What is the difference between all these styles (Cuban, L.A., N.Y.) and is there one suited for me?  

Our most asked question. Well, at a more advanced level, the biggest differences you would see is that Cuban is more rounded and pays the least attention to direction. L.A. and N.Y. styles are more slotted and pay lots of attention to direction. What sets THESE two styles apart are L.A. style breaks on the 1 and 5 count and N.Y. style breaks on the 2 and 6 count. Huh?? Well, you asked! :) So which one is suited for you? Well, each style is a preference that you just have to experiment with and try it out. I can't say latinos prefer this style or ages 20-30 like this style, because Salsa is colorless, ageless, you name, it don't discriminate. And by popular demand, here are some videos of each style in its purest forms.

	What is the difference between styles? Check these videos out yourself!
	L.A. Style Mambo N.Y. Style Cuban Style

 

Do I need a partner?

No, although we encourage you to bring one. If you register early, we will try to ensure we even out the playing field so that everyone gets the most out of a class. Usually half of the registrants are without a partner.

Pre-registration Methods

(Note:Pre-registered students get priority)

a)ONLINE: CLICK the "PRE-REGISTER" button at your selected class
b)EMAIL: Send an email with: [full name][phone#][class/venue] to register@etownsalsa.com
c)PHONE: Cuban/Los Angeles/New York Style (780)906-7939 (Alex)

Full Registration payment Information

Step 1 is to PRE-REGISTER FIRST and then you have choice of the following:

BY ONLINE PAYMENT - GUARANTEED SPOT [ CLICK HERE TO MAKE PAYMENT ONLINE - ex: Credit Card, eCheck, Paypal ]
OR

BY CASH - NON-SECURE - If your not sure you can take the class, you can chance it and make payment on your first day of lessons. If there are not enough registrations, classes may be cancelled last minute. We accept CASH ONLY at the door.
OR

BY CHEQUE - GUARANTEED SPOT: It must be mailed at least 2 full weeks before class. For an address, email register@etownsalsa.com. We will notify you when we received payment.

Late Registrations

Only for 4 week sessions do we allow a one week period to register late in any one current session. Exceptions will be made if you have taken prior lessons before or you can adapt quickly. Its to your own discretion. The idea behind this is to not allow you to fall behind or frustrate you. We would prefer you to enjoy your experience from beginning to end without diffuculties of catching up on information already taught. Join the next session early and book your times off.

 

What if I dont want to dance with anyone else except for my own partner?  

We encourage the participation of everyone in these group lessons. The idea is to make your social dancing skills better by being able to adjust your lead and follow to different individuals. Otherwise you will end up looking great only with your own partner and not so great with anyone else.  If you dont ever plan to dance with anyone else, book a private lesson with us.

The purpose in changing partners that is to learn from each other and avoid picking up your partner's bad habits. It also saves marriages. People tend to be more patient with strangers. Learning from someone new vastly improves your leading and following skills. Example: When you learn english or any language for that matter, you want to communicate with not only people in your class but more fluent speakers.

Our group experience allows all students to benefit from the instructors. We rotate constantly and so we want you to benefit from the little adjustments we make each time we rotate you. The guy may be too forceful or the lady may be too stiff and so its our job to catch these things immediately and fix it before they become bad habits.

Private Lessons/ Group privates

Not sure if you need private lessons.
Some people are just shy
Some people just have too much pride thinking they should know how to dance.
Some people want to get GOOD FAST.
Some people cant keep up with the class and want to have practice time to break things down easier.
Some people find the group class pace slow and would like to progress into the intermediate class or advanced class.
If you qualify as "Some people" , then give us a call for a quote on a one hour, 2 hour, heck , why not go for 2hrs a day for 2 weeks. Each situation is different , whether you are single, couple, or a group, we are flexible in establishing a good time convenient for you and a comfortable place to teach you.

We offer packages for purchasing multiple hours.

RENTAL SPACE: If you need dance space we offer rental space for $15/hr.

BOOK YOUR TIME/S WITH:

Alex Rojas PHONE: 1-888-337-3635
EMAIL: privates@etownsalsa.com

I dont feel I am advancing as quick as the others in class? Is there any help for me?

The key to any new dance your learning is PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Its amazing what it will do to your confidence in the next class and will even progress you faster in the levels. You also have to consider the background of other students as well. Ex: If Joe Schmo took Cumbia or Hustle dance classes before, many fundamentals of these dances are the same for Salsa. So of course he will advance faster.  If you have done so much practicing and you still feel you need more attention, try a private lesson. It will help you clean up the little picky areas that you were having problems with.

I dont think I have the timing. Is there any help for me?

Your probably also saying "What instrument or rhthym are you listening for? Where is the ONE? How do I keep my steps going?"  Timing is an essential part of Salsa, and without it, you are just going through the motions and your partner is hoping to follow you. ETOWN SALSA has developed a timing class that will almost guarantee you to pick up the intended count made for salsa dancing. Select either a group timing class or a private timing class to help you achieve the RIGHT timing.

What do I wear to class?

Casual comfortable clothing. If you can, invest in some jazz sneakers that you will use solely for dancing. Trust me, you will get good use out of them. If the pockets are thin, bring a couple different shoes to try out. You will see a big difference depending on the floor.

I wont be able to make all the classes in succession. Will this be a problem? And how about dropping in?

Its all up to you. If you really want to learn, you will attend all classes. There are no make-up classes.  Its recommended you take the classes in succession. Consistency is key. If you stop, your progress is that much slower. So practice what you know if you miss a class.

Drop-ins are welcome but you have to understand that the class will flow at the learning curve of the group. Fast learners will benefit from drop-ins. Slow-learners may get frustrated and may get discouraged.

Where do I practice ? What is SALSA PRACTICE?

ETOWN SALSA holds a salsa nights every week. Please check our next event on our home page by CLICKING HERE .
Salsa Practice is held in studio or at nightclubs. Studio practice , you have the benefit of an instructor to guide you and make sure the moves are being done properly. Assistance is also offered.

In a nightclub environment, its is simply social time for students to go practice on their own.

Practice makes perfect and if students practice regularly, then they can expect to progress at a fast rate.

Tell me more about this class.

Want to dance & workout to the best in Latin music! This class is it! We have SALSA , CHACHA, BACHATA, MERENGUE, REGGAETON and MORE SALSA! We even play at times LATIN POP, ROCK and DANCE music to change things up. This class even includes a warmup stretch, latin body isolations, dancing for 1hr , and then cooldown with some mat exercises. Much different than a regular aerobic workout, not only for the music but for the body movements and exercises done with the music. Its a mix of dance class, aerobic workout and PURE PARTY FUN! You will definitely find yourself giggling and laughing, and having a great time with the music.

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What do I need to bring and wear?.

Bring water cause you will definitely need it. Bring a yoga mat or beach size towel for the mat exercises. Bring another little towel if you sweat alot. As for attire, gym gear that you normally wear to the fitness club is perfect. And most important, shoes. If you can afford some jazz sneakers, invest in a pair as these are the most suitable for this class. If not, court shoes like for volleyball, or badminton. The flat soled Pumas are a good fit as well. Anything with a flexible sole and flat. Running shoes are the most unsuitable.

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What have others said about the class?.

There have been many great testimonials and here are some of them:

"Before this class I had high blood pressure and after attending this class regularly, my doctor said my blood pressure has gone down"

"This class is perfect to end off the day cause after a hard day at work, this refreshes my body and gets me feeling good again"

"I had a headache coming to class and after class its gone!"

"I can't go a week without doing this class. I can't stop smiling and I love the music!"

"This is such a great workout and even in the aerobics classes, I have never sweat as much as I do with this class"

"My daughter and I enjoyed your class so much. I even get my elementary students to do some stretches and exercises using your music and moves!"

"These classes make me feel like I'm at home on the islands. I feel so carefree!"

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