5 things to remember before your salsa class
You’ve just bought a pack of hours for private salsa classes. Congratulations! Now you must be wondering — what should I expect? And more importantly, how should I prepare? We’ve put together a list of 5 things to remember before you salsa class in Medellin, or wherever you are in the world! Brought to you by our crew of Medellin salsa dancers in Colombia…
5) Comfortable shoes
Your shoe should feel like an extension of your foot, so that dancing in them is just as comfortable as dancing barefoot.
For ladies, heels are really unnecessary for your classes, although you may want to try them a couple of times seeing as you may be dancing in heels at social functions where you want to showcase your dance skills. Flats are more reliable though – something that just fits your feet as a sock would. Check out here for some inspiration.
This goes for guys too. Fancy dance shoes are really unnecessary unless you want to break them in for social dancing (note: rarely do people go out social dancing with fancy dance shoes in Cali, Medellin, or anywhere in Colombia. Cali salsa is casual dress.). Obviously boots, or cross trainers won’t work. You want to be able to slide and turn with too much friction, and you want to be able to feel the floor without a huge block of rubber in the middle. Sneakers with thinner soles and not too much grip or traction on the bottom is preferred. Think Adidas Sambas or Converse All Stars for some ideas.
4) Comfortable clothes
The main point is to feel good in your clothes. So they should be lightweight, breatheable, flexible (ie stretchy material is better), and mostly form fitting so they don’t get in the way of your arms and leg movements. Let yourself feel sexy in your clothes — thats for guys and girls. The better you feel, the better you’ll be able to relax, feel the music, feel your partner, and let your creative expression flow. You know, be present and not get distracted by minor discomforts. Dresses, for example, are completely unnecessary. Even in social dancing! (particularly in Colombia, its rare to see girls out dancing in dresses). Guys think cool sweat pants or track pants and a graphic tee shirt. Ladies think yoga pants and a tank top.
3) Keep it so fresh and so clean clean
Dancing is physical and at times intimate. Its never a bad idea to take a shower before your class, and at least use some deodorant and some mouth wash. Mints work like a charm too! Cali salsa in particular is hot, so make sure your deodorant works well, which means out for those all natural deodorants that rarely work! Without saying it, your dance instructor will be very appreciative that you don’t stink. We’ve had some of our instructors report that at least 1 in 4 students don’t take care of their hygienic business. Don’t be that person! And further, if you smell great, your instructor will more easily let themselves go in dancing with you. That will be more fun for everyone. Its just human nature folks.
2) Resist eating a big meal right before class
Big bowl of rice oriental fast food
Big bowl of rice oriental fast food
If you can help it, its really best not to eat a big meal before a dance class. Feeling a mass of weight in your belly while you are trying to spin or do body rolls is super uncomfortable. Did we mention cramps?! Snacks just before are fine. Oh and dance class can get hot, so stay hydrated!
1) Have a sense of what you want to learn
Its always good for you to have some degree of clarity on what it is you want to learn so your instructor can help you get there, or at least reset your expectations and adapt your goals based on their experience dancing. A big decision for example is which style of salsa you would like to learn! You can learn more about the 4 majors types of salsa dancing and how to the right one for you here.
When you sign up for an immersion with us in Medellin, we will help define your goals and a realistic dance plan before starting classes, including picking the best teacher for your specific path.
Other than that, class is a time for you to practice, learn, and ask questions. Take advantage! Your instructor is there to help you achieve your dancing goals in the most efficient and optimal way possible. Learning is a continual evolution that happens through close contact between student and instructor, so keep the conversation flowing on what works and doesn’t, what you want more or less of.
Enjoy your salsa class!
With love, from the Medellin salsa crew,
Somoloco Salsa Immersion
(Want to come to Colombia and immerse yourself in Salsa with us? Message us on Facebook!)