FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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How do I book courses? |
In person, post or online. Click
here for more info |
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What should I wear to classes? |
Dress for salsa is generally
smart casual. The most important aspect is footwear.
While it is not necessary to buy special dance
shoes initially, we do recommend you wear shoes
that support your feet (e.g. not backless shoes, stilletoes, slip-ons).
It is better if they have a smooth sole to allow
freedom of movement on the floor. Eventually
you may find you want to invest in dance shoes,
on which we will be able to advise you. |
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Do I need to bring a partner? |
No! We rotate partners during
class. The best way to develop leading and following
skills is to experience a variety of partners.
And it's more social!! Please note that for beginners courses we aim to keep the male:female ratio as equal as possible and limit places to keep a balance. |
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Can I just dance with my own partner? |
We operate a rotation system in all classes whereby we change partners every few minutes, for the reasons given above. |
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Do I need previous dance experience? |
No! Our beginners course
is structured to take you step-by-step through
the basic fundamentals of salsa. This is necessary
for everyone whether they have any other dance
experience or not. |
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I booked the beginners course on Tuesdays but cannot make it one week, can I do the Thursday class instead? |
Of course! The class content for the beginners course is virtually the same on both evenings each week. Therefore you can transfer your lesson if necessary. Your course fee entitles you to one lesson each week. Please note, occasionally the Thursday course starts before the Tuesday course, pleae check which alternative class will be offering the same content as the one you are missing. |
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What if I want to attend twice a week? |
Brilliant! There's no better way to accelerate and consolidate your learning than attending both evenings. Students on the beginners course are entitled to one lesson per week in their course fee. Just pay the drop-in class fee for any extra lessons. |
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I have danced salsa before, how do I know
which level class to join? |
Entry level to the Academy is Level 1, 2 or 3. Teachers at the Academy assign students to the appropriate class and will promote students through the levels according to their progress/ability.
We currently run classes at 4 levels. Each
of these levels have a syllabus designed carefully
to take students
through a progression of building blocks intended
to create good foundations for dancing salsa the Alchemy Way.
We aim to have all our students in an accurate level class for their individual
ability, which is more beneficial and enjoyable to both teacher
and class.
As a general guideline:
Level 1 is a course designed for absolute beginners. It is also the level to learn and consolidate salsa timing. We have found that many students who struggle to find 'the 1' or maintain rhythm whilst dancing have benefited from participating in this course, regardless of their usual level of class.
Level 2 is the class to learn the correct lead/follow of the standard salsa rotations (inside/outside turns, single turns etc), and how to link them within simple turn patterns. You will also be taught more essentials such as correct posture and control of movement and rhythm.
Level 3 is where you are introduced to Alchemy Way turn patterns. You must have a firm grasp of the lead/follow of the rotations taught in Level 2. This is an essential class to understand and develop the techniques necessary for the higher levels.
Level 4/5 (invite/permission only class) In order to attend this class you have to attend the Level 3 class first. To be invited up, you will need to demonstrate good practical understanding of the fundamentals of the Alchemy Way of dancing salsa.
If you have been attending
another club,
please be aware that the class structure here
differs, and the level you may be attending
elsewhere may not be appropriate for you at
the academy. It is normal for new students to start at a lower level to get used to the teaching at the Academy.
We teach
cross-body style salsa, so if you have learnt
an alternate style (eg Cuban) you will need
to adapt to this style. It will be necessary to learn the correct lead/follow of the cross-body lead and basic rotations (levels 1&2). |
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How do I get invited to the Level 4/5 class? |
The minimum requirement is that you attend the Level 3 class and demonstrate a good practical understanding of the fundamentals of the Alchemy Way of dancing salsa. Please ask Marchant/Davina if you want to know what specific aspects of you dancing you should work on in order to progress. |
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I've been to the Academy before, can I come back to the class I attended previously? |
That would depend on how long you were at the Academy, and how long you've been away. If you are out of practice, have been away from the Academy for some time, or cannot remember what you learnt previously, start at a lower level!
The Level 4/5 class is in constant progression, therefore invitation to the class can be revoked if students do not attend for a period of time. This is to minimise disruption to regular students. If you have not attended for more than 2 months, please attend the Level3 class and check with Marchant/Davina. |
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What is the 'Alchemy Way'? |
The Alchemy Way is a method of dancing salsa
and mambo being developed by Marchant Birch.
Through continual experimentation and exploration,
the Alchemy Way is constantly evolving and developing.
It is a very flowing, smooth and effortless style
of salsa. The aim being to create a harmony between
the man, woman and music. Check out our gallery for
video clips. |
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Some feedback from previous course... |
"Had
a fantastic time. Came away feeling self improvement
& personal achievement"
"Marchant
& Davina did a great job getting across
the real essence of leading and following -
several people commented to me afterwards that
they had learnt a lot. "
"Lots
of good points, enjoyed it. I noticed they are
very smooth and precise when they dance,
even basic moves look good. This is what i want
to achieve .."
"Have a
greater respect for the art of salsa now - Thank
you so so so much!"
"Loved
the aspects of making it flow"
"Everything
was brilliant. I really enjoyed every single
week. I would love to do more." |
