Salsa Facts

Good things to know before you start dancing salsa...

07885 574360

lisa@salsaoxford.com

Salsa Facts

Did you know...


...'Salsa' is a brand name invented in the 60's by a record company called 'Fania' (like the 'Motown' of Latin music). Fania were looking for a name which would unite many Latin rhythms (and Latin peoples, especially those forced to emigrate from their homelands by economics or politics) under one easy-to-market umbrella and 'salsa' (which means 'sauce' or 'mix') fitted the bill perfectly. Many Latin artists released their music through Fania and we still dance to those classics in salsa clubs today. The modern dance of salsa has its rhythmic roots in Afro-Cuban son plus rumba and mambo and has evolved to fit the name invented for it! Would you believe that the partner aspect of Latin dance came from the English Elizabethan court?? And travelled to the Caribbean via French pirates?? So it truly is a 'salsa' of global cultures... There are many 'styles' of salsa (Cuban, Colombian, Nuyorican, Puerto Rican, LA, 'On1', 'On2'...) but the main thing at the beginning is to listen to the music and learn the fundamentals of weight change and rhythm, and how to dance with a partner - to 'lead' or 'follow'.

Is Salsa for me?


SALSA is latin social dance, each class starts with a warm up, then we partner up. There is no need to come with a partner (unless you want to) and we rotate partners so everyone gets a turn (unless you came with a partner and want to stick with them). Towards the end of the class you can practise your steps, followed by a higher level class when you are ready to move on. You can come along to any of our party nights which also start with a warm up class and are a great way to meet and practice with more dancers and make new friends. We also offer individual tuition if you want to fine tune your progress. The salsa scene is truly global, so this is a skill that travels well! On holiday or living abroad you will be able to find a local salsa club to continue dancing and meet new people, there will be no stopping you ;). If you need to familiarise yourself with salsa rhythm try our Salsa Practice Music which can be downloaded from Amazon and iTunes.

We really believe that SALSA is for everybody because it offers such great social benefits as well as improving mental and physical well-being. It really doesn't matter how 'good' you are, it's the taking part that counts and the learning journey you will go on in finding out more about yourself. Learning to dance salsa in Oxford with us will give you a stimulating but also relaxing time switching off from all the pressures of whatever is happening in your everyday life. Plus you'll be learning a great life skill, how to dance with a partner, and how to appreciate Latin music. We cater for everyone, whether you think you have three left feet, or if you already dance but want to reach your full potential. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions and you think we can help.

Remember...


Your grasp of the fundamentals and your enjoyment of the music is the most important thing to help you progress and become a confident social dancer. Don't rush, enjoy the journey, and remember that everyone was a Beginner once. Not only this, but you have to be a Beginner before you can be anything else! See you on the dancefloor soon ;).

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Professional Salsa Teachers
Oxford
UK

t: 07885 574 360
lisa@salsaoxford.com
www.salsaoxford.com