The level 0 class is for complete beginners with little or no prior knowledge of Salsa. We take everything very slowly for the first couple of weeks before ramping up on the content. Our aim in the level 0 class is to give the students a solid base of fundamentals in a fun, relaxing manner whilst maintaining the highest educational values. We want every one of our students to be able get out onto the social dance floor as soon as possible. We don’t believe in teaching “fluff” so there’s nothing in any of our classes that a student wouldn’t use on the social dance floor, no dips, no tricks, no “magic” leads. More than that everything we teach in a class acts as a foundation for something that we will teach in future classes. It might be next week, next month or next year but there’s nothing we will teach in any of our classes that you will not use at some point.
There is one thing you will hear us repeat pretty much at least once, every class:
5 Minutes practice every day is all it takes, little and often
Regular practice of the “little things” like basic step, cross body lead, back charges, etc will make you the dancer you want to be.
mambocollective
Author
Novice Introduction
Introduction
Welcome to the new learners and how these courses work and support your weekly group classes
Lesson 1 of 3 within section Novice Introduction.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
The Syllabus
All of the Mambo Collective studio classes run to one or more 12 week syllabuses.
Here’s the syllabus for the Level 0 Novice class
Lesson 2 of 3 within section Novice Introduction.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Lesson 3 of 3 within section Novice Introduction.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 1
Week 1 – Footwork
This weeks footwork covers all of the basic steps.
Lesson 1 of 5 within section Week 1.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 1 – Partnerwork
This weeks core partnerwork technique – Dancing in Closed Position
Lesson 2 of 5 within section Week 1.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 1 – Daily Practice
This weeks daily practice video covers all of the basic footwork to slow paced counted music.
Lesson 3 of 5 within section Week 1.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 1Â –Â Thoughts For The Week
We take things easy for the first couple of weeks. Many people who attend our classes have never done anything like it before. Just hang in there.
Lesson 4 of 5 within section Week 1.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
FAQ
When we start out we all have a keen desire to progress as quickly as possible and part of this progress is a hundred and one questions that we need answering.
Lesson 5 of 5 within section Week 1.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 2
Week 2 Preamble
We review everything from last week in detail, but at a quicker pace. We introduce Suzie Q.
Lesson 1 of 5 within section Week 2.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 2 – Footwork
This week we add Suzie Q to the footwork
Lesson 2 of 5 within section Week 2.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 2 –Â Partnerwork
We review dancing as a couple
Lesson 3 of 5 within section Week 2.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 2 –Â Daily Practice
The daily practice for this week includes the new shine, Suzie Q.
Lesson 4 of 5 within section Week 2.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 2 –Â Thoughts For The Week
This week saw us review in detail everything you learnt in week 1. This is the only time we will review everything in such detail. From next week on we will only review newly introduced information in great detail.
Lesson 5 of 5 within section Week 2.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 3
Week 3 – Preamble
This week we introduce what is probably the most important partnerwork concept in New York style Salsa, the Cross Body Lead.
Lesson 1 of 5 within section Week 3.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 3 – Footwork
This week we review the shine Suzie Q
Lesson 2 of 5 within section Week 3.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 3 – Partnerwork
This week sees the introduction of one of the most fundamental techniques of New York style Salsa, the Cross Body Lead.
Lesson 3 of 5 within section Week 3.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 3 – Daily Practice
This weeks daily practice incorporates Suzie Q to a new piece of music.
Lesson 4 of 5 within section Week 3.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 3 – Thoughts For The Week
This week we’ve learnt the basic footwork and lead and follow for the most fundamental partnerwork concept, the Cross Body Lead.
Lesson 5 of 5 within section Week 3.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 4
Week 4 – Preamble
The Cross Body Lead is 80% of the dance, it needs to be mastered.
Lesson 1 of 9 within section Week 4.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 4 – Social Dance Showcase
This week we showcase Melanie Torres and Gabriel Perez.
Lesson 2 of 9 within section Week 4.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 4 – Footwork
This week we introduce a new shine, Double Front Cross
Lesson 3 of 9 within section Week 4.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 4 – Cross Body Lead Revision
The Cross Body Lead (CBL) is such an important concept that we need to ensure it’s as perfect as possible. Take time to review last weeks partnerwork class, especially the common issues section.
Lesson 4 of 9 within section Week 4.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 4 – Partnerwork
We extend the cross body lead technique into cross body lead with an open break. Again this is one of the most fundamental techniques of New York style Salsa.
Lesson 5 of 9 within section Week 4.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 4 – Partnerwork: The Followers Perspective
We examine the cross body lead into open break from the followers perspective.
Lesson 6 of 9 within section Week 4.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 4 – Daily Practice
Daily practice this weeks incorporates the Double Front Cross
Lesson 7 of 9 within section Week 4.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 4 – Leaders Extra Daily Practice
An extra practice video but for LEADERS only. Video drills Cross Body Lead and Cross body open break
Lesson 8 of 9 within section Week 4.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 4 – Thoughts For The Week
This week saw the introduction of the cross body open break partnerwork. This is now getting more like proper dancing!
Lesson 9 of 9 within section Week 4.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 5
Week 5 – Preamble
This week sees the introduction of the basic right turn. We break this turn down in detail during the footwork video for this week.
Lesson 1 of 7 within section Week 5.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 5 – Social Dance Showcase
This week we feature Milton Cobo (USA)
Lesson 2 of 7 within section Week 5.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 5 – Footwork
The basic right turn is the first axial turn that we teach and its technique is fundamental in all such turns.
Lesson 3 of 7 within section Week 5.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 5 – Partnerwork
This week the leaders learn how to lead a basic right turn.
Lesson 4 of 7 within section Week 5.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 5 – Daily Practice
We drill all the shines including the double front cross to a new track.
Lesson 5 of 7 within section Week 5.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 5 – Leaders Extra Daily Practice
Leaders get an extra 5 minute per day practice to drill their cross body lead footwork.
Lesson 6 of 7 within section Week 5.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 5 – Thoughts For The Week
EVERY piece of partnerwork we will teach from now on will ALWAYS have at least one crossbody in it. You can’t give it enough attention.
Lesson 7 of 7 within section Week 5.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 6
Week 6 – Preamble
We introduce a new piece of footwork, a shine called half lefts, whilst also revising the basic right turn footwork we learnt last week.
We went over in detail the cross body lead open break into a followers basic right turn. Our first real partner combination. This week we added a basic right turn for the leads as well.
Lesson 1 of 7 within section Week 6.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 6 – Social Dance Showcase
A Social dance showcase with a a difference this week.
Lesson 2 of 7 within section Week 6.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 6 – Footwork
A new shine this week, Half Lefts
Lesson 3 of 7 within section Week 6.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 6 – Partnerwork
This week we extend last weeks partner work by adding a right turn for the leaders.
Lesson 4 of 7 within section Week 6.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 6 – Daily Practice
This weeks daily practice includes the new shine, Half Lefts
Lesson 5 of 7 within section Week 6.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 6 – Leaders Extra Daily Practice
Extra daily practice for the leaders. A new track and cross body lead, right turn footwork drilling.
Lesson 6 of 7 within section Week 6.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 6 – Thoughts For The Week
We’re now starting to put together little combinations of things and the basic steps and shines should be feeling much more natural now.
Lesson 7 of 7 within section Week 6.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 7
Week 7 – Preamble
At the week 7 or week 8 mark it’s probably time to start thinking about getting out to some social dancing events.
Lesson 1 of 6 within section Week 7.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 7 Social Dance Showcase
his weeks show case is a lovely dance by Julio Rojas & Jessica Quiles
Lesson 2 of 6 within section Week 7.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 7 – Footwork
This week we introduce inside turn footwork. Its the first “pivot” or “travelling” turn and is applicable to leaders and followers.
Lesson 3 of 6 within section Week 7.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 7 – Partnerwork
We practice a new piece of partnerwork this week which introduces a right to left hand lead for the right turn.
Lesson 4 of 6 within section Week 7.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 7 – Daily Practice
Daily practice this week drill all of the shines so far including half lefts to a new track.
Lesson 5 of 6 within section Week 7.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 7 – Thoughts For The Week
Tips for mastery of Forward Intention
Lesson 6 of 6 within section Week 7.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 8
Week 8 – Preamble
Accurate and compact pivot turns are a core technique that must be mastered as a follower. This week we go over them in detail again.
Lesson 1 of 9 within section Week 8.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 8 – Social Dance Showcase
This weeks showcase is a little different. Just to show you that Salsa isn’t just for the clubs with nice floors, smart cloths, etc.
Lesson 2 of 9 within section Week 8.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 8 – Forward Intention
Forward intention is a vital concept to understand and learn, especially for followers.
Lesson 3 of 9 within section Week 8.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 8 – Inside Turn Revision
Review and drill inside turn footwork we learnt in week 7
Lesson 4 of 9 within section Week 8.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 8 – Footwork
This week we learnt Front and Back Crossovers.
Lesson 5 of 9 within section Week 8.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 8 – Partnerwork
In the partnerwork this week we learn hand changes and another right turn combination
Lesson 6 of 9 within section Week 8.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 8 – Hand Change Exercise
A short and sweet exercise for leaders to practice their hand changes.
Lesson 7 of 9 within section Week 8.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 8 – Daily Practice
Our 5 mins daily practice now includes the new front and back cross over shines.
Lesson 8 of 9 within section Week 8.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 8 – Thought For The week
Well over half way through the class cycle. If you’re still here then you’re doing better than many.
Lesson 9 of 9 within section Week 8.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 9
Week 9 – Preamble
Followers, it’s important that you can perform inside turns without a partner. You shouldn’t be relying on the leaders for your own balance.
Lesson 1 of 6 within section Week 9.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 9 – Social Dance Showcase
This week another random couple dancing at a social.
Lesson 2 of 6 within section Week 9.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 9 – Footwork
A review of front and back cross overs.
Lesson 3 of 6 within section Week 9.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 9 – Partnerwork
This week we look at how to lead and follow a basic inside turn.
Lesson 4 of 6 within section Week 9.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 9 – Daily Practice
Our 5 minutes per day practice now contain front and back crossovers.
Lesson 5 of 6 within section Week 9.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 9 – Thought For The Week
We’re over half way through the syllabus and things will start to get a bit tricky. There’s so many things for you to remember and practice, it can seem overwhelming.
Lesson 6 of 6 within section Week 9.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 10
Week 10 – Preamble
Things should be getting a little clearer and cleaner by now. Leaders will be starting to join things together under their own steam and followers should have lost the “deer in the headlights” look when they’re following.
Lesson 1 of 6 within section Week 10.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 10 – Social Dance Showcase
Lesson 2 of 6 within section Week 10.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 10 – Footwork
This week we combine 2 basic shines to make a 3rd – Cross Over Suzie Q
Lesson 3 of 6 within section Week 10.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 10 – Partnerwork
This week we extend last weeks inside turn combination.
Lesson 4 of 6 within section Week 10.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 10 – Daily Practice
This weeks daily practice includes the new shine, Cross Over Suzie Q
Lesson 5 of 6 within section Week 10.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 10 – Thought For The Week
Lesson 6 of 6 within section Week 10.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 11
Lesson 1 of 6 within section Week 11.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 11 – Social Dance Showcase
Lesson 2 of 6 within section Week 11.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 11 – Footwork
We review last weeks footwork of Cross Over Suzie Q
Lesson 3 of 6 within section Week 11.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 11 – Partnerwork
The partnerwork this week extends last weeks and adds an extra right turn for the followers
Lesson 4 of 6 within section Week 11.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 11 – Daily Practice
This weeks daily practice, again includes Cross Over Suzie Q
Lesson 5 of 6 within section Week 11.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 11 – Thought For The Week
Lesson 6 of 6 within section Week 11.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 12
Lesson 1 of 6 within section Week 12.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 12 – Social Dance Showcase
Lesson 2 of 6 within section Week 12.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 12 – Footwork
The footwork for this week introduces the Hook step
Lesson 3 of 6 within section Week 12.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 12 – Partnerwork
We again cover a new inside turn lead and mix it up with a right turn combination
Lesson 4 of 6 within section Week 12.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 12 – Daily Practice
This weeks daily practice covers ALL the shines we’ve learnt in the novice class.
Lesson 5 of 6 within section Week 12.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
Week 12 – Thought For The Week
Lesson 6 of 6 within section Week 12.
You must be a logged in member of the studio classes to access this course content.
