Hey, it’s the jazzster again, scribe of the dance chronicles.
Sorry that I’m late, but do you know how long it takes to upload video to youtube from your PC? Let me tell you: oy, oy, long time.
As you know, todo-latino teaches beginners salsa on Mondays, but I’m sure you must be asking: where do beginners go after they finish the beginner’s course? Well, I’m glad you asked that, chaps. After you do salsa lessons beginners style, we pretty much kick you up to improvers (not literally, mind).
For improvers salsa, we do expect you to know your onions, so to speak. At this level, you should be able to lead, you can follow. You’re not only able to do a routine, but you do it confidently. Ain’t no half stepping here.
So, because we’re mates, I took some pictures and show you the structure of the classes overall.
There are signs greeting you, as well as cake (never mind that Coke can. Yes, I have a Coke (ca Cola) habit. Don’t judge. Also, yes, that is a Bachata Beginner’s workshop. We show you the right way to dip, twirl and move. It’s such a dreamy, romantic dance, and so smooth. It’s on this Saturday, April 24th, from 12.00 to 17.00. Oh, also on Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday) we’re having a party! More on that anon.
So. For the lessons in the studio, this is the plan.
The first five minutes, a track is played and the students are led into various movements. You’re directed (by voice and gesticulations) into various movements all over the floor. Now that you’re warmed up, the routine is explained and drills are done.
Wilson is performing a routine here. This is Improver’s Bachata, and he’s doing a dry run or ‘blocking’ so that people can take the routine step by wee step. If you aren’t careful, dislocation of limbs can occur.
Isn’t this grand? Look at that floor. It’s wood, ladies and gentlemen. No dodgy knees and sore backs when the lesson is done. Picture number three is another routine. Off camera is a mirror, so that you can look at your form whilst dancing.
Form is pretty important in dancing, as well as posture. So yeah, see that? This is the time where Wilson tells you to, “Change couples!” after every rotation. There is a good reason for that- it’s because you don’t want to be accustomed to the same partner, and studying his or her quirks or foibles. The class is preparing you so that you can lead or follow anyone.
After the routine is done safely, it’s then set to music! Oh my word, Bachata has the best music ever. It can be slow and romantic, the voices sweet to the point of tears. Or, it can be spicy and quick and makes you just move. Seriously, you guys. Best dance ever.
Listen to Wilson’s cry from the heart: “Change couples!”
Video:
After that is then ten to fifteen minutes of free dancing, and class is done. Done!
Of course, people do stay behind and linger, because we have a laid back atmosphere and all.
So, remember to practice your basic. Until next post, one, two, three. Five, six, seven.