Many students are concerned with taking off a month or even more in December between semesters and have been asking what they can do to retain what they have learned in the fall semester. Here are some tips for you to stay fresh and continue to develop over the holidays so that you can bring your salsa game on in the new year!
1) Outings and Socials – we still have a few events in the next week for you to go and practice your moves and learn some new moves. Our big TDS Holiday Party takes place this Saturday Dec 18th at 8:45pm at Acrobat Lounge. A beginner and intermediate lessons are available from 9-10pm where you will learn fun new combinations and meet new people. There will be performances by the TDS Pro Team, the TDS Student Team and the TDS Reggaeton Student Team to get you motivated and inspire you. We also have our last social of the year on Sunday Dec 19th at Empress from 6-9pm. We will then be off for 2 weeks and resume socials on Jan 9th.
2) Salsa clubs and practices – there is a salsa club open every night of the week. Some of them even offer free lessons at around 9pm before the crowds get there so take advantage. My favourite clubs are Babaluus in Yorkville, Lula Lounge for live music, Acrobat and Alley Katz. There is also a Toronto Salsa Practice every Saturday at a downtown church so take advantage of these great events and dance, dance, dance.
3) Record yourself – before you forget all the moves you learn take a camera and record yourself doing these moves. That way you can play it back and remember how to execute the moves.
4) Watch youtube videos – youtube salsa videos are super inspiring and, while it is difficult to learn from a small clip, it will still get you listening to music, watching dance moves and thinking about salsa
5) Practice on your own or with a friend/partner – practice at home if you are not yet comfortable going out. You can practice your basics, turns, cross body leads, shines, body movement, styling and musicality. You can also purchase our beginner DVD and work on your moves with the DVD.
Hope you keep dancing during the holidays!
