I'm New Here and I have a Question!!:D

[DiAnAoN1]

Hey I recently learn about this forum and I think it's a great idea so I decided to join in and ask you guys a question...But first a little about me I've been taking salsa lessons for about four months now and I'm currently an intermediate student about to graduate to advanced. Now I know four months doesnt seem like a long time but I'm a fast learner and I've also been practicing like crazy going to classes three times a week not to mention going out to clubs to practice my moves. I dont just want to be a good salsa dancer I want to be a great salsa dancer so I'm always lookin for workshops or classes that can help me improve my skills and I was recently told that taking jazz classes can do wonders for your salsa dancing because it improves you spinning technique, posture, more confidence etc. SO I was wondering if any of you guys have taken jazz classes and if they actually helped you or not, because I'm a very dedicated dancer and I'm really considering signing up for jazz classes but dont want to waste my money so what do you guys think???

[peachexploration]

Hi DiAnAoN1. Welcome to the DF! I haven't actually taken jazz classes so I may not be much help. I do however think it would be beneficial depending on what your goals are. Just wanted to say welcome! :D Any other Jazz and Salsa students/instructors willing to chime in? :D

[pygmalion]

Hi DiAnAoN1! Welcome. :D

There are a bunch of Orlando people here, so welcome to the Orlando branch of the DF family. 8)

[johnnywalker]

Hi and Welcome DiAnAoN1. :D

I don't do Jazz but would like to try sometime. I'm sure there could be some benefits but I don't think it would be necessary to take the classes if you only wanted to improve Salsa. I know a few excellent Salseras and Salseros who do not have Jazz experience; and then there are others who also dance some form of Swing or Ballroom. Natalie Ruis, an instructor from Latin Motion here in Sydney was previously a Flamenco dancer/teacher.
As Peach says, it's dependant on what your goals are.
BTW, if you do happen to take jazz classes could you please tell me what the difference is between Theatrical Jazz, Broadway Jazz, Jazz, Jazz Ballet and whatever other styles of Jazz there are. :D

[DiAnAoN1]

Tanx Guys for the warm welcome and replies! :D

[Sagitta]

A belated welcome. I would say that how much jazz helps you depends on what you think you need to work on for your salsa. Perhaps talking to jazz instructors who know salsa and asking them how jazz has benefited them, or/and maybe taking a class and seeing what you get out of it?

[ketchup]

. I would say that how much jazz helps you depends on what you think you need to work on for your salsa.

hi DiAnAoN1, I basically agree with sagitta. I think learning different types of dance for the purpose of improving your salsa skills can be both beneficial and harmful. I have danced with people who have different dancing backgrounds --- and most of them believe their dancing background is helping them in salsa dancing in all aspects ---- but from the lead's perspective, in some aspects yes, but in other aspects no.

I don't know about jazz, but since it is not a partnership dancing, I am tempted to believe it can be more beneficial than harmful.

[Sabor]

Hola Di

i danced what they called street jazz for about 6 years.. never professionally .. was just part of a social activity i did at university .. but as has always been the case with me i never took dance classes cause i was lucky in that sometimes, if i like a form of dance i just pick it up by watching and practicing ..

I think, in general the effects of a dance experience is on another dance is relative to the dance types in question and even more so on the dancer's perception and style.. so as far as my experience goes.. yes definetly it helped when i danced salsa .. or any other form of latin dance or even other forms like hip-hop etc..

but.. the way i work is a little like a sponge.. i always try to add to my dance repetoire from experiencing other dances and its like adding on an increasing pile of dance styles and somehow inter-relate them and mix them up with each other at different rates so as to come out with something new and more so unique to the way i move..

so i think, if u can somehow take up all forms of dance u feel attracted to .. u can only benefit as it would certainly add to your dancing so long as u have a clear perception of what u want to achieve and express on the dance floor and ability to switch that perception according to each dance.. its just like have a lot of material to work and play with to come out with a new design suit for instance.. while always aware that the suit come's out fashionable and insyinc in terms of design :wink:

[squirrel]

Hey, Di, welcome to DF! I'm kind of late, but that's 'cause I'm busy... :(

I agree to the above answer... some are helped by other dances, others are not... depends on the person...