Warm-up properly for Salsa Dancing
As Salsa dancing is a form of exercise (as well as fun) it pays to think about warming up and preventing injury.
Warming up prepares the body for increased exertion by: increasing circulation, sending more blood to the muscles; "pumping-up" the shock-absorbing fluid in the joints (preventing wear); and raising body temperature (improving the way muscle tendons and nerves work). Helping you to relax also allows your body to "work" more effectively. We always have a dance at the beginning of the class, to increase the heart rate.
Warming down is also important, especially if you have been working the body hard or over a long period, and it will help to prevent muscle soreness 1 or 2 days later. By finishing off with gentle stretches you can help the body deal with lactic acid which may have built up. Warming down allows the heart rate and temperature to return to normal slowly which is also preferable. Although best done immediately after exercising benefit can even be gained from a warm-down later, when you get home.
Hold stretches when warming up for only 2-3 seconds and up to 10 seconds when warming down. Never bounce or strain when holding stretches, as in order to avoid injury movements should be as smooth as possible, rather than jerky and uncontrolled.
You are more likely to damage yourself if tired or ill. At these times warming-up is particularly important.
Replenish the body fluids you're sweating out whilst enjoying yourself dancing. Drink (but we're talking water rather than alcohol!) about a glass every half hour of salsa dancing.
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Salsa dancing and your health
Dancing is generally very good for your body - and Salsa dancing in particular can greatly improve your flexibility in the hips and lower back. However, if you have any health considerations it may be useful to discuss them with your doctor before you start salsa dancing. You may also wish to mention them to your salsa teachers.
Always take care when starting to do a new movement that your body is not yet used to.
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Salsa - the development of different styles
Salsa originated in Cuba and is now very popular in Cuba as well as spreading to Pueto Rico, Colombia, New York, Miami, Los Angeles and virtualy everywhere else in the world!
As it spread, different places developed differences in the way they danced - a local accent, if you think of dancing like a language. The main styles popular at present in the UK are Cuban/Colombian and Cross-body Style (also known as 'New York or L.A. Style'). We teach both styles in our classes.
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