WHAT IS SALSA? Good question...

Salsa, in the musical sense, is a contemporary musical style, which draws influences from a number of other types of music and cultures. It is often described as Afro-Cuban from the influence of those cultures on the rhythms that are prevelant. It was also an outgrowth of the earlier Mambo scene in this country.

Salsa, in the dance sense, is a simply a dance that expresses the rhythms found in Salsa music. It too, has roots in Mambo and other latin dances such as Cumbia and Charanga. Many of the steps in Salsa can be extended to those dances.

WHAT IS GOOD ABOUT SALSA? Lots of things...

Salsa has a drving beat that makes people want to dance, and the dancers of Salsa, or "Salseros" express that in moves ranging from very intimite, to intricate. Salsa is *our* music and dance, because it draws influence from many places, and it can be done in many different ways. There are no rules or regulations, just the fun of moving to the music and feeling good.

You won't find Salsa in the ballroom competitions, because it is too nebulous to mold into the rules by which those competitions are judged.

Salsa brings together people of many ages and cultures, which share an interest in the music and dance, and that in itself is a very good thing! It is simply the most popular and romantic dance today.

Nothing really... except that it can be very addicting.

SALSA DANCE LESSONS AT CAFE COCOMO

Each Salsa night that Cafe Cocomo is open, free Salsa dance lessons are offered for no extra charge (free with admission to the club) between the hours of 8PM and 9PM. So, if you come a little ealier you can take a class to learn the basic step and new patterns. Salsa Classes are taught by Jake and Techi on Thursdays & Saturdays.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR THE LEADERS?

Moves! Leaders can always use more variety to their dancing to keep the followers interested. But beyond moves, learning the basics of what makes up patterns will help the leaders understand dancing better and move towards making up their own patterns or expressions of the music.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR THE FOLLOWERS?

Instructions are usually directed towards the leaders when learning patterns. So, what's in it for the followers?

Well, in addition to breaking down the leaders directions, the followers are instructed on where and how to move with each pattern.

Their footwork is also broken down when the patterns require more than the basic step. This gives essential insight into the kinds of movements that they are expected to do, and how to best follow the lead. Following the lead of a variety of dancers make you more versatile and allows you to have more fun dancing with any type of dancer.

HOW DO THE CLASSES WORK?

Classes at Cocomo appeal to a wide range of dancers. For the beginners, all classes start with the basic step, so that people just starting out can learn the step and participate in the dancing later to get more practice.

The first part of the lesson typically includes the basic footwork and rhythym, and a single turn for the followers.

Following that, several patterns are usually taught, which employ the basics and also go beyond to new types of moves.

Often times both a beginning and intermediate pattern are taught. People attending the class do NOT need to have a partner or sign up ahead for registration. All classes are drop-in, and we change partners often, so that you can experience dancing with a variety of people, which is very helpful for improving your skills.

Intermediate dancers will benefit from the classes by learning new patterns each week. Patterns are rarely repeated, so that by attending classes regularly, leaders can build a large repertoire of moves.

Similarly, followers learn the kinds of things to expect while dancing, as well as tips for following intricate moves.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR THE LEADERS AND FOLLOWERS BOTH?

Both partners will learn more detail about patterns, as well as hints for leading and following certain moves well. Learning more of the patterns and the nuances of each of them will lead to your ability to lead/follow with any dancer. Salsa Classes by Jake and Techi www.SalsabyJake.com All classes are free w/admission, no partner necessary.

ABOUT JAKE

Jake teaches group and private Salsa dance classes from basic technique to intermediate and advanced levels. Classes are fun and give people the confidence they need to have fun on the dance floor! Jake has studied and taught Salsa for over 12 years in the S.F. Bay Area, and has spread the S.F. style in clubs worldwide.

He has taught at many night clubs around the Bay Area with a total class attendance of over 50,000! Classes are taught with all dancing levels in mind, going into detail about the patterns taught, and the means with which to make them fun to dance, and attractive to watch.

Classes are kept light too, so that even those dancers struggling with new moves for the first time feel at ease and remember that dancing is for fun! Techi started dancing 10 years ago, and her sensual style and great dance technique are irresistable.

Jake has been dancing for 14 years and his teaching methodology and sense of humor has become a favorite in the Bay Area Salsa scene. For more information, please visit www.SalsabyJake.com