I don't know how to dance but I want to learn salsa - Help!

[H2ObugS]

I went to Latin clubs with a few friends several times and I'm really starting to like salsa now!!! But I don't know how to dance and have no basics at all. Is Salsa good for me to start or should I take some other classes first? Could you recommend me some places to learn salsa in Orange County, Los Angeles? Any info is greatly appreciated!!!

Cheers,
Ting
(PS: I just found this website today, accidentally, and it's GREAT!)

[SDsalsaguy]

Hi Ting, welcome to the forums! :D

We're happy that you stumbled across us and like us too! :banana:

Anyway, here's a listing for SoCal Instructors (http://www.salsaweb.com/la/instructors/instructors_list.htm), including several in Orange County.

And here's a listing of some "LA area" clubs (http://www.salsaweb.com/la/la_clubs/index.htm) too.

Hopefully someone familliar with your area can give you some more specific advice...

Again, welcome! :D

[Sagitta]

Welcome ting!! I'm glad that you have just stumbled accross us and already think that we are great.

I went to Latin clubs with a few friends several times and I'm really starting to like salsa now!!! But I don't know how to dance and have no basics at all. Is Salsa good for me to start or should I take some other classes first?

Another possible salsero/salsera? That's great!! My advice is if you like salsa then start with it. If you like a dance then even when it gets difficult you are more likely to stick with it. Are you a follower or leader? If you are a follower then you can learn a lot by just going out dancing, at the right spots. If you are a leader then dance classes would be easier as you are less likely to get followers showing you what to do!! The salsa forum has a lot of great advice on different salsa topics, which I can attest to, as I've learnt a lot from by reading what others said and asking questions. Another option after you have the basics is trying out free video clips on the web to expand your repertoire, but as always, instruction is useful in guiding you on proper technique that you may not be getting by just watching video clips. Hope that this isn't too much of amouthful for you.

You can try out dancespots.net to search for instructors in your area.

[SDsalsaguy]

Oh yeah, I forgot to respond to that part of your post :shock: (Thanks for the better example Sagitta! :D)

Anyway, if you like salsa than there's absolutely no reason not to start with it. Do what you enjoy/love! That's the real point of dancing after all, isn't it? :D

[MadamSamba]

Hey, Ting...welcome! Any dance that resonates with you is a good one to start with, be it salsa or the Chicken Dance!!! :)

Seriously, salsa is a fabulous way to get into dancing (trust me, you won't stop at salsa).

Just be kind to yourself. Don't compare yourself to others and don't be hard on yourself if you don't pick it up as quickly as others. Keep in mind that other people in your class may be beginners in salsa, but not necessarily in dancing and you'd be doing yourself a disservice to do so.

That said, salsa is cool and sexy and when it works, boy does it work!!! You'll find salsa music cropping up all over the place and, at the very least, you'll be able to move your feet to the music...good luck with it and do keep us informed of your progess! :)

[MapleLeaf Salsero]

Hi H2O,

Wellcome!

I think everyone has already given you good advice. The only further thing I can say is "Go for it, you won´t be sorry". :D :D

Regards,

[borikensalsero]

Welcome aboard H20....

You have chosen wisely :mrgreen: ... Just wait 'till you become addicted...

As others have mentioned, don't compare yourself to others, learn at your own speed and above all have fun, remember that the dance might be challenging at first but never imposible. Keep a smile on your face and in no time you'll be grooving...

[peachexploration]

Hi Ting! The other members have gotten you off to a great start. Just wanted to say welcome!

[Xtreme Salsa]

Hey whats up? I'm also in the ORange County/LA Area, what clubs have you been checking out?

[H2ObugS]

Thanks for all the replies. You guys are awesome and I'm gonna GO FOR IT (with all you guys backing me up haha!!!) After some searching, I found many places that I can learn salsa here in my area - yeeha! so, i'll sign up for the class next week or so!

Xtreme salsa, i just moved here so i haven't been to any clubs yet. i have heard that the Mayan (spelling?) is a good one. If you would like to hang out, please feel free to drop me an email!

Cheers,
Ting