Salsa Curriculum
Beginner Salsa: We start this class as if the student has never danced salsa before (most have not). We begin with the basic step and timing of the music. We build from there, adding patterns until by the end of the month we have a full routine. This class gives the student the basic timing, patterns and lead/follow techiniques in a fun environment.
Pre-Intermediate: While reinforcing the basic patterns learned in the beginner class, we step it up a notch, focusing on harder spins (inside and outside spins). By the end of the month once again we have a routine we are dancing that is so popular that the advanced students still use it.
Intermediate: This level has 6 months of different patterns that are very easily taken from the classroom to the social dance floor. We learn a variety of moves including different types of spins, tunnels, wraps, etc. This is the level where most students really start feeling confident.
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I've met a few of the Latin teachers around Houston. I've even taken classes from more than one. But the teacher who has taught me the most, and with whom I still study, is Gloria Jones, owner/operator of Dance Passion. Although I have known her for over two years, our relationship has been largely professional. Largely, but I think of Gloria as a friend as well as of a teacher.
A native Texan, Gloria has been dancing since childhood. When she started competing as an adult, she began with Country Western categories, but quickly switched to Latin when she saw her first Latin competition. Partnering with National Champion Corky Ballas (I had to ask about him: his dad was the guy who invented the Weed Eater), Gloria began competing in ProAm competitions and eventually went on to compete professionally, winning numerous titles.
But though Gloria began teaching about the same time she started competing as a professional, I did not meet her until she had been teaching full time for a while. So, regretfully, I have never seen her dance professionally outside of the classroom. I can tell you, though, that there have been some rare moments inside the classroom when she has revealed her talent, skill, and experience to the amazement of the people around her.
I say, "to (our) amazement". But, of course, we expect our dance teachers to be good. It's just that even an Intermediate Salsa class doesn't really demand the full capability of a well-honed dancer. I remember the first class where Gloria taught us how to take our partners into a hammer-lock position (the man turns the woman, holding both hands, until she has one arm behind her back) and then launch them into a spin.
I must have done something right that night, because as Gloria rotated through the class, when she got to me, she suddenly tugged on my hand (a signal for a strong lead). I gave her all I knew how to give and suddenly she was spinning like a top. The more dance experience you acquire, the more you appreciate the execution of even the simplest maneuver. That was a magic moment.
However, dance is not just for the dancers. We know that innately, because we grow up watching people dance around us. But when you are learning to do more than just "shake your booty", you begin to sense a flow around you. That flow is not so much the movement of the dancers as the energy they project.
One night, while taking a private lesson with Gloria in a large room, another teacher asked to share our space. There was plenty to go around. Gloria and I returned to Salsa but after a few minutes the other teacher, who had been leading her student in a basic Two Step routine around the room, interrupted us again.
"Do you know Two Step?" the other teacher asked.
"Yes," Gloria replied.
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