There are a wide range of latin dance classes however generally the most popular in the South East are cross body salsa and Cuban salsa. These are similar but have different origins and thus the emphasis is different.
Cross body Salsa tends to be more popular than Cuban in general unless you take club dance lessons where a regular group go to the same club all the time. When you have a basic level of proficiency you can apply your dance skills to both styles anyway.
There are a number of basic dance moves to learn which can make the early learning process a little disjointed. Freestyle dancing can be a little difficult for men at first until the are comfortable with at least 6 moves since they have to lead the dance, women on the otherhand usually find it easier to freestyle earlier since they are lead into the moves they have to make.
The difference can be overcome by men by utilising a learn to dance DVD to allow them to get a head start in thier knowledge.
Latin ballroom dancing is fun, but less common, to learn to dance this way you will need to go to a dance school really where they will teach a wider range of dances. There are of course other options such as to learn to dance online. This will give you a head start but in the case of latin ballroom dancing should really be complimented by some private dances classes if you are intending to become technically proficient.
If you want to learn to dance and have chosen a style, private dance lessons are an excellent we to improve your dancing ability quickly. You must however make sure you are compatible with the teacher you choose.
Spending time with your teacher on a one to one basis can highlight incompatibilities in teaching style compared with your learning style. It’s similar to being trained at work or learning in school.
Everyone has a preferred learning style, one which they are most receptive to. Many of us are not even aware that different learning styles exist, however choosing a teacher or method to suit your style will give the best results.
When you are attempting to learn to dance it is important to bear this concept in mind. If you take an approach which does not match your learning style then you will find learning to dance difficult, time consuming and demotivating.
It is very easy to learn dance moves when you and your teacher are compatible but can be irritating if your learning style does not match their teaching style.
Unfortunately it is difficult to assess in advance which approach is going to be most efficient. You may need to purchase a learn to dance DVD to support your private lessons or maybe try one of the learn to dance online sites.
Mind you it’s not all doom and gloom after all to learn to dance is not a chore. You can take private dance lessons on a pay per session basis normally so it’s easy to give it a go and see how you get on. If it works out then you have an excellent result, you can dance. If not just try something else, many of us learn by doing but you could be someone who has to watch and analyse the dance moves on screen to learn to dance most efficiently.
Whichever you choose always remember to have fun, if you hate what you are doing stop and think again. You might need to try a different style.
Paul Palmer
Dancer, blogger and all round fun guy