Salsa City Forum » News and Chat » Salsa Risa

Hi there,

I’ve been to about five lessons now and find it good fun and exercise. How long does the warm down take afterwards, as I’ve never stayed after 10.00.

Also what’s the music that’s played when doing ther practicing? I’ve found cd’s in virgin but not sure if they’re they have the music on.

Hi Giles

For the warm down Andy quickly runs you through what is usually quite an ambitions shine routine. In case you don’t know, shines are fancy steps that are additional to the basic steps you learn in a beginners class. For example you may have heard of ‘Suzy Q’ which is a shine.

Andy usually spends few minutes demonstrating the steps and calls out the steps to what is usually a 4 or 5 minute track. Don’t worry if don’t get all of what Andy demonstrates, as the warm downs are generally a bit fun to help you unwind at the end of the class.

The music you hear during the classes is generally for beginners / improvers where the beat is easy to recognise. The music you hear in the interval is more typical of what is played after the classes. You’re probably best asking Andy himself about the music and whether the CD you had in mind has certain tracks you were after.

Ok, Andy says Charlie Cruz - Ahé. This is one I recognise from the interludes.

The others are hard to get hold of.

Hi

I am thinking of going to Risa tonight with my partner. We’ve never been to Salsa classes before, can you just watch for a bit?

Hi Steve,

Before I started I went along to a few of the venues to watch before finally plucking up the courage to take the plunge for those first few classes which were a bit nerve racking.

However, after about three or four classes I soon became hooked and I’m now totally addicted, going at least five times a week.

The entry fee to Risa is £5, therefore I’m not sure if you can watch for effectively for free. You’re probably best asking at the door.

Alternatively just go along and with your partner and throw yourselves into it, the beginners always start from scratch and you need to do probably about 6 beginners classes before moving on to the next level.

Go on give it ago!

Five times a week? I thought I was obsessive.

Yes Tom, more than a couple of nights off and I get a craving for a fix!

Which reminds me, can any one tell me what the Salsa scene in Cardiff will be like over the Christmas period. Is it total shut down for a week?

Hi all, just read some of the posts here. I think Emma has a point about the men not sharing themselves around. I for one have asked beginners to dance every week for the past four years of my five and half years of dancing salsa. I am always very happy to dance with beginners and to be asked by them or anyone else for that matter. If I am not able to dance when asked, for whatever reason I.e just danced six dances in a row or promised someone else a dance. I will always make an effort to find the person who asked me and dance with them later on. So go on ask me.

Yes Stellan is fantastic for asking people to dance... he’s actually the guy I was referring to in my previous as someone who always encouranges and asks beginners/improvers to dance.

In answer to ur question Dai, most places do close down over Xmas... Andy normally posts dates of his classes around Xmas nearer the time but u can usually go somewhere for a bit of a fix... I know people are trying to organise a Christmas salsa party but it’s not definite yet... I’ll try and keep u posted though.

I’m thinking of starting classes shortly, but can you tell me what do girls generally wear. Skirt, trousers, high or flat shoes? Thanks