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Kate was in Bristol on Wednesday night as nobody turned up for her rueda at the Amber Lounge!
Saul, this is how Ian and Arancha's Wednesday lesson is advertised on the Web:
"The Intermediate Rueda class is for people who have been dancing salsa for at least 6 months and who have been to quite a few Rueda classes before. This is not a class for beginner dancers."
I've been to one of their lessons at the Claverton Rooms where the same problem arose, though admittedly not to the same extent. I actually thought that the teaching technique was OK - as in, they only tried to teach two moves and they were related, rather than trying to jam as much in as possible - but Ian really needs to tell people to go away if they don't even know which side of their partner they are supposed to be!

It is a good point.

I do remember doing a few of his claverton classes with some people that really shouldn't have been there. The ones I've done recently though have been much better so perhaps Ian is getting tougher on not letting people do the class if they're not experienced enough.

Someone kindly pointed out the existence of this thread:

I'm glad to read that (most of) you like our Rueda classes. We've been teaching one (sometimes two or even three) Rueda classes every week since October 2002. Every single class since then has included new material, and I'm fairly chuffed that after teaching over 100 moves we've not run out of material - or dancers that can remember it! I should think we've taught more Rueda classes than anyone else in the UK except Duncan and Farrah up in Glasgow.

And yes, its true, I should probably be more ruthless when people are out of their depth in the class. However, as has been said by Saul, Fiesta Havana is a nightclub venue and there is more emphasis - where possible - on trying to include people and make them feel welcome and successful rather than that they haven't made the grade.

Its very easy to teach Rueda to a small group of "regulars", however at Fiesta Havana we regularly get complete strangers whose abilities are rather difficult to assess at first. Last week (which "Bailamos" refers to) was particularly difficult - but, hey, we still managed to cover two tricky moves which no-one had ever seen before.

Now, some of the people in the class one would not really want to let into one's Rueda circle later on in the night, but did their presence in the class *really* prevent anyone else from learning the moves? Not that I could see.

In general though, the more good dancers we get, the tougher we can make the classes. So, if you fall into this category, come along to The Claverton Rooms or Fiesta Havana and help us raise the level a bit!!

Best wishes to you all, especially Kate, who has been flying the flag for Rueda in Wales!! (and who is also one of my *very* favourite salseras :)

Ian
www.bristolsalsa.co.uk

I agree that Fiesta Havana's dance floor is very crowded, but I have had some good nights out there, and Nigel Maye is great at getting everyone in a party mood. Maybe not worth a special trip, but if you are in the area a good night out.

p.s. Anyone tried salsa in Taunton's Cafe Mamba? Good if you are beg - intermediate, but unfortunately no advanced class at present. There are some good advanced dancers there though and dancing till 11.30. Or if there are any beginners in the area, there is also a Wednesday class at Bridgwater Arts Centre, which is a smallish class (20-30) but good fun, generally youngish crowd and nice floor. Both classes have a really friendly atmosphere so ideal if you are going on your own.

Useful information, vaness. Thanks.