Welcome to the Wonderful World of Salsa!

Here are some valuable ‘whole picture’ tips, so you can get a grasp on salsa culture:

*There are two options: Go to clubs and take club lessons

= Fun, meet people, will not learn salsa fundamentals. Equals to learning a bunch of foreign words but cannot communicate nor make proper sentences. Learning is stifled.

Go to class and take lessons

=Fun, meet people, become more disciplined and learn building blocks of dance. Learn technique that makes ALL the difference so you can be fluent in the language of salsa.

What to expect at the clubs: If you are taking lessons, you will realize that not everyone takes classes and not everyone knows your 'way' of dancing. The ones who do usually frequent the same clubs/venues, like the Sunday Salsa Social. Lula lounge on the other hand, has a mix of students and non-students, so don't expect to get your salsa practice in necessarily. Relax, don't judge, have a drink, enjoy the band. There are complex dancers, and simple dancers, and it's ALL GOOD. People also kiss once on each cheek as a greeting. It’s not a come-on, just a Latin thing!

Beginners and Intermediates go to the Saturday Toronto Salsa Practice from 3:30-5:30/5:30-7:30/7:30-9:30. It's about $3 each session. Very relaxed and best place to learn before going to clubs. It's at Trinity Church on Bloor, just W of Spadina

There are different styles of salsa: Cuban, Puerto Rican, New York, L.A, Columbian styles. In Toronto, different clubs lean towards a particular style. Cuban style dancers don't really mix with Puerto Rican or New York dancers for example. They are like different cliques :) The people who are the most up to date do NY/LA style in Toronto however Cuban is still taught and equally fun. They are different cultures.

How to improve: Taking salsa technique classes means you can integrate with more people on the dance floor. The more you go out and dance, the better you become, the faster you learn.

Learn the basics first and learn quickly forever more. Don't learn the basics and struggle for years, or become limited to 5 moves with bad habits.

When you are comfortable with moves you are probably an intermediate. You will feel better asking people to dance. The more you dance on the floor, the more people see you dance and will ask you! Never sit down if you want to get on the floor. Stand on the edge of the floor without arms crossed, without a drink.

Get some salsa music and train your ears! Know the difference between salsa, merengue, bachata & cha cha.

When you have danced for 6 months to 1 year, you may be ready for styling and body movement. Student groups are a good way to enforce this. They're also more bonding and more fun than classes because people are committed to their learning and are already SALSAHOLICS.

You may start going out 2-6 times a week. This is perfectly normal, however pace yourself, as you may end up losing your job :) due to sleep deprivation and over-stimulation.

It is normal not to know people's names on the dance floor. Guys, don't ask for her number the first time you dance (if you intend on being in the scene for a while). Ladies, it is acceptable to go out on your own and ask men to dance (you'll see the same faces over and over).

Your friends will be separated into 'salsa friends' and 'my non-salsa friends'. You'll see.

Your wardrobe will start changing to a lot of black stretchy, comfortable fabrics.

Hope this helps!