Salsa Classes – How To Feel More Confident
Whether you are taking your first Salsa class or have been dancing for a while, one of the things I get asked about the most is how to gain more confidence on the dance floor. I was a really insecure dancer for a long time. I came in to take Salsa classes as a beginner with two left feet and if I could go back in time and give myself this advice that you’re about to read, I feel in my heart things would have been different. So here are some tips and tricks that can help you gain more confidence.
Tip One: You are NOT alone
When I was a student struggling to get the right turn or the crossbody lead, every time I messed up, I thought I was the only one not getting it. That my partner must hate dancing with me. As an instructor, I’ve noticed everyone is struggling. When that inner bully voice comes out, remind yourself that other people are feeling the same way. After teaching for over eight years, I often go up to a student and I see them feeling a little bit ashamed that they’re struggling with something. I always tell them there are five other dancers who are struggling with exactly the same thing. Mindset is key. The game isn’t nailing the move. It is making it better a little bit at a time. Did you make it 1%, 2% or 5% better? That’s the win. So remind yourself that you are NOT alone.
Tip Two: Go Social Dancing
I waited until Level Four Salsa before I had the courage to go social dancing. Even then I felt overwhelmed. But think of it this way – you can’t get fit if you only go to the gym once a week. Dancing is the same. I start to encourage my students to go out dancing when they are in Level One. You need experience on the dance floor, practicing and making mistakes in order to improve. So go out to the school socials. We run socials every two weeks right now. And at some point we’ll be doing them every week and then three times a week. So when you come out, you’re really taking that knowledge and applying it. You will make mistakes – everyone does but you will learn. At first you might be uncomfortable, but it will help. Confidence comes from competence.
Tip Three: Ask for Help
Recently, I’ve been calling students and checking in on them. And my final question at the end of the call is, “How can I best serve you?” And students have been asking all kinds of questions. Anything from how to improve turns, to how to ask someone to dance, to very specific moves. Asking for help doesn’t mean you are weak, it means you want to be even stronger. So when you are in class and the instructor and the assistants walk around – raise your hand, ask for help! Nothing is gained, or learned alone, It’s with a supportive community and a loving family. It’s a thing that I wish I did more of just asking questions asking for help asking for guidance because people who are more advanced have the answers and can help make your learning curve easier.
Remember you are not alone – everyone feels lost sometimes. And go social dancing and ask for help to build your confidence. At least some of that is probably outside of your comfort zone but I promise it will help.
I can’t wait to welcome you to our big family, have you come in week to week, have fun, connect with new friends and let loose to amazing Latin songs. Click here to check our current schedule.
If you have any questions you would like me to answer here are some ways you can contact me: message me on Instagram (torontodanceSalsa), on Twitter (#torontodanceSalsa), on Facebook (Toronto Dance Salsa) or email me at [email protected].
