where can I go for classes
I live in the Brampton area and am interested in taking salsa classes for beginners. Where can I go??? -- Julie

Dear Julie, we have an instructors' listing with all the instructors who teach salsa and it lists the regions they teach in -- Rose Knows

Salsa Classes in Mississauga
Hi, I came across your site accidentally and am very happy I did. I am new to Mississauga and new to Canada so I dont know many places. I am interested in learning Salsa (and other Latin dance moves) but don't know where to start. I am sure that at first I will feel self-conscious but I am an energetic dancer. My father is Cuban and though I have never been to Cuba I feel a certain pull towards the music and dance that is a part of that heritage. My mother is Jamaican and I grew up there for for the most part and I can dance a mean reggae! I am in my late thirties so I wouldnt want to be thrown in amongst a class of teenagers, I would find that quite daunting but please give me any advice you can. Thanks again for being there -- Denise

Hi there, Thanks for having this great web site on salsa dancing, but I don't seem to find out what I need...I know you are mostly in the TO area, but do you know if there is any clubs or "schools" / Instructors that give salsa lessons in the Hamilton area? I would really appreciate some feedback on this one....Thanks, Yannick

Dear Yannick, this is a tough one as I'm not familiar with the area at all and every once in awhile someone asks... hopefully someone who reads this may be able to help you... the only suggestion I have is check the dance schools and colleges in your area and you may be able to find a class. I also did a quick search in Google and found this website for Dance Line Studios which has a salsa class. Hope this helps... Rose Knows

Eager to Learn...
hi!! I'm willing to take salsa lessons but I don't know where to go. I live in bayview and sheppard and I work in downtown eaton center. Thank you, sherry

What to Wear?
Okay, I've been out of the dance scene for a looonng time! Now I've just finished a Latin dance course and want to learn the salsa by going to clubs. The question is: what do I wear? Skirts, pants, casual, elegant, smart/casual and what shoes? Everyone is reasonably casual at the lessons, but I don't want to turn up at a club and look like last decade's leftovers? Any advice/hints would be really appreciated, especially some pictures! PS. for mid-30's? Thanks so much for your page, I look forward to your response so I can get going! -- Irene

Hi, Rose: I heard from a friend that Tequlia lounge offers Salsa dance classes. I went there myself last Tuesday. The classes were great! I just had a little bit intro lessons elsewhere in the community. I had a great review on everything I've just learned. I really wanted to try to dance with partners to try out my skills, so after the two hours classes I droped my shyness to ask a men
over at the bar while he was taping on the floor and looks around(bad
choice), he said he rather wanted to have a beer... I really wanted to find a hole in the floor. I have never done this before, I wanted to go home Right Now!!! but after coming all the way after work from Scarborough, I just cannot give up! So I watched other people dancing and I collected my courage again. I asked an other gentlemen next to me who was also watching the dancing crowd:"Would you like to dance with me? I am still learning. Nobody likes to dance with me." (I think at that moment I really looked liked a little girl.) He did dance with me! I finally overcame my fear (I think). I hope more people will be willing to dance with people who are still learning. I really appreciate that gentleman. Thank you, Hue!

Also, thank you Rose for creating such a site for us to get more information about Salsa in TO -- Lucy

Beginners
Hi there, Wow! I'm so glad your site is out there. As a complete beginner, I've been using it constantly for advice, inspiration and club recommendations. It's also a great distraction at work for those moments when practicing my basic under my desk just isn't cutting it anymore.

I've been taking classes for a few weeks and finally managed to work up the nerve (and convince a friend) to get out to a club. We went to Plaza Flamigo and had a FANTASTIC time. I would like to recommend it strongly to other timid beginners. It's a really nice space and the crowd was incredibly relaxed, friendly and outgoing. It took less than ten minutes to forget everything I had been worried about. We had no trouble finding partners, danced like mad all night and had a deliriously fun time. Best of all, there are pre-club classes on Friday and Saturday from 8:30-10:00 so you can even bring your non-salsa friends and they won't feel lost. They may even end the evening fully converted! -- Jill>[}

Best club for Students
Hi Rose, I just read that e-mail by shy salsero and would like to recommend Tequilla Lounge on Tuesday nights. I'm writing for all the newbies that are approaching the intermediate level, since you'll know enough moves to last at least one song. I've been to most of the salsa clubs here in Toronto and the one with the best atmosphere has got to be Tequila Lounge.

First, dancers are'nt snooty, meaning they won't be overly selective in who they dance with and will try dancing with beginners or someone they've never danced with.

Second, people are really easy-going and there to have fun, which is a huge relief for those of us who are shy or just learning. There doesn't even seem to be a dress code. I've seen people wearing jeans and even shorts, it's max relax! (Mind you, the majority of the people do get dressed up, so spare the shorts for golf.) Another thing I've noticed is that I always see new faces as opposed to the same regulars who have their own clique. If you ask a girl to dance, chances are she'll say "Yes!" -- Sam El Newbieo

PS Has anyone noticed there's no bouncers at Tequila Lounge? (either that or they have a very subtle presence). At Babaluu, they have bouncers the size of small buildings that make you wait at the door for no apparent reason, just another detail that adds to the relaxed atmosphere at Tequila's.

PPS Keep up the good work Rose, I luv your site!!!

Finally, one criticism and is not directly aimed at your website. You mention that you have a new page for beginners, which is great, but wouldn't you agree that if you want to promote Salsa (and I'm sure you do), then the best way would be to maximize your efforts in catering to people like me, beginners. I guess I'm a little disapointed when I go out and see very few people trying to learn, when I know there are alot more wanting to, but the intimidation factor becomes overwhelming. I will learn and become good at it, but that's me. However, the quantity of new talent will make or break anything.

Anyhow, appreciate the opportunity to voice. Thanks,Dale from Hamilton.

Dear Dale: Wow, this could be a very long reply and to give you a little more expert help, I've asked a few new salseros to the scene to provide me some feedback on starting out from their experiences. In the meantime, let me give you some of my own knowledge I've gained along the way.

Regarding one-on-one instruction (privates), you would have to call or email each instructor personally and decide if they would be suited to your needs, budget and timetable.

Regarding finding dance partners of a higher calibre -- if you feel that's how you will improve quickly, it's not. Possibly dancing with more experienced dancers can possibly point out what you're doing wrong; but when they are out social dancing, they don't want to be made into a "teacher". While out social dancing, I used to know beginner students who wanted me to dance with them specifically just so I could tell them what they were doing wrong. That used to bother me alot cause I was out to have a fun night of dancing, I was not there to instruct and "test" their dancing capabilities. The only time I'll give advice now is if my partner is being very forceful with his lead, has given me whiplash from dip, or he's become a good friend and wants some feedback cause we're trying some new moves. From my own experiences and from talking to my male dance partners, the best way to get better is by consistently practicing at least 3-4 nights and with as many female dance partners as possible so you can learn to adjust your lead to your partner and vice-versa. If you can't afford to be out that many nights, then practice what you learned on your own with an imaginary dance partner or by watching yourself in a mirror. Also, although you may find group classes slower, I found it to be one of the better ways to find other dancers who want to practice. Other ways were from workshops or dancers whom you enjoy dancing with that may also be looking for a practice partner -- but you'll never know until you ask; or check out the following links for more tips:
"Overcoming Your Fear of Social Dancing..."
Dancing with others...how to "fit in" and/or become a better dancer...

And finally, your comment about catering to beginners, I'm not sure what you are asking? Is it more content on the site catering to beginners or is it the events we list don't cater to beginners. And yes, it would be nice to cater to beginners (in fact, we're working on a Beginner's Salsa Guide to be released later this year providing more in-depth information), but don't forget this website is for anyone interested in salsa, whether they live in Toronto or somewhere else. The majority of the dancers I know that are addicted to salsa, fall in love with the music, the dance or the atmosphere, and want to learn to dance socially or to the level of the advanced dancers. Yes, I agree it's intimidating to go to the clubs where there's alot of great dancers, but don't you get inspired by watching them and in turn, you want to get to their level. And the only way to get to their level quickly is if you apply yourself to taking classes and practicing at home and in the clubs consistently. And if you really think about it, it's only intimidating for beginners because you feel all eyes will be staring at you knowing you are a beginner by your dancing; when in reality, in a crowded club, most dancers will focus and remember only the advanced dancers amongst all the social and beginner dancers.

And when you say there's very few people out there learning, it depends on where you go, because over the last 6 months, I'm seeing more and more new faces on the dance floor.
Anyways, I hope this answered some of your questions-Rose Knows

Hi Rose, I got your email from the tosalsa.com website. I was just wondering if you could PLEASE recommend a salsa teacher (preferably FEMALE) in the SCARBOROUGH area that will be teaching THIS SUMMER. I have previously taken salsa lessons (beginner & intermediate) levels. However, the teacher I normally go to is not teaching this summer. Your reply is greatly appreciated!! Thank you for your time in advance, Michelle

I'm wanting to take inexpensive salsa lessons, do they offer them at any clubs in downtown Toronto? Thanks, Morgan

Hi, I went to a Latin dance club in another city and saw salsa. I loved it! The problem is I am a woman of size and though I am pretty and a good dancer, no one will ever ask me to dance. So I have no opportunity to learn salsa. Though it might sound impossible to think I can learn salsa without a partner, I want to try so that at least I can dance to the music in my own home. Is there a website that explains the basic moves? Also of the Salsa video's which do you recommend? The area I live in , Mobile, Alabama, has no group salsa instruction and I cannot afford private instruction. I appreciate any advice you can offer. Thank you. Kelly

Club Listings etc.
Hi there, I wrote you before re: Hamilton clubs, you enquired about the instructor @ Tonic, for the life of me I can't remember her name but I didn't think she was a very good teacher, wonderful dancer but not very helpful with explainations. The advanced moves she teaches are very choreographed and would be difficult to repeat in a lead and follow situation. I have been taking lessons at a place called Danceline Studios in Hamilton. Scott (don't know his last name) teaches a beginner and an intermediate Salsa class and he is an excellent instructor, very strong lead and is able to pick out what you are doing wrong. Very easy to understand and can break the moves down. They have a website, www.danceline-studios.com if you are interested in more information. Also Rascalz is now Richards Mansion and so far have no latin night, Karma club at the airport stopped their latin night(lack of interest) and there is a new club in Hamilton called Club Continental so far has been very quiet so I will keep you posted if it gets any better - Irene

Just wanted to say how much I love this site. I am a beginner and I know this site will propel me into the world of salsa much faster than if I was on my own. I am looking forward to your partner search feature. Please add it soon!!! Thank you T.O. Salsa, Raisa

Hi there,
Do you have any suggestions for a good Salsa bar to go to as beginners. My friends and I have never been Salsa dancing before, and we would love a night out to learn a little. Thanks for any help you can give
Christy

"Can someone please briefly explain the difference between LA styling, Cuban style, New York Style, etc. I've just recently re-entered the dance scene and am a bit confused about all the different styles that have cropped up. Thanks." -- Old-Timer

Dear Readers: Does anyone know of any instructors in Mississauga, Oakville or Burlington and any new or existing clubs in those areas also that you could recommend?