Beginners Luck  

  "Salsa through the eyes of a beginner with no formal dance lessons"

Salsa starts out with the "basic".  Starting on 1 you here the instructor announcing 1.. 2.. 3...., 5.. 6.. 7..  This may be a clue to those who have had other formal dance lessons but means nothing to an individual who comes in with no experience. The instructors are patient and continue the count and showing the steps for the basic. These 6 easy steps that are quickly picked up by the class.  Everything seams fine until the instructor moves on into couples portion of the lesson and instructs everyone to partner up. This is where the fun begins.

Now the "Leader" has to reverse the steps as a GENTLEMAN should so that the woman can stay in her comfort zone and proceed without interruption.  Sounds easy enough, all the while the count is verbalized by the instructor.  As we begin the first new steps, the cross body lead, suddenly the novice is revealed and the steps and the count are quickly forgotten. Trying to keep up the beginner keeps moving and the leader becomes erroneously the follower.  The pressure is managed by the ever present count and patient partners.

Day 2 is a quick reminder of the basic and on to the show.  Partnered again the steps are clumsy and comical with a fast pace and lots of new steps.  The rotation of partners is intimidating at this point as each individual has different levels of ability.

Day 3 leads off with basic witch is now coming easier.  Partners are no longer an obstacle but a coop of learning and guidance. The Goal to dance seams more achievable and the steps are being landed. 

Day 4 doesn’t come soon enough and the addiction takes hold.  The constant rotation of partners gives opportunities for nailing it down and getting it right. The count starts to become audible in your mind and you start to anticipate the steps.As the lessons continue, the enjoyment for the participants is evident in there faces as the rotation continues. The once awkward embrace of a stranger has become a continued expression with a new friend. The progress is evident and acknowledgements are exchanged as each step is improved.As the class draws toward its final lessons the environment is full of challenges as the instructors add to your arsenal of moves.  The challenges are met with a little help from your new friends and the atmosphere is light and comfortable.  Style has become the focus and the instructors subtle moves are incorporated into your steps.

The last day comes and everyone is silently aware that this is it. The lesson is spent DANCING with new friends and you cant help but wish for more. By the end plans are made for gatherings as the Beginners are sent out in search of Salsa in Utah. 

Thanks for the memories

Jon Brady