Salsa FAQ

Above (right): Sam & Aisha, with students and friends social dancing during our 8th Anniversary Party in 2006, "Salsa Masquerade".

Cost RM200 for 8 consecutive weeks

Frequency 1 class a week, 1 hour a class

Schedule Monthly intakes for Beginner 1 and other levels.

Attire casual, Jazz Shoes (Men), Latin Shoes (Ladies).

Instructors Sam Sopiee, Aisha Mansoor.

Location 56A Jln Datuk Sulaiman, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, KL.

1. What is Salsa, what makes it so special?

A: Salsa is a street-style dance style that's become the most popular partner dance in Malaysia, and the world. It's great fun, a great way to meet people, and - with a little time and focus - anyone can learn how to dance!

2. I've never danced before, can I still learn how to Salsa?

A: We have a level 1 class ("Beginner 1") which assumes no experience, most people come with zero dance experience.

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3. Do I need a dance partner for class or to learn to dance Salsa?

A: We generally have between 30% to 50% males in class, so because we change partners often in class, ladies learn how to dance on your own, and then with a partner. The men learn how to lead well when we change partners. Salsa dancing is learning how to dance with different people - in class and on the dance floor.

3. How long would it take for me to get good?

A: It really depends on how much you practice, we generally recommend trying Beginner 1 first. After their first class, most students are very excited, and they practice as much as possible. Get a Salsa CD (available at our reception), listen to salsa music as much as possible, and try it on your own. A lot of students practice with their classmates either after or before class. During our open hours, Tue-Thu 7-10pm and Sat-Sun 2-5pm, there is always one studio available for practice. Make sure you don't miss your once a week class.

4. How do I register?

A: It's first paid, first served. We encourage all our potential students to come by our studio; you are welcome to sit and watch any or all of our classes. Call us to find out a Beginner class (Level 1 or Level 2) you can watch. If you like what you see, pre-pay for classes in full with RM200 cash, and this will secure a place for you in the next intake. Generally, 2-4 weeks before the start date of the class is ok.

5. How often does Havana Estudio teach Salsa classes?

A: We teach over 15 Salsa classes a week, at different levels. For our Beginner 1, we have classes starting at the beginning of every month. Our next intake is usually confirmed and published on our Home Page and in our studio.

Most of our best students develop a great attitude for learning and practicing. Don’t miss any class, and if you have no choice, talk to your class mates and get them to show it to you early on so you can practice before the next class. Every week, make it a habit to arrive 30 minutes before each class, practice and warm-up before class. Practice what you’ve learned in class, master every week’s material before your next class, find out when the studio is open and practice times. And the ultimate secret: go to the clubs and look for inspiration; most of them were Beginners just like you.

6. Some practice tips.

A: Take notes right after class, before you forget. Also, it helps to practice with your classmates, so you can ask each other what you've forgotten. Usually, when Aisha and Sam are free (not teaching classes), we are usually more than happy to answer any question you may have. Come to the Salsa clubs and practice your Salsa, the class is probably 50% of your potential Salsa fun experience!

Above: basic hand holding technique in Salsa dancing.

Left: some of our students & friends in our weekly outings at a Salsa Club, Little Havana, Changkat Bukit Bintang, KL.

7. Dance Attire for Men.

A: We're very casual - most guys come in their work clothes; long pants, jeans or track bottoms are ok, but absolutely no shorts or sleeveless shirts. We strongly recommend Jazz Shoes, a light and flexible shoe with smooth suede bottom soles; no Latin Shoes (above 3/4 inch heels), sneakers, slippers, or anything with sticky bottoms. Please get your shoes by Beginner 1 Class 4. Until then, most guys wear work shoes, but avoid bulky or heavy shoes. Without proper shoes, men generally look clumsy, develop sluggish footwork, and will develop bad posture and style.

8. Dance Attire for Women.

A: We're very casual - a lot of ladies come in work clothes: skirts, pants, jeans or anything comfortable; no long dresses that cover ankles or tight-tight skirts! We strongly recommend Latin Shoes with heels, it helps ladies turn easily; heels higher than 2.5 inches are discouraged. No Jazz Shoes, , sneakers, slippers, or anything with sticky bottoms. Until then, most ladies wear court shoes or shoes with firm ankle straps. Without proper shoes, ladies generally look clumsy, develop sluggish footwork, will feel very "heavy" in their turns, and will develop bad posture and style.

9. How do I manage my schedule and make sure I don’t miss class every week?

A: Every Beginner class has two classes a week with the same material, a weeknight and weekend class. Be aware of your "Mirror Classes" and make sure that you come at least once a week; SMS or call your Instructor and keep them informed. Generally, students who come for the same day and time every week in the first 4 weeks find themselves really enjoying Salsa. If you miss classes and are lagging behind, for your own development and to be fair to the group class, you may be asked to join a different intake, day, and time.

10. I have Latin or dance background and/or competitive experience. Do I still need to take B1 from the beginning?

A: Absolutely, yes! Since 2002, 99% of the students we get from different backgrounds of dance, especially those who are used to Dancesport Latin or a solo dance like Ballet and Jazz do not look like a Salsa dancer.

You have to be open-minded, and learn the proper fundamentals, observe a lot, and don't assume anything is easy - you're probably missing out a lot of important information in your classes. Most students who skip levels generally drop out after Beginner 2 or our Improver levels, while their classmates with less experience are doing better.

11. I have Salsa experience, have taken Salsa classes, or have extensive Salsa experience, what should I do?

A: We can give you a quick 5-minute Assessment in the studio to give you and our Artistic Director an idea of which level and class would be best suited to your experience or skill level, free of charge!

12. Group Classes vs. Private Classes

A: Group classes are RM200 per person for 8 consecutive weeks, 1 class a week, 1 hour a class. Private classes are RM120 per per person for 1 hour; Private Groups can be arranged for up to 5 people. We generally recommend group classes for students with under 6 months of Salsa experience, because what's more important is for you to practice with your classmates and dance around.

13. What can I learn in a Private Class?

A: Private classes are strongly recommended for students who are currently in Group classes and need one-to-one attention. Or have stopped classes in awhile and want to streamline into our Group classes. These one-on-one classes can hone your Salsa fundamentals, leading skills, following skills, tempo or timing and musicality, style, routines, or other areas to make you a better dancer. We can focus on Social Dancing, Choreography, Performance, or customized to your needs. We also have classes in Merengue, Bachata, Social Cha Cha, and most other partner dances. For Salsa, if you have less than 6 months of Salsa experience, we strongly recommend Group classes - private lessons will cost you more and you will learn less in 1 hour.

14. How is the Salsa program different than that taught in other schools?

A1: We have a structured syllabus that builds every week.

A2: While we have a syllabus to follow, we try and tailor each Group Class to the general skill level of the students, and give general comments to the group as well as specific suggestions to each student, as best we can.

A3: We believe strongly in Salsa as a social dance, where a fraction of the learning is done in the studio and you get good while out there dancing in the club. We try and get students to go out dancing as fast as possible because that’s where the fun is and that’s where you’ll get your practice.

A4: We focus on lead/follow techniques so that you can practically dance with anyone with a different background, style, from any dance school, or country. Ask around the social salsa scene, and you will find a Havana Estudio student who loves to dance with just about anybody!

A5: We have a lot of events, social dances, and club outings that are open to all Salsa dancers, from whatever school, style, etc.

A6: We are the oldest Salsa school in Malaysia, with a lot of knowledge on what it takes to build a student to an able Salsa dancer.

A7: Our Salsa technique and styling is continually upgraded to keep up with new trends of Salsa dancing, from all over the world.

15. Are there Salsa worldwide standards or qualifications?

A: While qualifications are good when there is a standardized body of authority, salsa evolves so fast that, in our opinion, there is no authority (local or international) that can both reasonably keep up to the standards, styles and creativity fused into Salsa from time to time! From time to time, international and national Congresses and Festivals invite dancers to perform; this may be used as a measure. But the most important standard is if students of a salsa school can dance around socially, in Malaysia and overseas.

16. How do I get good (as a Leader)?

A: Five DOs. Firstly, get your timing right. Secondly, lead clearly, firmly, but not too strongly to your follower's turn-ability and timing. Thirdly, smile and make the follower feel comfortable while looking out for both your dance space. Fourthly, when the follower is not attending to a conversation or something else, ask politely, and then walk them to the spot you took them from or the side of the dance floor, and thank them (and mean it) for the dance. Fifthly, (for the more advanced) dance to the music. Some DON'Ts: never verbally prompt a move (lead it!) or offer unsolicited advice on the social dance floor.

17. How do I get good (as a Follower)?

A: Five DOs. Firstly, follow your leader's timing, even if it's off time to the music you love, i.e. learn to "Dance on Leader" instead of "dance on 1". Secondly, smile and look like you're enjoying the dance. Thirdly, always keep your hands available for his leads, do not pinch with your fingers instead cup and use the ends of your fingers to keep contact and connection with your partner. Fourthly, keep a look out for his dance space behind him and around him, too; no good relying on him completely besides you should be aware of your dance space. Fifthly, thank him/her (and mean it) for the dance. Some DON'Ts: don't back-lead or anticipate your leader(s) or offer unsolicited advice on the social dance floor.

18. Are there any web resources I can look up/read?

A: Go often to our Student Forum at http://forums.havanaestudio.com. If you have any problems, read our Student Forum FAQ. Check out what other students have found useful. When you register, please make sure you use an active email account.

(c) 1998-2007 Shamsul Sopiee Productions Sdn Bhd. All rights reserved. Last updated by webmaster 11 May, 2007.