5 Tips to Improve Your Salsa at Home

by SalsaSteph

1. Play the music while you are doing your daily routine and pay attention to what you can and can't hear. For example, if you are in the shower, you will hear the bass more than any other instrument, as this has the greatest vibration. Notice the pattern it makes and if you can sing/hum along with the rhythm it makes.

2. Dance like no one’s watching! The best way to improve your style and enjoyment of salsa is to play the music and dance alone, trying all sorts of movements. Some moves will make you feel like a geek, and others will make you feel cool – but either way, be innovative and expressive. Just filter the ones you like, repeat them over and over, and add them to your salsa ingredients on the dance floor!

3. If you feel like you are lacking coordination, take classes with instructors who know how to explain body isolations and coordination. Ask around before signing up. This type of class is especially important for those who want to take their salsa up a notch, without necessarily becoming professional dancers. Being in control of your body means you'll feel more confident and you'll enjoy yourself more out there.

4. Listen to your favourite song - notice the repetitions that certain instruments make, like the piano or cowbell (the metallic clanky sound that comes on 1,3,5,7 in the music). Transfer the sound you hear into your feet, then your hips, ribcage, arms, shoulders, wrists, hands, head, even your eyes. That's how you dance to the music with style!!!

5. Role play. Pretend you are the dancer you admire; pretend you are confident, even if you don’t feel so confident. This helps to kick start your genuine personality and confidence! Go through different personalities like aggressive/calm, sloppy/in-control, snobby/sociable, conservative/wild, etc.