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SalsaNewYork Reviewed Instructor:
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Compiled by Manny Siverio INSTRUCTOR
REVIEW Louiss class very much reflects Louis himself. Its
organized, simple to follow, yet places special attention to detail and
dance tips. Louis has that unique ability of putting people at ease with
his jolly easygoing nature. But dont take this as an act of weakness,
but rather as one of his main strengths as a teacher (especially when it
comes to teaching beginners). He is one of the few people I know that
respects his own skills and abilities, yet who can still step back and
laugh at himself. It shows students that its okay not to be perfect,
its okay to misstep or occasionally screw up because it even happens to
the better dancers (they just know how to cover it up better). Louis loves to teach beginners. Its not that he cant
teach higher student levels (i.e. immediate level, etc.), its just that
he prefers teaching beginners over more advanced mambo practitioners. I
guess you can say its what he likes to specialize in and because of the
satisfaction he derives from teaching them. Its this caring that has
given him this MIDAS TOUCH with many newcomers who have walked into
his class. He loves to see newcomers master the basics much like
parents love to see their children master most rudimentary skills. Its
also why he prefers small group classes. He likes to monitor individual
student progress and hates to see newcomers get lost between the cracks.
In other words allow for more personalized attention and interaction
between student and instructor. Teaching to Louis is not just about making
numbers ($) but in producing students who can go out there and have fun
dancing. LOUIS'S
MAMBO CLASS Every class is divided into two halves. The first half of
the class focuses on open floor shines (solo dancing or steps). Louis
carefully breaks down each step and drills the class repeatedly until he
feels everyone is comfortable with the move. Each step is verbally broken
down and rehearsed to the count of the clave before being practiced to
slow music. The idea is for the new dancer to get the feel of the motion
as its being done to slow music and not race through it as if it were a
mambo footwork obstacle course. New steps (shines) are gradually
added until a simple routine (sequence of moves) is created. The rate in
which steps are taught is determined by each classs learning curve. The second half of the class focuses on partner dancing.
Louiss main goal in this section is to instill good partnering habits.
In other words provide a solid foundation in his students leading (male)
and following (female) skills. Its easy to teach students hundreds of
turn patterns, but its not so easy to show them how to physically
communicate with one another on the dance floor. They have to learn
and experience first hand what it means to be connected to another
person while dancing. A turn pattern is illustrated to the class. Louis
will break down and practice portions of the pattern until the group can
do it from beginning to end. Partners are rotated so that everyone has a
chance to practice with everyone else. As each week progresses, newer turn
patterns are added to older patterns taught in previous weeks. Combining
the new with the old serves as a review for the class. This will keep the
material fresh in the students mind, give them an opportunity to brush
up on past skills and help them develop confidence for the dance floor.
The really cool thing about Louiss class is that after the 8 week cycle
is over, he will schedule what he calls a group field trip to places like
Jimmy Antons Bi-Monthly Social Dance. Its the best present he could
give to his students (to get them out of the class and onto the dance
floor). Louis makes it a point to dance with all his students and help get
their feet wet in the wonderful world of social dancing. Louiss
Style in a nutshell
Class Schedule: New Group Class Starting dates are pending. Please contact Louis directly for further information.
3lasses are
subject to change without notice
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Classes are taught in 8 week cycles. Each class within the cycle is
organized so that the skills learned one week will help in the development
of skills learned in following weeks. Its about teaching a strong
foundation to build upon, much like learning to use interchangeable pieces
of a puzzle. No matter what piece you start with, youll always come up
with the same picture.