Question 1

Do I need a partner?

Accepted Answer

Nope! We've got you covered!
 
We always rotate partners in class.  Dancing with a variety of people is crucial for developing & maintaining good lead & follow technique, & this way you get to dance with & make friends with everyone, too!

Question 2

What do I wear?

Accepted Answer

Classes are very casual.  Some people wear jeans, some wear gym clothes, & others dress up for fun.  Whatever makes you comfortable!
 
Actual dance shoes are not mandatory.  Ideally you want shoes that are comfortable, flexible, secure, & slide well.  We don't recommend flip flops (which can trip you up) or running shoes (which grip the floor & make it hard to spin.)

Question 3

Where can I find dance shoes?

Accepted Answer

In Town:
Make Believe @ 1855 Parental Home Rd
Make Believe @ 10950 San Jose Blvd
or Dance N' Stuff @ 8011 Merrill Rd
 
Online:
ExoticSalsaShoes.com
JoseBotta.com
GFrancoShoes.com
BurjuShoes.com
 
The Duct Tape Trick:
Have a pair of shoes that look hot but just don't slide?
Try putting duct tape on the bottoms! (Seriously, it works!)

Dance Socks:
Cloth bracelets for your shoes to make them easier to spin in! Find them on Amazon, or make your own by cutting up an old pair of socks. Many students love to use these on their sneakers in class.

Question 4

Where can I go try out my new skills?

Accepted Answer

1. Our Parties & Socials!(https://www.dancesalsajax.com/latin-addiction-parties)
2. Other Local Latin Nights!(https://www.dancesalsajax.com/places-to-dance)
3. Out of town Field Trips!(https://www.dancesalsajax.com/field-trips)
 
Check out our Calendar (https://www.dancesalsajax.com/calendar)for upcoming events.
 
One of the great things about Latin dancing is that most any city around the world will have a Latin night you can go to!  If you're traveling, you can try asking The MOB (https://www.facebook.com/TheMOBTravelingDancers/)(an international web of dancers) where to find dancing at your destination! In fact, there's even a group called DanceAir that will help you find dances at the airport!

Question 5

How can I entice more people to ask me to dance?

Accepted Answer

1. If you're sitting on the sidelines playing on your phone, munching away, or in deep conversation, people will generally asume you're busy.  Get off your seat & try doing your basic on the side of the dance floor.  People will feel more confident about asking you to dance if they see you jamming out.
 
2. Be sure to smile when you dance.  No matter what your level, everyone enjoys dancing with someone who's exuding positive energy!
 
3. Be the best dancer you can be.  Try taking class or private lesson to make sure you feel smooth to your dance partners.
 
Don't forget, it's perfectly acceptable for girls to ask guys to dance, too!

Question 6

How do I know when I've mastered a move?

Accepted Answer

You have mastered a move when you can consistantly, smoothly, & comfortably lead/follow it both with & without a partner, from all major hand holds, back to back amongst other moves.  If you are unsure whether or not you've mastered all the moves in a level, feel free to ask any of our instructors to dance with you & assess how you're doing.
You are not required to completely master a level before taking the next level class.  However, we will expect you to be familiar with & be able to execute all the moves that have preceded that level.
Also, keep in mind that on the social dance floor, people you dance with will tend to be more impressed by a few well mastered moves than by a vast assortment of semi-mastered moves.  (It's not what you do, it's how you do it!) Thus, even if you start studying the next level of moves, don't stop working on moves from the previous level.

Question 7

Do you offer private lessons?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do!
Privates are a great way to advance quickly, focus on technique, & get that extra attention to detail.  Private lessons are $70 an hour & held Mondays - Thursdays.  Text Ally at 904-377-3437 to schedule one today!