SalsaBoston.com Message Board
SalsaBoston.com Message Board
Posted by Rob (66.31.92.114) on February 14, 2004 at 01:23:24:
In Reply to: Privates: When is it best to start taking them? posted by SalsaHungry on February 13, 2004 at 15:01:19:
Privates are good for you at every stage from beginner to advanced. If you have progressed enough to be able to go to a private lesson with a specific agenda of things you know you need to work on, then it's likely that you will get a lot out of it (assuming the teacher is good).
Here's another couple of suggestions for working out the kinks in your lead, especially for more complex/subtle stuff. One: try to dance frequently with followers who are not advanced dancers, even beginners. Being able to lead a complex pattern with a great follower may say more about the follower's skills than your leading skills. Being able to lead it with a less advanced dancer means that your lead is clear and effective. Two: find a practice partner who is at your level, maybe from your group classes, and whom you have some connection with. Work the patterns through slowly together so you are confident that you really do know it and you'll discover the places where you need to fine tune your mechanics for leading a particular move or part of the pattern. Once you have the pattern really locked in memory and have worked through any awkward spots then bring it up to speed and drill it. Note- it's a safe bet that almost anyone who has put 4-5 months of time into classes is really interested in learning and practicing, so don't be shy about asking these classmates-they're in the same place you are.
I've taken privates (with April- she's an awesome teacher and really good at helping guys with leading) at various stages in my development and every single one has been helpful.
Good Luck- Rob
: Hey Salsa lovers,
: I have been a devoted salsa fan for about 4.5 months now and have consistently taken several hours of groups classes a week and gone out social dancing as much as I can - at least once a week. I consider myself in the lower ranks of the intermediate pool (I am a guy by the way). I had a question to y'all - at what level is it best to start taking one or two privates every now and then? I feel that as I learn more complex turn patterns and subtle leads, it might be useful to take a private soon to iron out any kinks in my lead and was wondering if this is the best course of action at this stage.
: Thanks! SalsaHungry