by Serena Edwards

Created on: May 13, 2007   Last Updated: May 16, 2012

Dancing Salsa is probably the most fun you'll ever have with your clothes on.

First off, I strongly suggest visiting a local Salsa club or event to see what you like. There are literally dozens of styles to choose from, and there's little point in working towards something other than what you want. I could explain the history of the dance and the music all day, and it won't help you get your own vision of what you want to do. You can look at videos on-line all day, but that won't get you to the right class. So go to the club. When you see something you like, greet that dancer like a long-lost pal, and ask who taught them. You never know —  you just might be looking at your new teacher. Few salseros teach just to make a living. You will find them out in public, doing what they love to do. And in most cities, we tend to know each other and who teaches which styles. Ask around.

If you are a guy, be especially particular about this! You will be leading, so you have more to learn. Because of this, you may only learn one style in your whole life, and that's fine. Your goal is to master your style and make that lady you're dancing with look fantastic, and to look fantastic doing it. That almost naturally means you will concentrate your efforts more on the leading skills you need. If you are a follower, this matters somewhat less, because you will eventually learn to follow any leader in any style (and make him look good doing it).

I will only offer you one caveat — don't get too excited about all the flashy trick moves. Those can be worked into virtually any style of Salsa, and these fancy moves are mainly for performance purposes. Considerate dancers won't even think about doing this sort of thing on a crowded floor when people can easily get hurt, and some of the very best dancers think of this kind of thing as more gymnastics than dancing. Instead, look for someone who has great flow outside of the flash. Watch for someone who isn't stepping all over other the dancers and makes it all look effortless.

And here's one special trick to make your teacher hunt a success (competition judges do this, too). Watch for the "breaks and hits" — those places in the music where there is lots of emphasis. You may only hear it at first as being especially loud, or like a sudden stop. That's OK. When you hear that, check around and see which dancers have hit a beautiful line just at that very moment. (You'll know it when you see it. Sometimes, it'll take your breath away.) Now THAT is a real salsero. That's the one you want. Smile and introduce yourself. If that person doesn't happen to teach, they'll know who does. And get ready to have some fun!

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