FAQs
What is salsa?
Salsa (Spanish for sauce) is the name given to a type of music and partner dance which originally comes from Cuba with strong influences from South America, New York & LA. At salsa pimente we teach “ cross body” style where the man and woman dance in a straight line.
Coming for the first time?
We do classes for absolute beginners as well as the more advanced levels. These are 'drop in' classes - i.e. you don't need to book in advance, you simply pay each time you attend, so you can start any time. You don’t need a partner and the dress code is smart-casual. No prior knowledge needed whatsoever – people with 2 left feet welcome!
What do I wear on my feet?
At the beginners level you can wear anything you are comfortable in, although shoes with a smooth sole will make things easier for you! Mules/flip flops aren’t very practical as they don’t provide a lot of ankle support. You certainly don’t need to buy any special footwear for salsa unless (or until) you become really serious about it!
How do I know which level I am at?
Beginners: no/little experience. Still coming to grips with the rhythm of the music and learning the basic steps.
Improvers: the rhythm of the music comes easily to you now. You can easily lead/follow a basic step, side to side, open and a single spin.
Intermediate: you can now lead/follow a cross body lead with a variety of single spins. An open break doesn't strain the brain too much, and you are starting to add individual styling to your footwork. You have a good repertoire of turn patterns with the capacity to move easily from one pattern to the next. You will also be able to execute hand changes & directional changes with better balance and more styling whilst keeping in time to the music.
Advanced: this is where you perfect complex turn patterns, spinning techniques, and are ready to learn (and put to use!) some funky footwork.
When can I move up a class?
One of the benefits of our classes is that you can progress at your own rate and move up a class level when YOU are ready to do so. If the teachers notice that someone is obviously not being stretched in their current class, they will try to let you know and advise you to move up a level. However, it is also your responsibility to prompt your teacher. If you feel you are ready to move up, please make sure you ask your teacher individually – ie before or after a class. He or she will help you come to a decision about whether you are ready to move to the next level. We strongly advise dancers not to change levels without discussing with your teacher.
Where can I practice?
After the classes we play salsa music so you can practise what you’ve learned. This part of the night is the ideal time to consolidate your new steps and moves, socialise with the people you’ve met in your class and get to know the popular salsa tunes. Remember, all of those advanced dancers you see were once beginners, practising on the dance-floor, so be bold and go for it. If you practise in the club, you are sure to progress far more quickly than if you go home as soon as your class has finished! By the way, It is fine for women to ask men to dance in Salsa so you don’t have to sit and wait to be asked!
How much does it cost?
All classes are £6, and this includes the social dancing afterwards! If you just want to come for the social dancing, then you only have to pay £3.
Private Tuition
Quickly improve your salsa with personal one 2 one tuition by one of our senior dance instructors. A private lesson can benefit both the beginning dancer by quickly improving confidence and flair on the dance floor, as well as the more advanced dancer wanting to increase their repertoire of turn patterns, or perhaps incorporating some dips and complex moves into your dance. Whether it be your spinning or footwork you want to work on, we have the right instructor for you. Rates are from £30.00 per hour.
The Wedding Dance
Wow your guests with a specially choreographed wedding dance for your special day. P.O.A