Why Salsa?

Salsa is probably the most popular social dance out there, both here in Vancouver and abroad. That means there are tons of people to meet and dance with once you begin taking classes. It also means that there is plenty of opportunity to go out and use this skill. There are Salsa parties pretty much every night of the week in any major city. If you travel for work or pleasure, guaranteed any major city you go to will have a Salsa community as well as an ample amount of dance parties to attend during your travels.

The Salsa community is also very welcoming to new-comers. Due to the nature of partner dancing it is required that men and women behave as "ladies and gentlemen." The community as a whole is very respectful. This allows couples to go out and dance with dozens of other people (if they choose) and not worry about the well-being of their significant other. You would be hard pressed to duplicate this in any mainstream club environment.

As far as hobbies go it is very inexpensive. Group lessons generally run for a little over $10 an hour. To go out social dancing cover will cost you anywhere from $7 to $15 depending which night of the week you go. This includes not only dancing, seeing performances and general entertainment, but your exercise and do social networking as well. This is definitely a much more cost effective activity than going for weekly movies, sporting events, drinks or restaurants. Salsa clubs generally open at 8:30pm and close in the neighborhood of 1:30am. That is potentially 5 hours of entertainment, exercise and socializing. To look at it as an hourly dollar rate, that works out to anywhere from $1.40/hr when paying $7 cover, to $3/hr when paying $15 cover.

By taking Salsa classes not only do you learn specific techniques to be able to dance with countless people in the Salsa clubs here and abroad, but these techniques translate to many other forms of partner dance if you choose to branch out. In knowing how to partner dance you will also gain a life-long skill that was all but considered a "lost art" on recent generations until very few years ago.

Not only is it no longer considered a lost art, Salsa dancing has proven itself as a musical genre and dance that is here to stay. Proven itself as more than a fad, what you learn today will be an applicable form of entertainment, exercise, hobby and joy for many years to come. By the way, can you guess which dance form has been the most popular for over the past fifty years? Go on take a guess. Give up? Cha-Cha-Cha is the answer. Latin music has and always will have a predominant place on the world music stage. The rhythms of Salsa, Cha-Cha and Mambo and more are lively and infectious. So much so that there is a common self-diagnosis that excited newcomers to Salsa give to their insatiable need for everything Salsa, whether it be nightly trips to the Salsa Club, lessons, finding shoes and clothing that cater to dancing, Salsa road-trips, you name it. They excitedly call themselves "Salsa Addicts!" Thankfully it is the world's healthiest addiction so there is no need to worry.

Another great aspect of Salsa dancing is that it although there are generally agreed upon Salsa dance techniques, it does not have a licensing body implementing universal rules and ideals for perfection. Although benefits could arise from having some universal standards, this lack of rules and a governing body allows room for limitless creativity, styles and self-expression. There are no limitations. If your Ballet or Ballroom career was doomed from the start due to being "pigeon toed," it will not hold you back in your social dancing or even more driven pursuits as a performer or instructor.

Just like the food Salsa, Salsa dancing is a mixture of many ingredients. Various instruments sounds and cultures such as the Spanish Troubadours, Afro-Cuban rhythms, North American Jazz and countless other influences from Puerto Rican to Columbian, New York and so on. All come together to create the beautiful music we enjoy. Salsa dancing is no different. Some of the best dancers to watch are those who incorporate various dance forms such as Hip-Hop, Flamenco, Ballroom, Ballet, Jazz and countless others. Even dancers with no previous dance experience or training can go on to become incredible dancers, performers or instructors.

Age, body-type, ethnic backgrounds are all non-issues in the Salsa scene. If you frequent the Salsa Clubs and would like to be able to participate in this great past time the only requirement is that you know a few basic steps. Like language, Salsa dancing is a language unto itself. If you wish to be able to communicate with your partners on the dance floor, you need to be able to speak and understand the language of Salsa.

As you can see there are countless reasons to dance Salsa. The only draw back upon embarking on dancing Salsa is that you will discover what you have been missing in your life up to this point.

Enjoy!

No, partners are NEVER required for Dance Vancouver group classes. In fact most people register alone. That means we provide partners for you. During class partners are rotated every couple of minutes.

Wear whatever is most comfortable for you. Most people attend class in street clothes. Avoid wearing warm, heavy clothing such as sweaters that do not allow for ventilation. Instead, cotton shirts that breathe and absorb perspiration are advised. Gentlemen, if you are a "sweater" and I do not mean the kind you wear, don't worry as many of us are, but please be considerate to your dance partners and bring as many changes of shirts as needed. No, you won't be able to decieve the ladies into thinking that your turns are "so hot" that everytime you spin the sprinkler systems go off in an attempt to put out your hottness.

For beginner level courses I do not advise anyone to spend money on dance shoes. Not only are dance shoes not necessary for the beginner levels, but they are an unnecessary expense. That said, avoid wearing bulky shoes and shoes that excessively grip the floor. Once a student reaches the intermediate levels it is then advisable to purchase dance shoes. Proper dance shoes will better allow the intermediate/advanced dancer to execute precise footwork, as well as lessen joint strain. By this time you will also have a better idea in what to look for in a good dance shoe. If you are in the market to purchase dance shoes but you are uncertain as to what to look for, then consult myself, my assistants or the shoe professionals at the stores listed under Where can I buy dance shoes?

Avalon Dance Shop
4532 Main Street (between 29th & 30th ave.)
Vancouver, BC
604.874.2461
www.avalondance.ca

Experience Shoes
912 Alaskan Way
Seattle, WA 98104, USA
206.624.0960
www.experienceshoes.com

Rino Shoes
75 West Broadway, Suite 100
Vancouver, BC
604.876.5316
www.rinosshoesforthestars.com

The Dance Shop
1089 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC
604.733.6116
www.thedanceshop.ca

My dance style is a combination of the predominant styles of Salsa, L.A., New York and Cuban with more of a leaning to L.A. style, minus the excessive flash and theatrics that is sometimes associated to L.A. style. I teach a social style of salsa, meaning that everything you learn in class will allow you to dance with complete strangers in the Salsa dance clubs. Course material emphasizes techniques to maximize "connection" as well as pure enjoyment of the dance.

Knowing how to dance Salsa has its many advantages. One benefit for men that needs no explanation is that it is often referred to as "The Great Equalizer." You don't necessarily have to look good executing your moves to impress your partner. You only need to feel good.

Salsa is good for the soul. For those of us who are deprived of touch and being in close proximity to others in our day to day lives you will find that Salsa helps take the edge off the desperation for social and intimate connection. I find that women and men who join Salsa classes tend to become "ladies and gentlemen" bound by dance etiquette and no longer desperate for "touch" and interaction.

In addition to the benefits listed above, something happens to people in their first few short weeks of lessons. People begin to appreciate the ability to tap into that often dormant part of their being... and that is being connected to rhythm, music and expression through dance. I was one of those people who claimed, "I hate dancing!" The truth of the matter was that deep down I wanted to be so good at dancing that I would be able to put a smile on the face of any lady I danced with, like that "smoothe, unsuspecting old guy" who seems to be at every single wedding there is... Who is that guy? Where did he come from? Regardles of a ladies age, body-type or profession she seemed weightless and beautiful in his arms. At that moment I wanted to be him. Eventhough I was young and fit, I felt lumpy and old. I couldn't stand disappointing my girlfriend everytime I refused to dance with her. It's not that I didn't want to dance, it's just that I was terrified of looking silly. If this is you, relax. Beginner classes are called beginner for a reason. I will painlessly ease you into dancing and you will be having so much fun that by the end of the first class you will be amazed at how much you learned. Don't worry fella's you won't be asked to do any "Ricky Martin" hip girations. However, if you really want to you are more than welcome to "shake your bon-bon."

Salsa is a global phenomenon that we here in Vancouver are very much a part of. By knowing how to dance you will easily be able to access social communities here in Vancouver and abroad. Every road trip I'm on I find out where a Salsa event is taking place. I show up to the event, dance and meet new people each and every time.

The Salsa dance scene is also a great alternative to the often drunken, pretentious mainstream club scene. People attend Salsa clubs for it's clean social environment, love of dance and latin rhythms. In four and a half years of attending salsa clubs in Vancouver I have never witnessed a single altercation. You would be hard pressed to duplicate that in any mainstream dance club.

Salsa has great health benefits as well; it is low impact thus making it a safe and fun form of exercise for people of all ages and body abilities. The legendary Jack Ellard who in his 80's and presently resides in West Vancouver still frequents the dance halls. Not only does Jack look great for his age, but he puts on a show everytime he steps onto the dance floor... Hey, he's the "smoothe,unsuspecting old guy" who attends all those weddings. Jack is living proof that dancing is a gift that lasts a lifetime. Way to go Jack!

Class sizes vary on the size of the location and the type of dance being taught.

-Scotiabank Dance Centre - Max. 18 Leads / 18 Follows, Min. 4 Leads / 4 Follows
-Total Therapy Rehabilitation & Wellness Centre - Max. 11 Leads / 11 Follows. Min. 4 Leads / 4 Follows.
- Dance Vancouver Studio - *Bachata Classes, Max. 7 Leads / 7 Follows. Min. 4 Leads / 4 Follows.
- Dance Vancouver Studio - *Salsa Classes, Max. 7 Leads / 7 Follows. Min. 4 Leads / 4 Follows.

Finding Salsa music that suits your tastes is difficult especially for those of us not familiar with the language or names of artists. I recommend you start by viewing the list of song titles and artists I have posted on my website under Music. Search for those songs titles or artists in an online music store and listen to the sample tracks. If you like a song or artist you can purchase their music where available, either online or in your local music store. *Let's support the artists who inspire us with their wonderful musical talents by purchasing there music.

Yes, you most certainly can dance solely with your own partner. Although I do encourage people to rotate partners, you will not be given any grief or be any less included in the class by not doing so. I must say students who do rotate partners tend to gain two primary benefits over those who do not rotate. One, students who rotate tend to develop stronger leading and following techniques because they do not rely on a set partners particular cues or covering one another's mistakes. Two, rotating partners creates a more social and fun class environment. Dancing with people other than your significant other can seem like a scary thing until you see how the class operates and is conducted. Feel free to stay with your own partner as long as you wish. If you find that once acclimatized to the class environment you feel willing to join the class rotations than you are more than welcome. Again, it is not mandatory and you will in no way be given grief for not rotating.

Thank you for the referrals. It is very much appreciated! In order to qualify for the referral discount promotion, all 3 of the friends you refer must register and pay at the same time and pay the entire group course fee in full. That said, if two of the friends you refer pay for the entire course in full, but the third friend doesn't then this would not qualify you for the referral promotion. If all three of your friends register and pay for the entire group course this will entitle you to either a free group course, or a one hour private lesson. *Note: the group course must be taken with the same session as your referrals. Where as private lessons must be redeemed with in one month of the start of your referrals course start date.

Thank you for the referrals. We look forward to offering the best class possible for your friends. To redeem your choice of a free private lesson or group course please be sure to complete the following steps:

1. Email info@dancevancouver.ca with the list of names (first and last) of the students you are referring.
2. Have your friends mention that they were referred by you upon their registration.
3. Be sure to receive the confirmation email from Dance Vancouver saying that you successfully meet the conditions of Dance Vancouver's referral program.
4. Schedule your private lesson or register for your group class.
5. Print-out the email correspondence confirming that you successfully meet the conditions of Dance Vancouver's referral program and present it upon making your payment.

*Important: With out a printed copy of the confirmation sent from Dance Vancouver you will not be able to redeem your prize.

Yes, most certainly. Some classes routinely reach capacity so it is strongly advised to arrange to make your payment in advance. What some people do when they know they will miss the first class or be late for class is to send a friend or family member to make payment for them to guarantee their spot. Payment must be made in full.

No and Yes. All students must pay for the entire course before the start of the first class. If you wish to withdraw from the course for whatever reason including, "I thought I would give it a try to please my wife, but I just don't feel cut out for this," our response will be to first applaud your effort and for being a good husband and then refund your money, minus the fee for the first class attended (drop- in rate of $15 will apply). *However, to be eligible for your refund, you must request your refund immediately following the first class so those on the waiting-list wanting to join the class are able to do so. For more information see our Registration and Payment Policy.

PayPal provides the fastest and most convenient payment option for most people. To pay by cash it is recommended students arrange to make payment in advance by contacting us at register@dancevancouver.ca. Remember, spots are only guaranteed once payment has been made in full.