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CONGRATULATIONS, HERE IS YOUR GUIDE!

Congratulations, and thank you, for taking the first step in your salsa dancing lives! Welcome to our unique guide that we put together to answer some of your questions about everything we could think of, including DanceSF.com classes, and other related Salsa Dance items. We hope it helps, and we always love to hear from you, so please, feedback and comments are always welcome. You can reach us at, http://www.AskSalsaCrazy.com! We're looking forward to seeing you in class . . .

PART 1: WHAT AND WHY

What is Salsa, why do I want to learn it?
Salsa is the ultimate partner dance! Great clubs, great people, and great music. It's exciting, inspiring, and creative.

What are the benefits of learning to dance?
There are almost too many to mention! The following lists some important reasons why you should give it a try.

Incredible Social Benefits: Meet tons of people! Far more than you could in any other medium. Ask anyone who has tried it! The social benefits, for both men and women, are second to none. If you're single - it's simply the single greatest way on earth to meet the opposite sex, bar none. It's the holy grail of dating - and wipes the floor with bars and clubs, internet dating, and just about any other singles medium in the world. Ina couple? Married? Salsa is the single greatest strengthening thing you can do for your relationship! A couple that dances together, stays together. And yes, it can absolutely re-ignite flagging passions, rekindle lost romance, and make you both insatiable.

Yet, even beyond the social benefits, lies even greater benefits to learning how to dance:

It will aid you in life: in way's you can't possibly imagine before trying it. You'll become better at work, more focused, more fulfilled, and far more self confident! You'll carry yourself in an entirely different way.

It will give you a workout: You'll get in great shape, increasing coordination and flexibility, and you will LOSE WEIGHT!

Connection with other people, community: For many, Salsa Dancing will get you in touch with a fantastic, diverse and fun group of people, and it allows you to form a connection with another person (while dancing) that is rare in today's society. It's called partner dancing for a reason, and there is nothing quite like having a dance, with someone you've just met (or you've known for years), which allows you to share such happiness and joy. Being one with the music!

More fun than you've ever had: That's quite a lofty benefit, but for many, they find that Salsa Dancing is just the element that has been missing from their lives. No single type of dance is for everyone, but Salsa is a lot of fun.

There are so many other reasons. Hopefully we've provided enough reasons to at least have you take the first step. Can you think of more great reasons to learn to salsa dance? Let us know, AskSalsaCrazy!

How do I Start?

Well, you've gotten this far! You are actually at a salsa website, and have download SalsaCrazy's Ultimate Dance Guide. Congratulations! If you are just starting out, welcome to a wild ride. Salsa Dancing will prove rewarding to you in ways you can barely imagine right now! It's the most fun you can have standing up. However, starting out isn't easy! You'll miss the beat, lack coordination, fear the unknown, and of course be scared of making a total ____ out of yourself. These ALL play into the equation, and are things you will have to set aside, and eventually overcome! It takes time, lessons (yes, it does), practice, and a little addiction, to get the most out of it - and we're here to make sure you get the most out of it.

The first thing you have to do is take lessons, and I recommend at least 2 times a week (and three is better). Why so much? Well, it takes a little time to get the beat that you hear in your ears, and feel in your heart, into your feet. Repetition helps! If you take lessons in the beginning, many times a week, it reinforces things you learn. In addition, after two to three weeks of group classes, take a private lesson! Private lessons really help you pick up the style, and leading/following technique, that aren't necessarily abundantly clear (or even forthcoming) in group classes. You want an example? Well, a perfect example, for the ladies, is "arm tension" (i.e. how to feel a man's lead without locking up your arms in front of you). Private lessons can REALLY help!

In the San Francisco Bay Area? Then it's easy to start with DanceSF.com, the Bay Area's #1 Social Dance School, more on that later . . .

Next up, once your taking lessons, dance! Dance with everybody, everywhere, anytime. You're just starting out, you're not expected to be Fred Astaire! Dance with as many people as you possibly can, and don't be afraid to ask that great dancer that you see in the club for a dance, or some help (or some pointers). When asking people more advanced than yourself, be mindful of Salsa Etiquette for Beginners (which you'll learn in your Dance Class, but we'll cover a bit below too), but generally, you're ok asking just about everyone you see to dance. Even if you have a partner (which we discuss below), don't only dance with them! It pays to learn to lead and follow from a variety of people, spread yourself around. You will learn FASTER!

Finally, get out of the classes into the clubs and ballrooms! That's where a lot of the fun is anyway, and why hold it off. A lot of the classes are in the clubs already, yet these are rarely the best places to actually learn how to dance (always take studio classes for the best learning results, and look for a progressive series). However, if you're already taking classes at a ballroom or a private studio, make sure to make it out to the clubs at least once a week (preferably more). Not only is it a blast to go out dancing, but in the beginning it can help reinforce those things you learn in class. Nothing like some real world practice. It also help you get used to the music which is played in the clubs, which by and large, is faster than what you find in your typical salsa class! Check out Beginner Friendly Clubs we list below to find places to go out that are better bets for beginner dancers in the San Francisco Bay Area!

Most importantly, have fun (you'll find it hard not to)! We begin with this, and we end with this. That's what dancing is all about. Relax, take a deep breath, and get ready for the ride of your life . . .

What about these Salsa Dance Videos I keep Hearing About?

Ok, so maybe you haven't heard of them yet, or perhaps you have - but let me tell you, nothing beats an exceptional DVD series to help you learn at your own pace - in the safety and security of your own living room. Painfully shy? We'll talk about that later - but DVD's can help you overcome it! Don't like crowds? Feel more comfortable learning at your own pace? DVD's are the answer! SalsaCrazy produced the bestselling Learn to Salsa Dance DVD's on the web, and you can pick them up at, http://www.SalsaDanceDVD.com .

I can't tell you how great these DVDs are! Read the testimonials. These are the bestselling DVDs in the world, and they have been for years. They are simply the most trusted, guaranteed resource for your salsa dancing. Chances are, the people next to you in class own a set. They can prepare you for classes, and make sure you're a star. Yes you need them, and there's no reason in the world you shouldn't own them. Join the rest of the planet, and get your set as soon as you possibly can. Yes, they're just that good, and yes, you'll be missing out if you don't own a set.

http://www.SalsaDanceDVD.com

SalsaCrazy's Top 10 Tips for Classes and Learning Salsa:

1) Don't expect it to happen overnight - give yourself time and practice, practice, practice! Own a DVD set . . .

2) Purchase some salsa music - at least on salsa album (keep reading for our favorites for beginners).

3) When in class, always face the same direction as the teacher you are following, so you can copy movements.

4) Count out Loud - all the time, until it becomes second nature with your movements.

5) Plan on taking at least two classes a week, with at least one practice session, if you want to learn (more is better).

6) Ok, here are 3 Big tips in 1. Hygiene! Breath Mints, Deodorant, Anti-persperant, Cologne and Perfume. Use it!!!

Top 3 Tips for Success!

8) Take Small Steps, and practice shifting your weight from foot to foot, staying on the balls (front) of your feet.

9) No, I mean it - Smaller Steps - a good guide is steps no larger than the size of your own shoeprint!

10) Enjoy yourself and Smile - all the time, in every situation. We only get one shot at life, enjoy it!

PART II: HOW, WHEN AND WHERE

Now, if you don't live in the San Francisco Bay Area - you may want to skip this next part! So, now let's move on, and let's talk specifically about Salsa Dance Classes with DanceSF.com, and how they work:

Which Classes should I take with DanceSF? Are they all the same?
All the beginning DanceSF.com Salsa Dance Classes classes teach the same fundamental dance techniques. It's always a four week progressive series (unless it's a special workshop or party). Each class and each session covers different patterns, so you can take several classes each week, and learn new things (many people do). It does not matter which day of the week, or where the class location is - you'll always learn what you need to know! Many people take multiple classes each week to reinforce the learning process. Intermediate classes teach different material/patterns each class. So, for example, if you signed up for intermediate classes on Wednesdays, and then also signed up on Saturdays, you would learn different material. Many people do this as well. In addition, the intermediate class content changes from session to session - so you'll always be learning new things each month.

How much do the classes cost? What does my $50 Cover?
You pay for classes online, and may use Mastercard/Visa/American Express, or of course, Paypal. It costs a total of $50 for all four weeks of the course (not $50 each week). When you register online you are automatically confirmed and registered for the class. You'll receive a confirmation by email, and a receipt! It's set up to be very safe and simple, and hundreds of students join us each month. You may also drop in to any class, at any time, space permitting, for $15 (paid directly to the teacher, no credit cards accepted for drop ins).

I've never danced, will I stand out? Will I look foolish?
This is the number one concern for many people, and it's totally valid! In fact, this concern is what kept me from dancing for many years - so don't let it hold you back. No, you will not look foolish, nor be embarrassed, or feel out of place. Rather, you'll be surrounded by other people, like yourself, whom have never danced. Now is the time to learn! Don't wait and don't put it off. This class caters to beginners and makes the learning process fun and simple. You will "get it" as will everyone else, and yes, this will change your life!

I'm completely hopeless - I have no rhythm, and no grace!

We all have rhythm and grace, but for some, it's just a little more hidden than others! Honestly, for some people, it's going to be far harder than others, but you CAN do it! It is possible - and we have a real system in place to help you learn - no matter how off beat you feel. We stand by our feeling that we can teach anyone to dance!

But won't I be the only one there who's a beginner, and never danced?

No, not by a longshot! As we say over and over - you'll be surrounded by other beginners, whom have never danced (ok, and some people who've been in classes for years too. :) Let me tell you - these classes are hot, and if you give yourself the time, you'll become a great dancer too.

I'm painfully shy - I just can't do it!

Ok, so this is a sticking point for me that I have to address. For one - I'm painfully shy too (or at least I was), and I know how difficult it can be to get over that anxiety. My advice is to come to a class, and just experience it. Once you do it, you can find out whether it's for you or not, but if you never go, you'll never know. I'm telling you - it might not be easy - but it IS worth it. Trust me - you won't feel foolish, and it will help you get over your shyness, and make you happier. Just the process of facing your fears is enough to make a significant change!

Do I need a Partner?
Absolutely not! Our classes are filled with great people. We rotate partners in class, and everyone will have ample partners. If we have an imbalance, extra people just wait in between couples, and will get a partner in a couple of minutes (we switch partners quite a bit during class). We also do our best to have even classes.

I'm bringing someone, do I have to rotate partners?
Rotating partners is not solely for social reasons. It helps the learning process. It's necessary to properly learn how to lead and follow. Everyone has a different style, and changing partners will greatly enhance the speed at which you learn. That being said, you can always remove yourself slightly from the circle and not change partners - no problem!

Is this a "singles" class? Are there many singles there?
No, this is not a "singles" class, but there are a lot of singles people taking salsa lessons. There are also many couples as well. It's a very casual and supportive atmosphere where everyone is having fun and learning how to dance.

What if I sign up for a session of classes and have to miss a class?
No problem! You can swap classes at any time, and make up classes during the week, for any other class. Once you sign up for a session, and miss a class, you may attend a make up class by informing the teacher. If you cannot make any other class in that week, then you might lose a class (although we do go out of our way to make sure people are well taken care of).

What if I miss the first class of a session I signed up for?

Don't worry! Lots of people join us on the second, and yes, even the third class out of a 4 week series (we do not allow new students to join us on the fourth week). Our unique and progressive class system makes it possible to join on week 2, although it gets a whole lot hard to join on week 3. Don't worry if you miss your first class - you'll do just fine. We don't recommend holding your session over until the next month (although you may do so if you wish), because there's really no need to wait! You're going to do great.

Can I bring a group of people?
Absolutely! If you're nervous about taking a class simply invite your friends. They'll have a great time and you'll be able to practice together.

I'm shy, where can I find someone to take the class with me?
The #1 Resource in the Bay Area for finding activity partners is, Craigslist.org. Visit Craigslist and post a message, you'll get a lot of responses, and chances are you will find someone willing to take classes with you. Describe who you are, and what you're looking for - be honest! Tell them where they can find more info (this site). Specifically the Activity Partners and Community Section are great. Only use the personals as a last resort (people there are looking for something else). ;)

What about a Dance Partner - Any tips?
So, you're looking for a dance partner. Visit SalsaCrazy.com's dance partner database. What to do in the meantime? Try meeting people in class and inviting them out to practice, or post on Craigslist or associated message boards and e-mail lists. Ask for a Dance Partner and tell people where and when you are taking lessons (i.e. where can they get more info). Remember, make sure to make your intentions clear and concise (for best results). You should post every few days -- and really spell out what you're looking for. It might take time, but you'll find one eventually. Yes, you may also ask people out at the clubs, but generally, it might be harder to find someone "out there", than in class!

What should I wear to class? Any special shoes to wear?
Most people come in casual wear. Some dress up. Regardless, it's a dance class, so you should be comfortable! Look presentable and nice. You can never look too good, right? The only solid tip is to avoid wearing tennis shoes. You will be spinning, and you need to wear shoes with a leather or suede sole. Tennis shoes are ok, but make it difficult to move your feet.

How long does this really take?

It doesn't happen overnight, but yet, you'll be dancing salsa (better than you thought possible), after your very first class! Now, to get good, you'll be in for the long haul - but to dance, and dance socially, it's about 2 months (2 complete beginner sessions).

How long should I be taking Beginning Classes?

Well, we recommend 3 months of beginning classes - depending on how serious you are. Even if you've jumped up to intermediate classes, you should still be taking Beginning classes for at least three months. The longer you stay in beginning, even while taking intermediate, the faster and more assured dancer you will become!

But I'm an Intermediate, what about me?

First off, congratulations! You made the jump, and we both know, it's not easy. DanceSF.com has a bunch of intermediate classes for just about everybody to learn from - sign up and get started, but try not to miss the first class of our 4 week session, which covers a lot of key intermediate knowledge.

How Long should I be taking Intermediate Classes?

Good question! Forever . . . and a day. Each intermediate class session is different, so we have many students that have taken it every month for years. You can keep learning new things! In fact - many students take intermediates from a variety of different teachers, and we highly recommend this - both within our school, and from other schools we'll gladly recommend!

But I'm Advanced, what about me?

At a truly advanced level, group classes rarely work, but we do offer a couple of really great advanced classes for students who excel. These are the highest level classes we offer, and you can usually find a couple a week being offered. We sometimes recommend dance troupe training, if you really want to take it to the next level.

What about other teachers and other classes in the San Francisco Bay Area?

We fully expect you to take classes with other instructors, and we want to support you to do this. We'll recommend people we think are best, and you'll get tons of information off the DanceSF email list too. After the first few months, you should start experimenting with other classes and teachers! We've got some excellent teachers in the Bay Area to choose from too - we are SO lucky!

Do I really need private lessons?
I recommend everyone start with at least one group session! Yes, you heard that right, do not take a private to start dancing. Take a group class first, and start learning some of the basics and the fundamentals. That way, you'll get far more out of your private lessons. Don't substitute privates for group classes! They work best together rather than individually. You'll want to take your first private within your first 2 months of dancing (before bad habits have a chance to develop).

How much, and how long, are Private Lessons?
This totally depends on the teacher, although most charge between $50 (low end) to $100 (high end) for privates. Generally, privates are taught with one teacher (either a male or female), so ask first. You can also ask for both teachers to be present - if you want that extra little bit

Does it matter if I take private lessons from a man or a woman?
Generally, no! Usually teachers are skilled in both leading and following - yet generally I have found that men would rather learn from women, and vice versa. There are no rules here, and you should do what you feel most comfortable with. For my 2 cents - I want to learn how to lead from a guy, and I have no problem (being a guy) taking lessons from a guy. Likewise - I think women who are want something specific, like styling or spins, should take privates with a man or woman they like.

PART III: MORE TIPS TO HELP YOU BE YOUR BEST!

Let's resume with the some tips that may help you beyond Dance Classes!

Anything else I need to know about classes or how to prepare, what to bring?
Just bring yourself, your friends, and the desire to learn and have fun. You'll have a great time! Always prepare for dance classes by practicing good hygiene! What that means is, please shower before coming to class - and wear deodorant and antiperspirant. Ladies - perfume, men - a touch of cologne. These little thoughtful touches go a long way. Nobody forget - bring your breath mints.

What are three big tips for a Beginner dancer trying to learn the fastest way possible?
First, count out loud! Just like in class - take every opportunity to count and grasp the rhythm. Second, perhaps find a partner to practice with them (you should still rotate partners in class, but outside of class, you can practice with someone). Third - did I mention practice? The fastest way to learn is to take the SalsaCrazy Boot Camp approach. This method combines multiple days of classes each week, with private lessons, and outings to the actual dance clubs!

What is this SalsaCrazy Boot Camp - and how do I sign up?
You don't have to sign up - it's just a philosophy of how to learn, the fastest way possible. It's an in-depth ebook, and guide to dancing salsa (and really, all kinds of partner dancers). It covers a variety of social interactions, and will make an amazing difference in your life. You can read more about it at, http://www.salsabootcamp.com .

Where do I go for all the Salsa Information in the Bay Area?
Visit SalsaCrazy.com! SalsaCrazy is the one of the largest salsa dance websites in the world, and it will tell you all the Salsa Dance information for the San Francisco Bay Area, including a complete day-to-day calendar of events, clubs, classes, music and parties! Don't miss it.

Where do I go for all the Salsa Information OUTSIDE of the Bay Area?

Ok, first off, check out http://www.SalsaGuides.com - this will be the best source for Salsa Dance and Travel, throughout the world, but it's just getting started! Second - visit http://www.SalsaWeb.com, and see their CityGuides, and finally, check out SalsaPower.com for their cityguides (although they cater more to a single style of salsa - Cuban).

Where can I find Salsa Music? Where can I buy the stuff that's played in class?

Ok, the music we play at DanceSF.com classes are on compilation CDs, and you can't buy it. However check out: SalsaCrazy's Beginner Salsa Music Guide: A page we put together to help you find some great music to dance to!

Salsa Dance Newsletters for the San Francisco Bay Area and Beyond:

First off, SalsaCrazy.com has it's own newsletter, which you can sign up for on the SalsaCrazy.com website. In addition, DanceSF.com has it's own Newsletter you can sign up for on it's site. Oh, and did I mention, SalsaDanceDVD.com has a newsletter that you can sign up for on that site. BE CAREFUL, even though these newsletters have different information, these newsletters can be cumulative, and before you know it, you could hear about salsa every day! :) What about newsletters outside the Bay Area? Well, check http://www.SalsaGuides.com for a good one, but also google "salsa (name of city)" to find a local dance guide in your area.

Beginner Friendly Clubs in the San Francisco Bay Area

So, what makes a club beginner friendly? First, a beginner lesson that is well attended! Second, other beginners who come to the club. Third, a general lack of the "Salsa is Competition" element replaced by a helpful "let's practice and have fun" element. Not all clubs are created equal in the salsa scene. As a general rule, those clubs that don't have lessons before the club opens, are generally less "tolerant" of beginner dancers. Not to say you'll go there and have a bad time, but you'll certainly find fewer people to dance with at these venues than at other more "Beginner Friendly" places.

First, don't forget about SalsaCrazy's Amazing Canvas Salsa Dance Party, every few months, http://www.CanvasParty.com, it's great!

In the San Francisco Bay Area, we recommend on Tuesday's the Glas Kat, on Thursday's and Saturday's, Cafe Cocomo's. Allegro Ballroom in Emeryville on Sunday. Alberto's in Mountain View on both Tuesday and Thursday's is an ideal beginner's location (in the South Bay)!

This is a constantly changing list - so always ask your teacher in class! :)

Oh, and did we mention SalsaCrazy's Amazing, Bestselling DVD's?

I bet we did, however, we're going to do it again! I mean - we just have to do it again. :) If you haven't already bought them, do it now. http://www.SalsaDanceDVD.com. They're absolutely stellar, they'll make a big difference in your dancing, and your learning, and they make the coolest gift you'll ever give. No matter what the reason, you'll want a set of these DVD's for your collection!

The Ultimate Salsa Dance Starter & Beginners Guide

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