Would You Learn Salsa Dancing?

gmail92 on 31/08/2017 - 23:35

Hi guys and girls,

I'm helping out a good mate of mine - who I've learnt Salsa from for a few years through Uni and outside of Uni. He's runs classes Monday nights and Saturday Monthly in in Sydney CBD (Broadway), but he is quite technologically illiterate (being significantly older than me). I'm trying to help him towards marketing to new people who don't know about Salsa, or interested but never really bothered to. I've helped him to start a Meetup Group, but not too sure how that's going to go but it's a different avenue to try.

Curiously enough, he has mentioned that most of his regulars are from Finance and IT industries, and hence I was wondering what interest was like in this community. Personally, I am a IT consultant, and I know he was an engineer once upon a time.

To me, it was just something I did to try, and turned out I enjoyed it a lot. Like any hobby, it is honed with lots of practice, and I really enjoy the dynamics of partner dancing, compared to the more individualistic nature of Hip Hop dancing and such which I have tried beforehand. More fun than gym, and good exercise at that. I did get my girlfriend involved even though she previously had no interest two years ago, and now she loves it and is doing advanced classes with me (Also a IT consultant haha).

If you guys don't mind, I have a few questions:

1) Have you ever considered learning Salsa?

2) If you haven't, is there any particular reason why?

3) What would it take to convince you to come try it out? A free introductory class? Discounted beginner classes?

If anyone was interested, I can probably sort out some discounted beginner classes. I would assume I can probably discuss good regular discount for students if any students were interested. At the moment, I am unsure of if there are students interested, and from where.

Open to any suggestions or ideas if anyone had any :)

Entertainment

Comments

  • AlienC on 31/08/2017 - 23:43

    Maybe also try advertising near places where people already do physical activity or have an inclination to dancing like gyms and clubs.

  • Some Human on 31/08/2017 - 23:46
    +3

    Mmmmmm…salsa

  • citygal on 31/08/2017 - 23:51

    Are you referring that ur friend works at the LDA?

    • gmail92 on 31/08/2017 - 23:53

      I don't think so, had to look up what it was and I don't see any familiar names.

      • citygal on 31/08/2017 - 23:55
        +1

        Right, cause that is a pretty big company specialising in Salsa amd other dancing styles.

        • gmail92 on 01/09/2017 - 00:03

          I see. Looking at their membership prices, I'm probably too casual for it - looks like you pay in 8 class blocks or subscription membership. I would assume it would be difficult for someone to 'try', given such high costs.

        • citygal on 01/09/2017 - 06:15

          @gmail92:
          Well this really depends on whether you want people to try Salsa out or you want to lure Salsa lovers into taking class with you

        • gmail92 on 01/09/2017 - 12:10

          @citygal:

          Looking at how his classes are set against other studios, they appear to be a lot more casual and drop in whenever you feel like it.

        • citygal on 01/09/2017 - 12:18

          @gmail92:
          How much are you thinking of charging? There's one in the pub below Broadway Shopping Centre that holds Salsa classes every Monday. And that one is drop in and pay on spot

        • gmail92 on 01/09/2017 - 12:37

          @citygal:

          That's the one.

        • citygal on 01/09/2017 - 12:41

          @gmail92:
          Well basically one time I was told by the staff that the class is more for advanced people. It seems to me that it's a place where advanced dancers have a chill out and social there. Beginners are quite hard to fit in as not much techniques are taught. Once music is on, everyone just starts dancing as they already knew how.

        • gmail92 on 01/09/2017 - 12:48
          +1

          @citygal:

          6:30-7:30 Beginners 1 / Intermediate 1
          7:30-8:30 Beginners 2 / Intermediate 2
          8:30-9:30 Advanced
          9:30-12:40 Social.

          So, presuming you rock up later, you may end up missing the beginners classes. Beginners are also free to practice alongside the classes , where usually you can hang out with someone from your own class and practice.

        • citygal on 01/09/2017 - 13:15
          +1

          @gmail92:
          Never aware of this. Not enough promotion really

        • gmail92 on 01/09/2017 - 13:23

          @citygal:

          Fair enough. Promotion in terms of fliers and posters (is that what you're thinking)?

        • citygal on 01/09/2017 - 14:24

          @gmail92:
          Was never given a flier or poster. People usually approach you asking if you wanna join and that's it.

        • gmail92 on 01/09/2017 - 16:40

          @citygal:

          AFAIK I don't think he does fliers or posters - but I think they would be helpful. Honestly not too sure how he does his marketing other than Facebook (or if he does).

          Let me know if you're interested and I can talk to him about arranging a free class. :)

  • nocure on 31/08/2017 - 23:51

    https://youtu.be/Uub_Oqwefwc

  • Scrooge McDuck on 01/09/2017 - 01:26
    +1

    1) Yes.
    2) N/A.
    3) Free paella.

  • Chewie on 01/09/2017 - 02:50
    +1

    I did a year of salsa through Latin Motion. Started it to woo a girl at the time (nothing happened), but stayed because I enjoyed it and found that I was losing weight. Left because I tore my calf muscle playing badminton. By the time I healed, I was too far behind in classes.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 01/09/2017 - 10:50

      Left because I tore my calf muscle playing badminton.

      You should've left badminton.

      • Chewie on 03/09/2017 - 19:33

        I don't normally play - probably 12 times in my whole life.

    • gmail92 on 01/09/2017 - 11:57

      What would it take to get you back up and dancing? I don't think falling behind in class is a huge concern, it seems moreso just being a bit rusty and it takes a few classes to get back into the shape.

      • Chewie on 04/09/2017 - 19:10

        I guess, for me to get back into it, I would probably have to have more time, but more likely being able to choose the bits I want to relearn or learn rather than going through the whole course again.

        Besides, what with 'work', the businesses running and study, I think whatever downtime I have will be spent relaxing (or on OzBargain)

  • Colombian on 01/09/2017 - 03:22
    +1

    I KNOW how to dance salsa

    • Scrooge McDuck on 01/09/2017 - 10:51

      I know how to EAT salsa.

    • gmail92 on 01/09/2017 - 12:09

      As expected from your username :P

      • Colombian on 14/09/2017 - 09:13

        Do you mind showing me a video of how do you dance salsa around here? I have been quite disappointed after seeing some people dancing "salsa".

        • gmail92 on 14/09/2017 - 10:02

          He teaches predominantly On-1 / LA Style / Linear, so if you are familiar with Cuban/On-2/Other styles it would be different.

          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhhz_PUBArQ

        • Colombian on 14/09/2017 - 10:23

          @gmail92: That's what I thought. That is not salsa in my opinion. Too much acrobatics and few steps movements. Salsa is a combination of the two and steps are a major thing in salsa, in some cases, more important than acrobatics.

          This is an exmaple of what I'm talking about https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRDD9YTV8ts

        • gmail92 on 14/09/2017 - 15:11

          @Colombian:

          I don't think On-2 is anywhere as popular as On-1 in Sydney, so I don't think regular Casual On-2 classes are very feasible although he does run them from time to time. I think those more so interested in On-2 would go to find a studio to subscribe to which would specialise in that, and they would also be more invested in Salsa than casual classes.

  • altomic on 01/09/2017 - 08:28

    Best to start with the basics. Corn chip dancing.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 01/09/2017 - 10:52

      I prefer the chicken dance.

      • grog on 01/09/2017 - 12:10

        Beer dance for me

  • Ryanek on 01/09/2017 - 08:52
    +2

    It's a great way to socialise and meet new people. Personal hygiene is the key.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 01/09/2017 - 10:54

      Personal hygiene is the key.

      Would I have to touch a girl? 😨

      • altomic on 01/09/2017 - 11:57
        +1

        Not if the plebiscite is passed

  • one man clan on 01/09/2017 - 08:54

    I've done a tiny bit of salsa but never classes (just had friends teach me at salsa nights). I wouldn't go any further mainly because I don't like salsa music so the dancing part is a bit shit.

    I did do ceroc for a while with my wife before getting married to learn a bit for our first dance. I didn't mind the dancing but hated rotating partners constantly. I'm not hugely into dancing and went with my wife only to spend no time with her was annoying.

    This probably is of no help to your situation

  • dasher86 on 01/09/2017 - 09:56
    +1

    Experienced dancer here.

    Meet up is a common avenue for recruiting newbie salsa dancers already.
    And if you're not giving free beginner classes already good luck.
    IT is standard to give free beginner classes.

    Salsa 'babies' are the bastard childs of the IT, Finance and sometimes art students.

    • gmail92 on 01/09/2017 - 11:51

      I have done a bit of research around offerings in Sydney, and it appears most places don't offer "Casual classes", rather focused on particular blocks or sessions.

      Cheers.

      Yes, also looking around I can see almost every place also offers at least a free class.

      As you wouldn't be interested in a first free class, would you be interested in a first free social? Just out of curiosity.

      • dasher86 on 01/09/2017 - 12:50

        free salsa social? for a school starting out that would mean dancing with mostly beginners.
        Nothing wrong with that. but I prefer to dance with more experienced dancers and a event that attracts a lot of people (50+)

        • gmail92 on 01/09/2017 - 12:58

          It's not a school that has been starting out - it has been around for many years now (Not sure how many).
          I'm just having a look if I can help out bringing new people in.

          As per highlighted by citygal earlier in the thread she presumed it was for advanced dancers. I would say from what I know the Weekly Socials are 100-200, and the last Monthly Social was 200+.

        • dasher86 on 01/09/2017 - 13:31

          @gmail92:
          sounds good. I would probably already have been if i were in sydney!

        • citygal on 01/09/2017 - 17:36

          @gmail92:
          What?! That dance floor is quite small, as you cannot dance everywhere in the pub. I would be surprised if 200+ can fit in. Must be pretty crowded.

  • gmail92 on 01/09/2017 - 12:08

    If anyone is interested, let me know and I will discuss with him providing a free first class.
    Can probably talk to him about regular discounts too, if there's enough interest.

    Classes are usually follow by a few hours of social.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 01/09/2017 - 13:14
      +1

      So is free food still on the table?

      Gotta get that post workout protein!

  • BargainShopaholic on 11/09/2017 - 00:11

    Your friend could do what a lot of yoga/pilates studios do: offer a free trial class, then an introductory offer for the first month (unlimited for $xx), then if they want to continue, they can choose one of many packages that your friend already offers :)

  • anastasiastarz on 14/09/2017 - 03:35
    +1

    1) Have you ever considered learning Salsa? Yes

    2) If you haven't, is there any particular reason why? Much like church & gym, it just hasn't happened. No close locations, and perhaps a good dose of stranger danger x social anxiety in there.

    3) What would it take to convince you to come try it out? A free introductory class? Discounted beginner classes? Both. I know swing has a dance card for newbies for three dance classes.

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