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 Dance SF Salsa FAQ  

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Your Online Salsa Dance School, Learn to Salsa Dance at Home!

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Read the following FAQ to Answer many of your most important questions about Learning Salsa with DanceSF, and then register for classes on our Main Page, here!

How much do the classes cost? What does $50 Cover?
You pay for classes online, and may ued Mastercard/Visa/American Express, or of course, Paypal. It costs a total of $50 for all four weeks of the course (not $50 each week).  When you register online you are automatically confirmed and registered for the class. You'll receive a confirmation by email, and a receipt! It's set up to be very safe and simple, and hundreds of students join us each month.  You may also drop in to any class, at any time, space permitting, for $15 (paid directly to the teacher, no credit cards accepted for drop ins).

Which Classes should I take? Are they all the same?
All the beginning classes teach the same fundamental dance techniques. Each class covers different patterns, so you can take several classes each week, and learn new things. It does not matter which day of the week, or where the class location is - you'll always learn what you need to know! Many people take multiple classes each week to reinforce the learning process. Intermediate classes teach different material/patterns each class. So, for example, if you signed up for intermediate classes on Wednesdays, and then also signed up on Saturdays, you would learn different material. Many people do this as well.

I've never danced, will I stand out? Will I look foolish?
No, you'll be surrounded by other people, like yourself, whom have never danced. Now is the time to learn! Don't wait and don't put it off. This class caters to beginners and makes the learning process fun and simple. You will "get it" as will everyone else, and yes, this will change your life!

Do I need a Partner?
Absolutely not! We rotate partners in class, and everyone will have ample partners. If we have an imbalance, extra people just wait in between couples, and will get a partner in a couple of minutes (we switch partners quite a bit during class). We also do our best to have even classes.

I'm bringing someone, do I have to rotate partners?
Rotating partners is not solely for social reasons. It helps the learning process. It's necessary to properly learn how to lead and follow. Everyone has a different style, and changing partners will greatly enhance the speed at which you learn. That being said, you can always remove yourself slightly from the circle and not change partners - no problem!

Is this a singles class? Are there many singles there?
No, this is not a "singles" class, but there are a lot of singles people taking salsa lessons. There are also many couples as well. It's a very casual and supportive atmosphere where everyone is having fun and learning how to dance.




Can I bring a group of people?
Absolutely! If you're nervous about taking a class simply invite your friends. They'll have a great time and you'll be able to practice together.

I'm shy, where can I find someone to take the class with me?
The #1 Resource in the Bay Area for finding activity partners is, Craigslist.org. Visit Craigslist and post a message, you'll get a lot of responses, and chances are you will find someone willing to take classes with you. Describe who you are, and what you're looking for - be honest! Tell them where they can find more info (this site). Specifically the Activity Partners and Community Section are great. Only use the personals as a last resort (people there are looking for something else). ;)

What if I sign up for a session of classes and have to miss a class?
No problem! You can swap classes at any time, and make up classes during the week, for any other class. Once you sign up for a session, and miss a class, you may attend a make up class by informing the teacher. If you cannot make any other class in that week, then you would lose a class (although we do go out of our way to make sure people are well taken care of).

What about a Dance Partner - Any tips?
So, you're looking for a dance partner. Visit SalsaCrazy.com's dance partner database. What to do in the meantime? Try meeting people in class and inviting them out to practice, or post on Craigslist or associated message boards and e-mail lists. Ask for a Dance Partner,A and tell people where and when you are taking lessons (i.e. where can they get more info). Remember, make sure to make your intentions clear and concise (for best results). You should post every few days -- and really spell out what you're looking for.

What should I wear to class? Any special shoes to wear?
Most people come in casual wear. Some dress up. Regardless, it's a dance class, so you should be comfortable! Look presentable and nice. You can never look too good, right? The only solid tip is to avoid wearing tennis shoes. You will be spinning, and you need to wear shoes with a leather or suede sole. Tennis shoes are ok, but make it difficult to move your feet.




Anything else I need to know about classes or how to prepare, what to bring?
Just bring yourself, your friends, and the desire to learn and have fun. You'll have a great time! Always prepare for dance classes by practicing good hygiene! What that means is, please shower before coming to class - and wear deodorant and antiperspirant. Ladies - perfume, men - a touch of cologne. These little thoughtful touches go a long way. Nobody forget - bring your breath mints.

What are three big tips for a Beginner dancer trying to learn the fastest way possible?
First, count out loud! Just like in class - take every opportunity to count and grasp the rhythm. Second, perhaps find a partner to practice with them (you should still rotate partners in class, but outside of class, you can practice with someone). Third - did I mention practice? The fastest way to learn is to take the SalsaCrazy Boot Camp approach. This method combines multiple days of classes each week, with private lessons, and outings to the actual dance clubs!

What is this SalsaCrazy Boot Camp - and how do I sign up?
You don't have to sign up - it's just a philosophy of how to learn, the fastest way possible. First, you must accept that it's going to take some time and patience. You need to take: 1) Multiple Classes a week. We offer classes on Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday -- take them all! This will help reinforce the learning practice, and offer you more opportunity to practice and absorb new material. It takes time! 2) Classes in the Clubs -- Go out to the clubs and take the class that happens beforehand (at most major venues). Try to stay for at least an hour after class, and dance with people. Even the basic step! 3) Private Lessons -- all those classes, and social dancing, are going to leave you with LOTS of questions. Take private lessons to get your questions answered. At least once a week! The boot camp is a guideline that has you dancing at least 3x a week, with a private lesson.

Where do I go for all the Salsa Information in the Bay Area?
Visit SalsaCrazy.com! SalsaCrazy is the one of the largest salsa dance websites in the world, and it will tell you all the Salsa Dance information for the San Francisco Bay Area, including a complete day-to-day calendar of events, clubs, classes, music and parties! Don't miss it. Visit it every day - here's a link to the San Francisco Bay Area Page. Sign up for these Classes!

What is this SalsaCrazy Boot Camp - and how do I sign up?
You don't have to sign up - it's just a philosophy of how to learn, the fastest way possible. It's an in-depth ebook, and guide to dancing salsa (and really, all kinds of partner dancers). It covers a variety of social interactions, and will make an amazing difference in your life.  I can't stress this enough -- buy this book, and have many of your questions answered. You can read more about it at, http://www.salsabootcamp.com .


Where can I find Salsa Music? Where can I buy the stuff that's played in class?
SalsaCrazy's Beginner Salsa Music Guide: A page we put together to help you find some great music to dance to!


Private Lessons FAQ


How much, and how long, are Private Lessons?
Privates are $80 and last for 55 minutes to one hour. We now have Introductory (first timer) lessons, with any of our teachers, at a A reduced rate!

Where to Private Lessons Take Place?
Either in our current dance studios, or at your home (+$20), you can schedule a lesson anytime.

What is Salsa, why do I want to learn it?
Salsa is the ultimate partner dance! Great clubs, great people, and great music. It's exciting, inspiring, and creative.

What are the benefits of learning to dance?
There are almost too many to mention! The following lists some important reasons why you should give it a try.

Incredible Social Benefits: Meet tons of people! Far more than you could in any other medium. Ask anyone who has tried it. The social benefits, for both men and women, are second to none.

It will aid you in life: in way's you can't possibly imagine before trying it. You become better at work, more focused, more fulfilled, and far more self confident! You'll carry yourself in an entirely different way.

Get a workout: You'll get in great shape, increasing coordination and flexibility.

Connection with other people, community: For many, Salsa Dancing will get you in touch with a fantastic, diverse and fun group of people, and it allows you to form a connection with another person (while dancing) that is rare in today's society. It's called partner dancing for a reason, and there is nothing quite like having a dance, with someone you've just met (or you've known for years), which allows you to share such happiness and joy. Being one with the music!

More fun than you've ever had: That's quite a lofty benefit, but for many, they find that Salsa Dancing is just the element that has been missing from their lives. No single type of dance is for everyone, but Salsa is a lot of fun.

There are so many other reasons. Hopefully we've provided enough reasons to at least have you take the first Astep.

Do I really need private lessons?
I recommend everyone start with at least one group session! Yes, you heard that right, do not take a private to start dancing. Take a group class first, and start learning some of the basics and the fundamentals. That way, you'll get far more out of your private lessons. Don't substitute privates for group classes! They work best together rather than individually. You'll want to take your first private within your first 2 months of dancing (before bad habits have a chance to develop).




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