TLC Frequently asked questions re Salsa and Tango in Southampton

Catering for Absolute Beginners with 2 (or more) left feet!

Oh yes we do!

Salsa on Wednesday and Thursday nights cater for absolute beginners each week. No matter which week you arrive, there will always be 2 classes for you, with a break in the middle. (See classes page)

Tango is structured a little differently in that we cater for Absolute Beginners on the first Tuesday of each month - ie 7th Feb, 7th March 2006 etc) and run a course for 4/5 weeks, after which you will progress into the 'Improving Beginners' class held at the same time with another teacher. (See clases page)

Do I need to book in advance?

You only need to book for our Tango beginners course due to the limitation of a relatively small hall. Otherwise no requirement to book in advance, just turn up, pay on the door and have a great evening out.

What do I wear?

Shoes are the most important thing in dancing - but clothes are essential !
Dancing requires any shoe with a smooth sole that will stay on your foot when raising your heel - therefore normal trainers or sling backs are not advisable.

As for clothes, wear anything comfortable that allows freedom of movement, ie no long pencil skirts - but they're out of fashion now boys anyway! Within Tracie’s Latin Club, the evenings are quite smart-casual - some people wear jeans and others glam it up. So it's entirely what you feel most comfortable in.

Do I need to bring a partner?

No need to bring anyone as we rotate the partners for you. This actually makes you a better dancer than just dancing with one person all the time. So come on your own or bring friends, it doesn't matter as there are loads of people starting with you at the same time.

How do I progress?

On a Wednesday evening, we have 4 salsa teachers at Woodlands, East Southampton (see classes) - teaching classes at different levels but concurrently in 3 areas of the school. After the first week as an Absolute Beginner, you will progress into the Recent Beginners and then after a couple more weeks you will be in the Veteran Beginners. The fourth teacher takes the Improver and Intermediate classes when you are ready to further your salsa career.

The Thursday classes have 3 teachers teaching Absolute Beginners, Recent Beginners and Improvers/Intermediates, but as there are smaller numbers than on a Wednesday, you receive more individual attention.

Our Friday club is more of a 'freestyle' evening when you can really let your hair down. The Improver class is for students who have a competent grasp of the basic step, a couple of turns and the Cross Body Lead. The Advanced class gives you all the latest moves but the pace is fast and furious and students should have been dancing for at least a year.

The more you practice the more you will improve. Attending Salsa more than once a week will really help you retain the moves and you will feel more comfortable when it comes to the freestyle section. Like anything else in life, the more you put in, the more you get out!