Topic of the Week: When am I ready to move up to the next level?
One of the most common questions we get is “When should I move up?”and the honest answer is simple… when you’re truly ready, not just eager. It is very easy to want to do it all from day 1 but the reality is…that dancing takes time to learn, it just doesn’t happen like that.
It’s so important to build strong foundations and that is what all OnSalsa instructors focus on. Take your time to really understand and feel comfortable with your current steps. If your steps still feels unsure, rushed, or inconsistent, that’s a sign you’re not quite ready yet and that’s absolutely okay. Why rush and get into bad habits? be patient and take your time – we all learn differently at our our pace.
Don’t run before you can walk…
Moving up too quickly won’t help your leading or following, and it won’t benefit your dance partners either. Great dancers are built on solid basics.
Make sure you:
- Feel completely comfortable with your current level (whatever it might be)
- Can perform moves confidently and consistently
- Maintain good timing, connection, and technique
Always ask your teacher for advice – Not your dance partner unless he/she has strong foundations.
We’re here to guide you and will let you know when you’re ready. If you’re unsure, just ask
Remember:
There is no harm at all in repeating a level for a few weeks (or longer). The curriculum is vast, and each time you repeat a level, you’ll refine your technique and pick up something new. This is true whether you are a beginner, improver or advanced dancer.
Practice after your class:
We allow time after each level for you to practice so stay with us and use this time as an opportunity to:
- Ask questions to your teachers
- Practice specific moves or techniques with your fellow dancers
- Dance with your teachers – we really love this, trust me
- Allow yourself to make mistakes, we always learn from them – Don’t be cross when something doesn’t work out, it is OK and we are here to support you.
Once you are ready to move up then…
You can:
- Take two classes in one evening (e.g. Take Level 2 and stay for Level 3, or Level 4 & 5)
- Challenge yourself while still reinforcing your foundations
And again, stay after class to practice what you’ve learned, ask questions, or even start creating your own moves. Let the creative spirit flow 😉
Consistency is Key
The more regularly you come to class, the faster you will improve. There is no secret, repetition under your teacher’s supervision is what works best.
All our group classes take place at the Summertown Church Hall, Portland Road, OX2 7EZ in Oxford.
Individual tuition
And if you really want to level up your foundations, private tuition is a fantastic option. Rosa and Giles can really work with you on what you need the most.
Rosa and Giles can help you with:
- Your timing
- Your leading
- Your following
- Your partnerwork technique
- Turns/spins
- Styling
- Shines
- To build your confidence
The list is endless but small steps at a time. Whilst we’ve been teaching for over 25 years, we always strive to improve ourselves not only as dancers but also as dance teachers. Never think you know it all and always be keen to learn more and you will keep improving.
Private tuition takes place in their mirrored dance studio. Contact rosa@onsalsa.com if you would like to book your own 1:1 session. These can take place during the day or evenings or at weekends.
OnSalsa events
It is also good to go to Salsa events to practice what you have learnt in class and this is why we run our own monthly party nights. Classes at all levels are included at the beginning of the evening so that you can meet people and break the ice from the onset. Once the classes are finished, then practice as much as you want! Don’t feel intimidated as we’re all here to have fun! and you will know most people from your Tuesday evening classes.
Strong foundations = confident dancing.
Any questions, get in touch with Rosa or Giles on rosa@onsalsa.com
Happy dancing everyone! 💃🕺
Rosa and Giles xx
