SELECTING SALSA CLASSES IN TORONTO
Selecting Salsa Classes that are right for you, whether you are in Toronto or elsewhere, can be tricky. When I was looking for classes I didn’t know where I should start. I didn’t grow up dancing and I wasn’t confident. But I have six things you should look for in Salsa classes
Consistency versus Flexibility
In Toronto, you have three options when selecting Salsa classes. You can sign up for a course, do drop-in lessons or take private lessons. If your work and life schedules allow it, I would recommend you sign up for a course. Courses are beneficial because you have consistency with your instructor, you get to know your classmates and you build on your skills. This pushes you to achieve even more.
If your work and life schedule are unpredictable try drop-in classes. You will still learn some amazing Salsa skills. Also, if you want to sample different kinds of dances, a drop-in class is a good choice.
If none of the attendance modes work well for you, you can always find private lessons. They are more expensive but can be flexible. You do learn faster, and you get one-on-one attention.
Why are you Taking Salsa Classes?
Every time a new student joins my school, I ask: Why are you taking Salsa classes? Knowing why you are taking Salsa classes helps you select the one that is right for you. Over the 8 or 9 years I have been director of Toronto Dance Salsa there are a few common themes. The most common reason is that they just want to have fun and unwind. A love for Latin music and culture is a close second. The other common reason for taking Salsa classes is that they have been inspired while away on vacation. If you fit into any of these categories, I suggest you sign-up for weekly classes.
Finally, if you want to perform at a higher level, then you should follow the path of private lessons or performance teams. Amateur performance teams and Pro-Am teams are focused on nailing down and crushing the moves. Then you want to pick a school that focuses on competition, performance and drilling.
Culture of the School
At Toronto Dance Salsa our credo is; “Entertain, Educate and Evolve.” This inspires the way we structure and teach our classes. For example, we know that every student wants to learn to dance. They just have different abilities and skill levels.
We want you to dance at your pace, but we encourage you to improve to reach the point where you can experience the real freedom, joy, and flow that comes with practice and solid foundations. So when selecting Salsa classes in Toronto, find a school that aligns with your goals and personality.
Location, Location. Location.
Just like in real estate, location makes a difference. Find a place that is convenient for you. So you might want to choose a studio that is close to home or work. If you are driving, is there safe parking nearby? Is it TTC accessible?
At Toronto Dance Salsa we decided to be in a prime location to offer convenience to our students. You can get off the subway, go upstairs, and be at our studio. We know parking is expensive, so we validate parking for an hour and a half if you’re driving. We want to take care of our dancers as much as we can. So select a Salsa class in Toronto that meets your transportation and location needs.
Support and Resources
Being part of a school is much more than attending a one-hour class. Think about what happens before and after classes. We believe that it is essential to support our students beyond their lessons. Therefore, we have weekly newsletters to keep them informed about our news and any changes that might impact their program. In addition, we offer social events to encourage our students to dance and have a greater sense of community.
Moreover, we maintain our YouTube channel with tons of instructional videos. Or follow me on Instagram or TikTok. Here you can see inspirational quotes and videos and learn more about my journey to being physically, mentally and spiritually healthier. So select Salsa Classes that offer more than classes.
Read Reviews and Listen to Your Heart
Read Google Reviews, check out what current students are saying and look for how long a studio has been open. They will offer an impartial view of a school.
A dance school is a living and breathing thing. And so when you are selecting Salsa classes, think of it like choosing a partner. You want a partner who appreciates you. A partner sees your skills and your potential. Your partner shares your values, challenges you and comforts you. A dance school should do the same.
The most important thing is deciding to get out of your comfort zone. If you get it wrong, change schools, choose a different type of dance, try a different schedule but never, never stop dancing.
I can’t wait to welcome you to our big family, have you come in every week, have fun, socialize, and let loose to amazing Latin songs. Click here for 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].
