Some Frequently Asked Questions:
...what has changed with COVID?
Our lessons are back and we are back with a few new changes! Apart from having a new venue, new levels and quite a few new faces (yay!), we have also asked you for a couple of additional requests to help us to run the classes with minimum disruptions.
The first change is that we now have limited spaces. If you'd like to join us, we need you to message us in advance to check if there are still spaces available. We will then confirm in writing. If places are full, we'll put you on the waiting list and let you know if anyone cancels before the lesson. In the same way, if we had confirmed your place but you are not able to come please let us know ASAP so we can offer your place to someone else.
The second change is that we are asking for a lateral flow test. Despite having hand sanitiser in our entrance our lessons involve close direct contact and frequent change of partners. Covid-19 cannot be managed during our lessons by measures such as social distancing, therefore we need to look into other additional steps to manage the risk.
We consider that testing is a reasonable means of limiting a Covid-19 outbreak in our lessons, which could result in cancelling the classes for one or two weeks if your teachers are asked to self-isolate or test positive. It is free, it can be ordered online and it only takes a max of 30 minutes to get the results. We hope this is understandable and that everyone is willing to help us run the lessons smoothly as possible!
We know that a negative result in a lateral flow test does not eliminate the risk of someone having the virus, but it should certainly limit and reduce the risk. It is all about everyone doing the best we can to limit the chances of us having to cancel the lessons. We may ask for your results before the lesson. If you are not willing to do a test before the lesson in order to help us keep running the classes, we'd like to invite you to wait until the situation changes before you decide to join us.
Note: on 16 August, the rules on self-isolating as a contact will change for people who are fully vaccinated (*), and for under 18s. Those not fully vaccinated will still need to isolate if they are contacts, and everyone will still have to isolate if they test positive. (*) Full vaccination: 14 days after the second dose for two-dose vaccines. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-summer-2021-roadmap/moving-to-step-4-of-the-roadmap
Our lessons are back and we are back with a few new changes! Apart from having a new venue, new levels and quite a few new faces (yay!), we have also asked you for a couple of additional requests to help us to run the classes with minimum disruptions.
The first change is that we now have limited spaces. If you'd like to join us, we need you to message us in advance to check if there are still spaces available. We will then confirm in writing. If places are full, we'll put you on the waiting list and let you know if anyone cancels before the lesson. In the same way, if we had confirmed your place but you are not able to come please let us know ASAP so we can offer your place to someone else.
The second change is that we are asking for a lateral flow test. Despite having hand sanitiser in our entrance our lessons involve close direct contact and frequent change of partners. Covid-19 cannot be managed during our lessons by measures such as social distancing, therefore we need to look into other additional steps to manage the risk.
We consider that testing is a reasonable means of limiting a Covid-19 outbreak in our lessons, which could result in cancelling the classes for one or two weeks if your teachers are asked to self-isolate or test positive. It is free, it can be ordered online and it only takes a max of 30 minutes to get the results. We hope this is understandable and that everyone is willing to help us run the lessons smoothly as possible!
We know that a negative result in a lateral flow test does not eliminate the risk of someone having the virus, but it should certainly limit and reduce the risk. It is all about everyone doing the best we can to limit the chances of us having to cancel the lessons. We may ask for your results before the lesson. If you are not willing to do a test before the lesson in order to help us keep running the classes, we'd like to invite you to wait until the situation changes before you decide to join us.
Note: on 16 August, the rules on self-isolating as a contact will change for people who are fully vaccinated (*), and for under 18s. Those not fully vaccinated will still need to isolate if they are contacts, and everyone will still have to isolate if they test positive. (*) Full vaccination: 14 days after the second dose for two-dose vaccines. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-response-summer-2021-roadmap/moving-to-step-4-of-the-roadmap
...do I need to bring a partner with me?
Not at all. Just come along on your own or with a group of friends and give it a go! Of course, partners are also welcome, although we will be swapping partners during the class :)
Not at all. Just come along on your own or with a group of friends and give it a go! Of course, partners are also welcome, although we will be swapping partners during the class :)
...when do the lessons start?
Lessons started on 19th July (Freedom day!) at Marquis of Grandby in Redhill. We have drop-in lessons for beginners and for rueda de casino. If you'd like to join us please let us know in advance as we have limited spaces. Please also check the "Weekly Lessons" section for more info.
Lessons started on 19th July (Freedom day!) at Marquis of Grandby in Redhill. We have drop-in lessons for beginners and for rueda de casino. If you'd like to join us please let us know in advance as we have limited spaces. Please also check the "Weekly Lessons" section for more info.
...how much do I have to pay for the lessons?
Check our "WEEKLY LESSONS" page to check our prices for drop-in lessons, vouchers and courses and the special discount for students.
Check our "WEEKLY LESSONS" page to check our prices for drop-in lessons, vouchers and courses and the special discount for students.
...I'm intermediate/advanced salsa dancer but I have not danced cuban salsa or rueda de casino before. Can I join the Rueda de casino lessons?
Our HAVANA level is the best option for you to start if you have previous experience dancing a different style of salsa, you are a quick learner and you want to explore the fun of dancing cuban salsa. Please, give us a ring or send us a message.
Our HAVANA level is the best option for you to start if you have previous experience dancing a different style of salsa, you are a quick learner and you want to explore the fun of dancing cuban salsa. Please, give us a ring or send us a message.
...I'm a complete beginner and not sure if this is for me?
If you have any questions or concerns about the beginners / foundations class, please message us! We love teaching people with no previous experience of dancing and sharing our passion, so you will be in good hands!
If you have any questions or concerns about the beginners / foundations class, please message us! We love teaching people with no previous experience of dancing and sharing our passion, so you will be in good hands!
...I have danced salsa before but not sure if it was cuban salsa, what level should I go to?
If this is your case and you are fully comfortable with the timing, the rythm and basic steps, we'd recommend you to join our HAVANA rueda de casino. If you're up for it and there are enought spaces, you can do our foundations class too. However, it wil depend on what is your starting level, so please contact us so we can have a chat about it!
If this is your case and you are fully comfortable with the timing, the rythm and basic steps, we'd recommend you to join our HAVANA rueda de casino. If you're up for it and there are enought spaces, you can do our foundations class too. However, it wil depend on what is your starting level, so please contact us so we can have a chat about it!
...do I have to wear any special shoes or clothes?
As you will see, we don´t usually wear any special shoes or clothes - we just tend to wear something comfortable that allows us to move and dance. However in the market you can find special dancing shoes with a smooth sole for both ladies and men -it´s entirely up to you. We don´t recommend wearing flip flop type sandals as these can be dangerous.
As you will see, we don´t usually wear any special shoes or clothes - we just tend to wear something comfortable that allows us to move and dance. However in the market you can find special dancing shoes with a smooth sole for both ladies and men -it´s entirely up to you. We don´t recommend wearing flip flop type sandals as these can be dangerous.
...are there any car park spaces available?
Marquis of Grandby in Redhill has 10-15 spaces. Also, you should be able to park in Brook Road and there might also be some spaces available in Hooley lane, just in front of the pub.
Marquis of Grandby in Redhill has 10-15 spaces. Also, you should be able to park in Brook Road and there might also be some spaces available in Hooley lane, just in front of the pub.
What do I need to become a great dancer?
1. BE ABLE TO ENJOY, ADAPT & CONNECT: The first and most important thing for us it to connect: this is to be able to enjoy listening and dancing away to the music, and to be able to share that feeling with your dance partner, regardless of their skills or level.
2. FAMILIARISE YOURSELF WITH THE MUSIC: In our case, listen to lots of Cuban music (from son to timba) to develop your rhythm and musicality (feel free to email us for song suggestions anytime!).
3. RELAX AND HAVE A LAUGH: Very important as well is to learn to not take it too seriously, specially when things go wrong (which definitely will happen, it's just part of the fun and the learning process). A big smile goes a long way to start with!
In order to make progress in your dancing skills you don't need to know many figures. Of course, you'll need to be able to dance to the beat and understand the basic patters and characteristics of the dance, but you also need to understand about musicality, explore your body movement and feel comfortable dancing with different partners and adapting to their level (specially if you are a more advanced dancer).
In rueda de casino, on top of knowing the basic movements that are taught in the improver level you need to be able to respond quickly to the move calls, keep up with the speed, to understand the dynamics of the rueda. Those up for an extra challenge, may want to give it a go to the different rueda structures too (e.g. pa'fuera, llanta, contratiempo, contrario, mixta...).
One of our distinctive aspects is that both of us as well as some of our students like to lead and follow during the dances. In fact, even thought it is not necessary, we welcome everyone who wants to try to learn to lead and follow in our lessons, regardless of your gender. Of course, there is no need to learn the other role but if you are up for the challenge, we would really encourage you to learn to dance the second role as we believe it really helps to develop and improve and it can be so much fun. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to never have to wait again for a dance as you'll be able to dance in both roles!
2. FAMILIARISE YOURSELF WITH THE MUSIC: In our case, listen to lots of Cuban music (from son to timba) to develop your rhythm and musicality (feel free to email us for song suggestions anytime!).
3. RELAX AND HAVE A LAUGH: Very important as well is to learn to not take it too seriously, specially when things go wrong (which definitely will happen, it's just part of the fun and the learning process). A big smile goes a long way to start with!
In order to make progress in your dancing skills you don't need to know many figures. Of course, you'll need to be able to dance to the beat and understand the basic patters and characteristics of the dance, but you also need to understand about musicality, explore your body movement and feel comfortable dancing with different partners and adapting to their level (specially if you are a more advanced dancer).
In rueda de casino, on top of knowing the basic movements that are taught in the improver level you need to be able to respond quickly to the move calls, keep up with the speed, to understand the dynamics of the rueda. Those up for an extra challenge, may want to give it a go to the different rueda structures too (e.g. pa'fuera, llanta, contratiempo, contrario, mixta...).
One of our distinctive aspects is that both of us as well as some of our students like to lead and follow during the dances. In fact, even thought it is not necessary, we welcome everyone who wants to try to learn to lead and follow in our lessons, regardless of your gender. Of course, there is no need to learn the other role but if you are up for the challenge, we would really encourage you to learn to dance the second role as we believe it really helps to develop and improve and it can be so much fun. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to never have to wait again for a dance as you'll be able to dance in both roles!
