The day after Labour Day is, of course, a parent’s happiest time of the year—the day their children return to school. It marks the end of summer, if not meteorologically then at least psychologically. In a sense, it’s a time when most of us are programmed to consider new beginnings and to approach activities with a new intensity and seriousness. It’s a time to “get stuff done” before the snow flies and the distractions and inevitable wind down of work towards the end of the year.
Although there is still some time for summer frivolity – after all, Sidewalk Salsa season runs until the first weekend of October – this could be a good opportunity to “get stuff done” in your dance life as well. Those who have been with Salsaholics for a while will recognize many of our common learning themes: connection, frame, turn balance and control, clarity in lead, responsiveness in follow, precision in footwork, musicality, and more. September might be a great time to think about where you’d like to see improvement in your dance and to spend deliberate, focused time and effort to address these areas.
Coming to class (as you might expect me to say) is a great way to improve all these various aspects since I personally believe that they are fundamental to becoming a great Lead and great Follow. We focus on these aspects continually week-to-week in the class. I feel so strongly that continually improving one’s foundational moves is so important to your life as a dancer (even for once-a-week dancers) that I offer a “free” Foundation class for all Repertoire-class students each week (i.e., pay one price for the two classes).
For students who have been in Foundation for a while and are comfortable with the skills we emphasize at that level, September might be the month where they make the leap to try a Repertoire class. It certainly will be more challenging than what they might have become used to in Foundation class (and remember: you’re still invited to attend these classes). It will also challenge you to apply your developing skills in timing, travelling turns, and leading/following form in a way that literally expands your repertoire of mastery (hence the class name). For those who would be new to the Repertoire class, it’s not about memorizing complicated choreography patterns, although the class does indeed work through interesting and varied choreographies. The intention is to present a number of interesting and somewhat challenging dance element ideas that I teach combined into a full pattern. Each and any of these elements can be taken individually as part of your personal, overall dance repertoire.
So, welcome back to school, Salsaholics Anonymous style! Try something new in your own dance. Bring a friend (remember: only $5 for their first lesson) to share the great experiences.
See you on the dance floor!
Mark