How to learn to dance as soon as possible?
By Erik & Consuelo

Pay a lot of attention to the beginner classes. These classes are normally designed to teach you the most important elements that you need to learn. Don't think that the important things come later!

Take time to practice after each class. Even just 5 minutes is a lot better than nothing. Prepare for next class by reviewing/thinking about what you learned last time right before you go to class. Try to find out if you learned/understand what you were taught or not.

Combine dance classes with private lessons. Only after a private lesson can you be sure that you are trying to learn what the instructor was actually teaching - and not something else! In a group class you often learn together with somebody who does not know what is right or wrong. So maybe you develop bad habbits or misunderstandings. If the teacher is good, a private lesson may be the best gift you can give to yourself. We reccomend that you take a private lesson with a good instructor once or twice a month. Remember: If you have good quality on the basic elements you will be able to learn new material much faster!

Go out to dance! Everybody in a salsa night club are there to dance or to learn how to dance. Dance with strangers, get friends, get training. Remember: All salsa dancers know that it is rude to say no to a dance! Also, You learn a lot just by watching. Observe that many many people in a salsa night club struggle with staying on the beat with the music. It's OK! Maybe they are learning too! If you do a mistake when dancing, just smile. Everytime you dance is just for practicing or having fun - not performing! It is good to be a beginner. Many people are nervous about dancing with the best dancers. Nobody is very scared about dancing with a beginner.

Take time to listen to salsa music! Get used to this type of music. Leanr the difference between salsa/mambo, bachata, chacha and merengue. Moving in rhythm and harminy with the music is the whole point with the dance. It is important to learn - even if it takes time, or feel impossible. Remember: Once it seemed impossible to learn how to tie your shoes. Ask your instructor for help to find music that is good for learning to understand the structure.

Make sure you really understand the concept of lead and follow. Try to learn the lead and follow of each and every step of a dance figure. Lead and Follow is the language of partner dancing. Partner dancing is not a choreography where the girls and boy know their separate steps

Find yourself a dance partner (or many) that you can practice with. Ask for example somebody in your class if he/she is interested to meet once a week or so to review what you learned in class. You can take a private lesson and then only pay half price. Most people will be very glad to be asked for such a thing, especially those who really want to learn - like yourself.

A common mistake is to take a level that is too high. Students try to learn something that they are not able to execute until after several months (when everything is forgotten anyway). Don't rank yourself after what level of class you are taking! The best is to take a level where you are actually able to USE most of what you learned if you would go out to dance. Your goal should be to learn how to dance - not to just barely survive in a dance class.

Finally: Learn to appreciate mistakes - You learn a lot from your own mistakes!