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Salsa Dancing in the UK |
 Salsa Dancing
During a dull moment at a recent dinner party, I asked the burning question: 'So who here dances Salsa?' One of the group did - albeit another beginner like me - but by the end of the evening, with the help of a cd and numerous glasses of wine, all eight had grasped the basic steps and were vowing to find their nearest salsa club. Which shouldn't be hard to do. From village church halls to pubs with under-used function rooms to trendy City clubs and bars, Salsa is bringing new life to tedious Tuesdays, slow Sundays and flat Fridays nationwide.
This page is not designed as a guide to salsa clubs in the UK - you can find them easily enough on the internet (and they're probably nearer than you think!), nor is it intended for seasoned salsaros. For those who are thinking about 'having a go' at salsa, however, this aims to provide some basic guidelines on what to expect.
Without going into great detail, Salsa is essentially a street dance that originated in Cuba and Puerto Rico becoming popular - and given its own style - in New York. It's a partner dance where the guy always leads. This is not normally a problem for men, but can be quite a hard concept for us independent ladies to grasp! |
 Salsa music actually encompasses a variety of rhythms: guaracha, mambo, rumba, etc, and can be slow-ish, or incredibly fast and furious. Although there are different styles, all Salsa has the same fundamental rhythm which means that - while the counting method might be slightly different - you should be able to attend a variety of salsa clubs without becoming totally confused. The main thing to remember is: forget the fixed and rigid format of ballroom dancing, Salsa is designed to be relaxed and fun.
So why take it up?
First of all, it's good exercise - with the often added benefit of an onsite bar - and is a great way to make new friends! As my partner said to me: Given the choice of an hour at the gym or a couple of hours dancing Salsa in good company, with a couple of pints...I know which I'd rather do.
You absolutely, most definitely, do not have to go with a partner - in fact Salsa is probably one of the easiest social events to do on your own that I have ever come across. Indeed, if you go as a couple with the intention of learning to dance together, it can initially be a bit of a disappointment because (unless you have private instruction) the lessons will constantly rotate you with different partners. You'll have to wait for the freestyle sessions to practice your moves with your loved one.
Don't be fooled by Strictly Come Dancing where celebrities are capable of changing from having two left feet to almost professional status in a matter of weeks. The basic steps of salsa are fairly easy to pick up (women usually get there a lot quicker than men, although apparently once men 'click' they improve at a stupendous rate!) but it can be daunting when the instructor starts introducing cross body leads, baskets, windmills, outside and inside turns all in the same routine! So, unless you're a real natural, don't think that after a couple of glasses of wine you can cope with an intermediate class immediately after an absolute beginners! |
 Don't despair though - like many activities, you can reach a plateau for a while and think you're never going to get past it - plus it can be frustrating if you and your partner start at the same time and one of you catches on more quickly. But stick with it, and don't take it too seriously, it will come!
Somebody said to me that Salsa is a bit like speed-dating to music. It's not really. You certainly do get to meet a lot of different men/women in a very short space of time - but don't go there solely with the intention of meeing Mr or Miss Right; salsa attracts the short and the tall, the wide and the small - and you're going to have to dance with them all! Plus, you could easily start chatting up Mr X on the second rotation round, only to find Mrs X is giving you daggers from across the floor - or that Mr X's son is your next partner! But then again, you never know. |
 And on that note, don't think that if you're over 50 you're past it. Salsa is for all age groups - there are as many grandmas strutting their stuff as teenage lads and lasses. As for attire - wear pretty much what you like - jeans and flats or skirts and heels, anything goes (well maybe men should avoid heels). Just bear in mind that you'll get pretty warm and make sure you can spin in your shoes without landing on the floor.
So how does it work? Most salsa clubs kick off the evening with a general warm up session before breaking down into classes throughout the evening based on ability - absolute beginners, beginners, improvers, intermediate, advanced etc. In some cases you might have to book, but a lot of clubs operate a 'just turn up' policy with one fee paying for as many classes as you like - plus a freestyle session at the end. This can be as little as £5 -£7 for a whole evening's dancing - a pretty cheap night out really! If you're still not sure about giving it a go, you can usually turn up, have a drink and just watch the action. It's not a 'term' thing either...any week that you start there are invariably going to be other complete beginners. You won't feel a complete idiot!
Additionally, most clubs run occasional open parties/events where the ticket price will include lessons, a buffet and free dancing - often with demonstration dances - until the early hours of the morning. Get hooked and you can go away for salsa weekends and holidays in the UK and abroad - even back to where it all started in Cuba.
Salsa is fun, a great night out and a brilliant way to keep fit and meet new people. Guys out there, especially, come on and give it a go! A lot of clubs - especially at beginner level - could do with a few more men to even up the numbers. We women get fed up with having to pretend to be blokes (despite the joy of being able to lead for a change)! |
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