Friday, July 17, 2009

Salsa Spin and the Spot Turn

All salsa dancers start off by getting dizzy once the turns are taught. But, once you are passed that beginner's phase, I am sure you start wanting more and more spins and turns. This applies to both follows and leads.

Here is a really good exercise to practice your spin technique. This is actually the same exercise I did when I was learning how to spin.


Spinning Technique and Tips:
1. Keep a strong core. This means, keep your abs tight as it helps create a strong hold between your upper and lower body.
2. Do no over rotate your shoulders. Once you start spinning, your body should be in plane field - just as if you were standing straight.
3. Keep your legs firm and together. Keeping your legs together helps keep the center of gravity close to the center and will make you less wobbly.
4. Use your shoulders and arms to start the spin but keep in mind point number 2.
5. Spot. Spotting will help you avoid getting dizzy - keep an eye on one spot.

Another spinning video:


Once you have mastered the spinning technique it will help you throughout the dance and enhance your moves on the dance floor.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

The Salsa Learning Curve



I found this very interesting graph from an article in addicted2salsa.

The graph is very true to what I have observed as an instructor. So what does it mean?

What it says about women:
- They learn at a steady pace
- They learn faster than men, specially during the beginner's phase.
- They will complain that their partners are not up to their level of dancing
- They do reach a plateau a lot quicker than men

What is says about men:
- They learn at a more exponential rate
- They learn very slow during the beginner's phase, which explains the level of frustration from men at this stage
- If they continue to invest time and practice, they will get real good real fast
- At one point, they will be better than women who have been learning for the same amount of time.

What does this all mean:
- Be patient with your partner
- Don't let your partner give up if they are in the beginner's phase or at a plateau
- Be understanding and supportive of other's
- Keep practicing no matter what.

This is what I tell my students all the time, "It will all make sense one day."

Good luck! Don't give up!