is salsa a good ‘introduction’ to other dances?

[BANNED99]

Hey all I’m a dance beginner. I’d like to eventually learn how to dance rnb and street..but I also like salsa, and perhaps learning salsa first would give me a good foundation for dancing generally?

Are there any things that I should look at before taking salsa lessons, such as correct posture etc?

Thanks for any advice

[Sagitta]

Welcome. Listen to the music. That's all you need to do in terms of extra work...

[GTO Bruin]

Salsa is a wonderful introduction to other social dances. So many elements are universal to most partnered dances such as connection, lead/follow, musicality, etc. Furthermore, there is a common thread for all latin dances like footwork, turns and spins, and latin motion. Also, many patterns and combinations are adaptable between salsa and other dance styles such as west coast swing. The key really is to enjoy whatever style you begin with and when you start exploring other dance styles, you'll see how much of what you've learned will carry over.

[Alias]

So many elements are universal to most partnered dances such as connection, lead/follow, musicality, etc.
I understand that one may find some concept of connection, leading and following, musicality, in many partnered dances, however I will react on the "universal" bit.

Maybe Ballroom dancers tend to believe in the universality of some elements because they see many dances inside the Ballroom system which applies some same principles and techniques to these Ballroom dances, I agree that you can find or put some cross-over between some dances, and I understand this seeking of universality and of a universal theory of partner dancing, however this can sometimes lead to the believing of holding the truth on the best way (right way or only way) to do things, while there may be many different ways to do things and moreover in different dances, and I prefer to look at the diversity and think about an open field of possibilities of interaction between two bodies.

A classical ballet dancer may think holding all the basic and fundamental techniques of solo dancing, but then look at all the other forms of solo dancing you can find on the earth across the history and the places, with other concepts, principles, techniques, movements.

There may be many ways of connecting and of leading/following, for instance Ballroom dancers may emphasise frame, core body leading, and the idea that "hand leading" is bad (which seems true in Ballroom context), but in some Swing dance and Salsa dances you can have quite a subtle hand or finger leading while dissociating from the body movement with isolation techniques.

And about the musicality, different dances are associated with different kinds of music, and this is the experience of listening and dancing to that particular music that builds the musicality, so a musical waltz dancer will not be right away a musical salsa dancer (and there are many kinds of salsa music that are completely different from each other).
I agree however that some persons may be more apt to musicality in their dancing across different dances and music.

As a conclusion I think it's best to get into each new dance with an open mind as learning a new thing, and agree to start all over as a beginner, instead of building on things we've learned and eventually mastered in some other dance, and learning dance B while already knowing dance A can be an advantage but also a handicap.

Yet, one is free in his learning process (according to me the Instructor is not god, and after taking lessons with different instructors saying conflicting things you learn to put into perspective) and way of dancing (socially), so you can use some techniques, knowledge and skills, acquired elsewhere.

Also, many patterns and combinations are adaptable between salsa and other dance styles such as west coast swing. The key really is to enjoy whatever style you begin with and when you start exploring other dance styles, you'll see how much of what you've learned will carry over.
You cannot say in general that there will be a "carry over", it depends on the dances involved.

GTO Bruin's message is very positive and encouraging, that's good.
I just take the opportunity to express some of my point of views.

[sweavo]

Hey all I’m a dance beginner. I’d like to eventually learn how to dance rnb and street..but I also like salsa, and perhaps learning salsa first would give me a good foundation for dancing generally?

Are there any things that I should look at before taking salsa lessons, such as correct posture etc?

Thanks for any advice

Hey there! I would say yes it's worth taking up Salsa if you wanna get into RnB and Street dance. I don't think there will be all that much crossover from the partner work, but salsa shines (solo fancy footwork) could add something cool to your street repertoire, and if you can get some afro body movement going, that will add flavour to your dancing in any style.

The only thing to watch out for is that you might not want to bother with the other styles once you get into salsa :-)

[Alias]

Furthermore, there is a common thread for all latin dances like footwork, turns and spins, and latin motion.
As a side note, what are the "latin dances"? And what is "latin motion"?

[tangotime]

Latin dances-- Mambo-- Salsa - Rumba -- Cha Cha--- Guajira-- Merengue-- Cumbia-- Bachata -- Bolero-- Guaracha--Samba-- Paso Doble--- Pachanga and Lambada.

Add to the list , several folk dances ,from which most of these above, emerged.

Latin motion-- more commonly known as" Cuban " motion.

A means of creating an action, applied to specific steps in many latin dances as one transfers weight from the supporting leg to the stepping leg, and or changing weight in place ( a time step ).Generally danced with a high rib cage action, accented by the lateral motion of the hips .

[Sabor]

in my experience.. other dances were a good intro to salsa

[thespina13]

Oh Sabor. You and your avatars.

:notworth:

[Sabor]

hush.. with an avatar like yours .. u shouldn't talk! lol

[GTO Bruin]

Salsa is a wonderful introduction to other social dances. So many elements are universal to most partnered dances such as connection, lead/follow, musicality, etc.

Thespina: Sometimes I log in just to see your avatar. :raisebro:

Alias: You take me too literally. As for my "universal" comment, I only meant it in a conceptual way. I didn't intend to imply that actual technique carries over, but rather that each dance style has these elements. As one is introduced to these elements in salsa, one will appreciate these elements in other dance styles and music, though they will obviously be different.

My intention was to encourage someone to take up my favorite dance style, salsa, as a wonderful entre into the unified world of dance. I wasn't trying to lump the entire dance world into a homogenous category with unvarying technique.

[quixotedlm]

hush.. with an avatar like yours .. u shouldn't talk! lol

Reminds me of High School all over again.... the cool kids are talking about fashion, looks and so one, while the geeks are watching agape..

[GTO Bruin]

You cannot say in general that there will be a "carry over", it depends on the dances involved.

GTO Bruin's message is very positive and encouraging, that's good.
I just take the opportunity to express some of my point of views.


Alias: Actually, I can say that many patterns and combinations are adaptable between salsa and other dance styles. It's really up to you to be absolute in your interpretation or not. I enjoy these forums as a casual online conversation rather than testimony.

[Shooshoo]

in my experience.. other dances were a good intro to salsa

The same applied to me. Started and latin ballroom and took much more classes, but improved in salsa. I don't know if it would have made a difference if I would have started the other way around.

[Shooshoo]

Reminds me of High School all over again.... the cool kids are talking about fashion, looks and so one, while the geeks are watching agape..


You can play with me ;) . I'm a geek.

[Sabor]

Reminds me of High School all over again.... the cool kids are talking about fashion, looks and so one, while the geeks are watching agape..

well.. personally i never take 'avatars' to heart.. for they are 'fooling' more often than not.. everyone looks different animated..

thespina tho.. yep, she's caliente mas .. i feel it in her writing

[sweavo]

:notworth: best avatar yet :-)

[Sabor]

:notworth: best avatar yet :-)

pure sabor brutha!

[naturallove]

I think learning any dance period can help you in learning another. However, I'd say that the other dance styles I've done for some time (bellydance and traditional west African) have certainly added to my salsa, rather than the other way around. Because salsa is a fusion of many dance styles, (you can see elements of hustle for example in some turn patterns), I'd argue that learning those styles can be helpful.
On a slightly different note, I took an awesome samba class a few weeks ago, where the teacher complimented me on my dancing. It was funny, because although I felt that I had most of the steps, there was something that I wasn't getting perfectly right---whether in my steps, my shake, I don't know. The instructor told me that sometimes when you're proficient in one dance style, it's harder to get the technique (or maybe be satisfied with the technique) in a very similar dance style. Just a thought.

[goldiebox]

My introduction to ballroom was through salsa. And I really think they help each other. I am a better follower because in our salsa scene there is very little set movemenets. I mean I really never know what is going to be lead. When I go to the local dance studio parties I see the same groupings being danced over and over. So I think had I learned to follow groupings rather than lead by lead I might not be as far along as I am now. But I also think that from ballroom I got a better sense of posture and certainly have beeter understanding of my feet and balance. I think that any style can positively influence any other style. You just have to look for the cross-over effects and appreciate them.

[thespina13]

LoL... good thread, and don't mean to hijack again, but avatars? hella fun. LoL.. sabor, yu never have the sexy-ass ones up for long. you shy?

tee hee... logging in just to see the avatar. giggle.

[tj]

Lol!

It's probably the most active topic in the salsa forum... :wink:

[thespina13]

Hehe, We needed some pulp to get things moving. ;)

[salsamale]

... tee hee... logging in just to see the avatar. giggle.

Hehe, We needed some pulp to get things moving. ;)
Canadian salseras always seem to bring the conversation back around to hewing wood :).

[Me]

I think Salsa is a great dance... when taught correctly.

What you want to avoid is a class where the instructor kind of slurs through the basics, and then immediately tries to teach you some convoluted arm pattern. I just... hate... dancing salsa with guys who start lifting my arms into the air and rotating them in all sorts of illogical directions. Nothing spoils the moment more than for him to suddenly be completely off the music as he ineffectually stirs my arms around in the air and then gives me that blank, 'What, you don't know this pattern?' stare.

If you have an instructor who will teach you basic elements of lead/follow, music, etc, then I think salsa has many cross-over elements to other dances. If you get stuck with some yahoo who churns out complicated steps, well...

[Some Day]

I think Salsa is a great dance... when taught correctly.

What you want to avoid is a class where the instructor kind of slurs through the basics, and then immediately tries to teach you some convoluted arm pattern. I just... hate... dancing salsa with guys who start lifting my arms into the air and rotating them in all sorts of illogical directions. Nothing spoils the moment more than for him to suddenly be completely off the music as he ineffectually stirs my arms around in the air and then gives me that blank, 'What, you don't know this pattern?' stare.

If you have an instructor who will teach you basic elements of lead/follow, music, etc, then I think salsa has many cross-over elements to other dances. If you get stuck with some yahoo who churns out complicated steps, well...
:uplaugh:
Beautifully said, Me!

[GTO Bruin]

tee hee... logging in just to see the avatar. giggle.

Gee...I didn't know I was kidding!:cool:

[SalsaManiac]

I think Salsa is a great dance... when taught correctly.

What you want to avoid is a class where the instructor kind of slurs through the basics, and then immediately tries to teach you some convoluted arm pattern. I just... hate... dancing salsa with guys who start lifting my arms into the air and rotating them in all sorts of illogical directions. Nothing spoils the moment more than for him to suddenly be completely off the music as he ineffectually stirs my arms around in the air and then gives me that blank, 'What, you don't know this pattern?' stare.

If you have an instructor who will teach you basic elements of lead/follow, music, etc, then I think salsa has many cross-over elements to other dances. If you get stuck with some yahoo who churns out complicated steps, well...

:applause::banana::notworth:

Wow, I couldn't have said it better

[dansah]

I think Salsa is a great dance... when taught correctly.

What you want to avoid is a class where the instructor kind of slurs through the basics, and then immediately tries to teach you some convoluted arm pattern. I just... hate... dancing salsa with guys who start lifting my arms into the air and rotating them in all sorts of illogical directions. Nothing spoils the moment more than for him to suddenly be completely off the music as he ineffectually stirs my arms around in the air and then gives me that blank, 'What, you don't know this pattern?' stare.

If you have an instructor who will teach you basic elements of lead/follow, music, etc, then I think salsa has many cross-over elements to other dances. If you get stuck with some yahoo who churns out complicated steps, well...
Absolutely true. I find the "pattern" dancing to be wooden and unpleasant. It makes salsa more like an athletic event than a dance. But, group instructors tend to teach that way. Staying connected to a partner and the music shouldn't be secondary to a pattern of steps done more for their complexity than feeling. However, that's a lot of what I see on the club and studio floor. Unfortunately, I find myself doing that sometimes inadvertently. I call it step envy. Usually ends poorly.:bkick:

[Me]

LOL! Why, thank you! *bows*

[Josh]

Absolutely true. I find the "pattern" dancing to be wooden and unpleasant. It makes salsa more like an athletic event than a dance. But, group instructors tend to teach that way. Staying connected to a partner and the music shouldn't be secondary to a pattern of steps done more for their complexity than feeling. However, that's a lot of what I see on the club and studio floor. Unfortunately, I find myself doing that sometimes inadvertently. I call it step envy. Usually ends poorly.:bkick:

So true--however, the reason why group classes are this way is mostly because of the students, rather than the teacher (maybe 80% of the time anyway, just a guess). Some students in group classes want the technique of dancing, but most do not. Maybe you, and practically all of us here, do, but most do not. It's unfortunate, but it's the way it works. No teacher can effectively teach technique and all the students grasp it in a group class, even if that's what the students want, and like I said, the large majority do not--else they wouldn't be in a group class. If that were the case then DVDs would be almost as effective as group classes, and lord knows they're not.

[tangotime]

Of course we teach that way-- its called a format .

Whether you, I , or anyone else does not like the rigidity of rules-- then chaos would evolve ( even now, we have that happening )

There has to be a foundation, upon which to build a freer form of interpretation .

You should also bear in mind this--- the majority of beginners are not in a position to get on a dance floor and " wing " it . Structure, in some form , always has to be in place .

The mastery of technique, and rhythmical sequencing takes yrs to develop , and in many, never.

[naturallove]

So true--however, the reason why group classes are this way is mostly because of the students, rather than the teacher (maybe 80% of the time anyway, just a guess). Some students in group classes want the technique of dancing, but most do not. Maybe you, and practically all of us here, do, but most do not. It's unfortunate, but it's the way it works. No teacher can effectively teach technique and all the students grasp it in a group class, even if that's what the students want, and like I said, the large majority do not--else they wouldn't be in a group class. If that were the case then DVDs would be almost as effective as group classes, and lord knows they're not.

Josh--I think you're right but a teacher really stands behind their method and it produces results (in terms of their own dancing prowess and the progress of their students), technique-based teaching can be very popular. Case in point: one of my instructors (and his brother) are very focused on technique and teach it quite rigorously during turn patterns. I was talking to my instructor and apparently he takes principles of physics/engineering and applies them to his dancing. I've found that in the year or so I've been taking classes from them, my dancing has improved enormously because of that focus. Their classes are always filled to capacity and they are asked to teach at at congresses all over the world.

[Me]

The mastery of technique, and rhythmical sequencing takes yrs to develop , and in many, never.


No, don't say that... :cry:

I don't know what to do with this one guy I know. After repeatedly putting him on beat, and them watching him drift off beat I finally figured out he was counting in his head and not listening to the music at all, missing rhythm changes, etc.

Then I found out he has a hearing problem and cannot hear low tones at all!

!!!

How does a dancer stay on beat if he cannot hear low tones??? Sorry... I know that is a bit of a thread hijack...

[sweavo]

No, don't say that... :cry:

I don't know what to do with this one guy I know. After repeatedly putting him on beat, and them watching him drift off beat I finally figured out he was counting in his head and not listening to the music at all, missing rhythm changes, etc.

Then I found out he has a hearing problem and cannot hear low tones at all!

!!!

How does a dancer stay on beat if he cannot hear low tones??? Sorry... I know that is a bit of a thread hijack...

Cascara! "I don't like carrots, I like potatoes!" http://www.oldyorksalsa.com/apps/salsamerlizer/

Very tough for someone with hearing loss in the low register to get hooked up to salsa music since most of the high register is highly syncopated!

[salsamale]

Someone should invent a wireless clave transmitter, with pocket receivers that can be set to vibration mode. Good for all leaders, hearing-impaired and timing-impaired:

The all new "Pocket Clave", brought to you by Rocket Enterprises. Coming soon, "Finger Clave", worn by discerning salseras everywhere, to maintain the ritmo when their partners can't :).

[thespina13]

Lol I Love It

[salsamale]

Him: "Honey, what's this?"

Her: "Oh, that's my new Finger Clave, made by Salsamerlizer Industries."

Him: "Oh ... Ok ..."

Her: "Look, it has nine settings: Clave, Guiro, Conga, Bongo, Bongo Bell, Cascara, Mambo Bell, Tumbao, and Montuno. My favourite setting is Guiro."

Him: "Hmm ... I bet ..."

Her: "By the way, Honey, I don't like carrots, I like potatoes."

Him: "I know, I know ... dinner's almost ready ..."

Her: "I love you."

Him: "I love you too."


* violins *
* guiro *

[samina]

Someone should invent a wireless clave transmitter, with pocket receivers that can be set to vibration mode. Good for all leaders, hearing-impaired and timing-impaired:

The all new "Pocket Clave", brought to you by Rocket Enterprises. Coming soon, "Finger Clave", worn by discerning salseras everywhere, to maintain the ritmo when their partners can't :).

the i-Clave... with remote wireless transmitter that plugs into i-Pod systems!
:)

[sweavo]

** furiously jotting down schematics **