on Thursdays, it’s pretty friendly and a nice crowd all round. Otherwise have a look at the link above to see other classes.
Most important, HAVE FUN!

Hey Ace... can only reiterate what Stellan has said there is certainly no such thing as making a fool of yourself at salsa. Everyone is an apprehensive beginner at some stage. If you are serious about not only having fun but getting really good at salsa then choosing the right beginners class for you will be the most important decision you ever make. It’s at these classes that basic technique and basic steps which are broken down and explanation of leads etc is vital. As well as making sure we teach beginners the correct habits it’s important to make sure they don’t slip into bad habits... (my biggest gripe is ‘bobbing up and down’... a trap many beginners fall into and then keep with for a long time... not even realising they do it... and it’s something a good teacher can spot and correct very quickly... (I pounce if I spot any of our students doing that!!)

As you will see from the front page and the posts on this forum there are quite a few beginners classes you can try... in all honesty its hard to say which is best as it depends on what style of teacher and night suits you best. My true and honest opinion... spend a week or so going to as many beginner classes from a variety of teachers as you can and then stick to the one or ones that suits you best.

Above all have fun and look forward to seeing you on the dancefloor. :-)

WW.

Hi Jimbo (Jemma) I was wondering if singles can attend classes at Bar Cuba and Bar Risa or if it’s only couples... I am eager to attend beginners classes but my hubby isn’t fussed...

Hi Heloha,
Anyone single or otherwise can join any class anywhere. No-one is ever made to feel uncomfortable at any level, so my advise is... go for it! I’ve been happily married for emm... well forever really and my man never seems to dance anymore (doh!) It doesn’t stop me from having a great night out with people who equally love to dance. Unfortunately, they are all excellent and I’m just average. Believe me, I still get a wicked buzz from it all. Plus, nobody cares if you aren’t an expert, it’s all about enjoyment.
JOIN AND HAVE FUN!