OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN SALSA!
'I look forward to my salsa classes every week with SalsaOxford. Lisa and Mark are both fantastic instructors! They manage to provide a fun, relaxing environment and are always happy to help out if you have any questions or concerns. There is a really great mix of people that attend too, all at different stages. It is a very positive and uplifting environment, with everybody cheering one another on.
For anybody looking to start salsa I highly recommend SalsaOxford!'
Google review from Laura B, May 2023
Salsa dancing is a great way to keep fit, meet people and have lots of fun - plus learn about a wonderful genre of dance and music that is now popular around the world. We teach beginners right through to advanced level so there is something for everyone. We have been teaching SALSA in Oxford for over 20 years and have travelled, dance, taught and performed all over the world in pursuit of our passion, so come along to class soon and reap the benefits of our years of experience and knowledge about Salsa and Latin dance.
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Whatever your query we can help. Call us on 07885 574 360 with any questions or message lisa@salsaOxford.com.
Our party nights at The City of Oxford Rowing Club also offer classes twice a month, see our Salsa Club Nights and Venues in Oxford.
People often ask us what style of salsa we teach... Most of our classes are cross body on1 based but we are trained in all styles including on2 or New York style (which is our speciality) and Cuban, therefore we bring all our all-round salsa knowledge and experience to our students every week. You'll learn about salsa rhythm, weight change (which is crucial to good dancing), body movement, leading and following skills (which are the same whichever 'style' of salsa you dance), plus technique for turns and spins. We trained over the course of several years with Nuyorican dancers in the States as well as with other salsa experts and have danced, taught and performed all over the world, but most importantly we have become very experienced at working with new dancers and helping them acquire skills and confidence from a standing start. It really is possible for anyone to learn so why not give it a try, you will surprise yourself!
Did you know...
...'Salsa' is a brand name invented in the 60's by a record company called 'Fania' (like the 'Motown' of Latin music). Fania were looking for a name which would unite many Latin rhythms (and Latin peoples, especially those forced to emigrate from their homelands by economics or politics) under one easy-to-market umbrella and 'salsa' (which means 'sauce' or 'mix') fitted the bill perfectly. Many Latin artists released their music through Fania and we still dance to those classics in salsa clubs today. The modern dance of salsa has its rhythmic roots in Afro-Cuban son plus rumba and mambo and has evolved to fit the name invented for it! Would you believe that the partner aspect of Latin dance came from the English Elizabethan court?? And travelled to the Caribbean via French pirates?? So it truly is a 'salsa' of global cultures... There are many 'styles' of salsa (Cuban, Colombian, Nuyorican, Puerto Rican, LA, 'On1', 'On2'...) but the main thing at the beginning is to listen to the music and learn the fundamentals of weight change and rhythm, and how to dance with a partner - to 'lead' or 'follow'.
Is Salsa for me?
SALSA is latin social dance, each of our group classes starts with a warm up, then we partner up. There is no need to come with a partner (unless you want to) and we rotate partners so everyone gets a turn (unless you came with a partner and want to stick with them). Towards the end of the class you can practise your steps, followed by a higher level class when you are ready to move on. You can come along to any of our party nights which also start with a warm up class and are a great way to meet and practice with more dancers and make new friends. We also offer individual tuition if you want to fine tune your progress. The salsa scene is truly global, so this is a skill that travels well! On holiday or living abroad you will be able to find a local salsa club to continue dancing and meet new people, there will be no stopping you ;). If you need to familiarise yourself with salsa rhythm try our Salsa Practice Music which can be downloaded from Amazon and iTunes.
We really believe that SALSA is for everybody because it offers such great social benefits as well as improving mental and physical well-being. It really doesn't matter how 'good' you are, it's the taking part that counts and the learning journey you will go on in finding out more about yourself. Learning to dance salsa in Oxford with us will give you a stimulating but also relaxing time switching off from all the pressures of whatever is happening in your everyday life. Plus you'll be learning a great life skill, how to dance with a partner, and how to appreciate Latin music. We cater for everyone, whether you think you have three left feet, or if you already dance but want to reach your full potential. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions and you think we can help.
Remember...
Your grasp of the fundamentals and your enjoyment of the music is the most important thing to help you progress and become a confident social dancer. Don't rush, enjoy the journey, and remember that everyone was a Beginner once. Not only this, but you have to be a Beginner before you can be anything else! See you on the dancefloor soon ;).
