Frequently Asked Questions
about our Salsa lessons in Reading, Bracknell, Wokingham and Newbury
Q. I have never been to any Salsa lessons before so am a COMPLETE BEGINNER. I have two left feet and NO sense of rhythm!
A. Don't worry! In the Absolute Beginners' Salsa class we assume students know Absolutely Nothing about dancing. Feeling that you have two left feet and no sense of rhythm is NOT a problem - in fact it is extremely common. Most people feel this when they first come to a Salsa lesson.
Q. Do I need to book or can I just turn up to a Salsa lesson on the night?
A. No, there is no need to book. Just turn up and join in the Salsa lesson.
Don't let that put you off ringing us, though, if you would like to have a chat beforehand and find out more about the classes, that is absolutely fine. If you feel a bit nervous about coming, then talking to us can often get rid of any worries - and we are always keen to help.
Q. Do I need to bring a partner, as I want to come on my own to the salsa lessons?
A. Not at all, most people come to our Salsa lessons on their own, so you will not feel out of place. We get people to partner up and change partners regularly throughout the Salsa lesson. (See below if you are coming with a partner and wish to stay together)
Q. I am coming with a partner. Can we dance together during Salsa lessons?
A. Definitely Yes. Whether you dance together during the Salsa lesson or swap partners (or a combination of the two) is entirely up to you. If you feel more comfortable dancing together during salsa lessons, that is absolutely fine.
(You may also wish to bear in mind, that couples usually progress faster when they dance with other people as well, and swap partners at some point, if it feels OK to do so).
If you want to you can also let your teacher know before the class that you wish to stay together.
Q. What clothes should I wear to Salsa lessons?
A. Most people wear loose, comfortable, casual clothes (eg jeans or casual trousers)., that you can move in easily, and like to wear. Layers are good, because as you get warm, you can take clothes off. Salsa dancing is very good exercise - you will be surprised how warm you get. People who are more experienced at Salsa dancing may dress up a bit more - although trousers are still the norm at Salsa lessons for both sexes.
Also see below for 'What should I wear to the Salsa Party Nights at RISC?'
Q. What shoes should I wear to Salsa Lessons?
A. To start with it does not matter too much what you wear - though backless sandles, flip-flops etc are best avoided, as they will tend to fall off. Trainers (unless old and worn) or shoes which grip the ground too much - can also make it harder for you to move so a less grippy sole is preferable. However, to start with this is not crucial, so don't worry if you don't have anything else. (Lots of people wear trainers, and they are ideal in many other respects)
Ankle boots - or if not longer boots - can be good to dnace in, providing more support than a shoe, and often they have a lower heel.
Shoes with too high or too narrow a heel may make your feet ache, prevent you moving easily and make it harder to dance (a one and a half inch heel is ideal).
PLEASE DO NOT WEAR STILETTO OR KITTEN HEELS - we request that you avoid wearing these - as they concentrate all your weight into a very small area, so if you tread on someone or step back and scrape their ankle, you could really hurt them. They are also very hard to dance in and can damage dance floors, especially if they are metal-tipped.
As you progress, if you find you are dancing regularly, buying a pair of shoes for dancing is well worth it. You can buy shoes quite cheaply and they will look after your feet and joints - and make it much easier to dance. Please see our download on '"Buying Dance Shoes" (see button on LHS of this page or you can download a print-out here) or contact Sharon about this, as many shoes sold as "dance Shoes' are not actually good for dancing Salsa.
Q. What should I wear to the Salsa Party Nights at RISC, Reading, Berks?
A. The Salsa Party Night at RISC, in Reading - is a chance to dress up if you want to. Women would not feel out of place wearing either smartish trousers, a dress or a skirt. Men wear more of a range of clothes - some dress up, some don't. Note that black is a common colour for men to wear if they dress up at any of our Salsa classes, Salsa clubs or Party Nights.