“I started salsacise in January last year and did a weekly half-hour class. By the time I went on holiday in June I had lost inches round my waist and had changed shape. I really enjoy salsa and it's probably the most fun exercise class to do.”
I.H. Stirling
WHAT IS SALSACISE?
Salsacise is a 45 minute dance class suitable for any level (including complete beginners). Unlike our other classes, in the salsacise class you do not dance with a partner. The aim of the class is 3-fold: to get some exercise, have fun, and learn to dance. As we dance almost solidly for 45 minutes it’s a great cardio workout, but the best thing is that it doesn’t feel like exercise. The music is uplifting and makes you feel good (even on a bad day), and Salsa is also great for toning the tummy, hips and thighs.
Did you know that 45 minutes of salsa (especially if you really put some energy into it) can burn 450 calories!
In the class we learn salsa, merengue, chachacha and a latin american line dance. The emphasis is on having fun, so don’t worry if you get bits of it wrong. You’ll manage the majority of the steps in your first class, and will pick the rest up week by week. We keep the class simple so that we don’t waste time slowing things down learning complicated steps - that time is better spent burning those calories! For those of you who like a little challenge we’ll add some fancy footwork into one salsa track, and if you want to take your salsa to the next level our Salsa classes are the thing for you.
WHAT TO WEAR/BRING WITH YOU
You get quite hot so bring some water to drink. Wear lightweight clothes and comfortable, flat shoes. Some people prefer trainers, others prefer everyday, flat shoes.
TIPS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THE CLASSES
- stand where you can see the instructor’s feet
- watch for the hand-signals telling you when to change steps (sometimes you might not hear the call)
- Salsa is much gentler on the knees than aerobics, but if you have knee problems, don’t do any of the moves that involve dipping down (just carry on with the basic steps).
- go at your own pace – take a break if you need one
- to get that Latin American body movement try this: start with your knees slightly bent, all the weight on the balls of your feet. Step on the left foot – ball of the foot first and then heel. As you straighten your leg, take the movement into the hip and waist (you should feel the muscles in hip, waist and bottom working). Stay low down and grounded, keep the top half of the body fairly still (but not rigid), and try not to bob up and down. Don’t worry if you can’t do it at the start. It comes with practise.
