Welcome to our list of tips for leaders to translate what you learnt in the classes to the social dancing
* Don't be intimidated by the experience leaders that arrive after classes: Many followers will say they welcome a simpler dance with somebody that knows less moves - it's a welcome break from Million Move Mike. :-)
* Okay to repeat moves and mix in basic steps: Don't worry if your move repertoire doesn't last a full track. Totally normal to repeat moves and intermix some basic steps. Indeed, if music has a quieter spot then switching to basic steps shows good musicality. The basic steps are also a great fall back if you have a momentary brain freeze. Further tip: If doing basic steps then slowly rotate with you partner so feels more enjoyable.
* Fine to join moves together: In the classes we always start from a neutral beat 1 and return you to neutral beat 1. So, totally fine to join moves together from different classes at that point.
* Fine to join parts of moves together: Can join parts of moves together as long as on the same beat, same hand hold and same position with the follower. For example, can replace a 5-6-7 Neck Lock with a Wrist Lock, as both right to right hand moves, happening on beat 5 and with the follower in front of the leader.
* Timing is king: There is many a story of a leader that has all the moves and even the style but poor timing. If your timing is great then many/all followers would rather dance with you than somebody with poor timing even if they had more moves. To get good at timing recommend listening to Salsa/Bachata as much as possible, in the car, in the kitchen. Use the tracks on our beginners CD, where beat 1 is highlighted to verify are locking on to it well. Make sure you listen to different styles of Salsa from classic to modern. We also recommend The Beat Machine which is fantastic way of understanding the beat: The Salsa Beat
Machine (press play button when loaded).
* Mix what you know well with less well: It can be a better experience for the follower if you sprinkle in moves that you know less well, as you are likely to lead them less confidently/more wobbly.
* Practise as much as possible: Muscle memory is so important to leading the moves without thinking about them too much. Try to practise the move straight after class. It also really common for leaders to find a practice friend so can practise in your own time.
* Okay to take notes: It's quite common for leaders to write down moves when they get in from a dance night. Write down what you did on 1-2-3 and then 5-6-7 and so on. There is the universal ACW and CW acronyms for anti-clockwise and clockwise, etc. Many teachers are also happy for you to film the move at then end of class, which is even better.
* Don't worry if can't remember whole routines from a class
* Be a smooth lead: Try to lead smoothly without abrupt actions. Have an acceleration and deceleration to your lead, as this a nicer for the follower. Think of an expensive car where the glove compartment opens smoothly, rather than dropping down suddenly. Of course, stay in time with music. Also keep a loose finger to finger grip and a thumb holiday.
* Take small steps: One of differences between classes and social dancing is that the music can be faster. It's really important to keep with small steps for this. As you'll know from the beginners class, a step back should be just half the length of your foot.
* Be spatially aware of other dances on the floor: Make sure don't lead the follower into another couple. Keep follower near, which makes leading easier as well.
* Please don't tell off the followers: If the move goes wrong try not to blame the follower, as it could be that with more practise you would be able to lead it better. Also, avoid explaining a move on the dance floor - leave that to the teachers. Be nice at all times.
* Finally: Have fun and don't worry about all of the technical stuff. It comes with time and it's more important that you and your partner are having fun than being technically excellent. Breathe AND smile.