What is Salsajive? A fusion of Latin American,
Jive, Rock ‘n’ Roll,
Ballroom and Dirty Dancing, SalsaJive can be adapted to music
from the 50s to the ‘naughties’ (both fast and slow!).
Salsajive
dancing is first and foremost FUN – so
relax, and Smmmmmmmmiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiilllllllllllllllllllleeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Don’t
worry if you don’t get all the moves first time,
we have experienced dancers to help beginners along. The secret to
success with this dance style is to get out on the dancefloor – remember
what we said about practice!
To help you, shoes with leather soles
or non-grip rubber shoes will work best. Low, solid heels are more
comfortable than stilettos, as are shoes with a strap across the
foot (for the ladies).
You are partner dancing, so remember: cool,
comfortable clothing is essential: you might like to bring a towel
or an extra shirt to change into (as things generally heat up during
our classes!). Fresh breath, likewise the use of deodorant will also
be appreciated.
Stretching your muscles before and after
dancing is important, as is drinking plenty of fluids during the
class to keep your muscles supple and assist with flexibility (water
is best). Listen to the safety tips during the class and beware
there are other dancers around you (stray elbows, hands and feet
can cause pain & injury to
others).
‘Leads’ lead and ‘ladies‘ follow,
so no struggling with your partner! There is a step back before and
after every move, but try and stay close to your dance partner by
taking small steps. Keep your hands low, at waist-level, with arms
bent and keeping some tension in them. Be aware of the level of experience
your partner has and don’t try (or allow) any moves they/you
are not comfortable with or are entirely sure of.
Everybody comes
to the class to learn, and all ‘good’ dancing
is relative to experience and practice, so be patient with yourself
and with your partner. It’s not ‘Strictly Come Dancing’:
SalsaJive doesn't’t always have to be fancy but it does help
to stay in time with the beat of the music – whatever is being
played! Music interpretation becomes more important with dips and
drops … but that’s another day’s work. Back to
basics … the first ‘step’ is: come along to experience
the fun and enjoy yourself.
Eileen Doyle |
Lekan teaching Modernjive
A typical dance class
Classes are always loads of fun
|
