Frequently Asked Questions...
What should I wear to classes?
Classes are very relaxed, so wear whatever makes you comfortable. Some people come straight from work and enjoy dancing in their suits, and others rock up in jeans or gym wear. It’s really up to you! For higher energy classes, we suggest stretchier clothes that allow more room for movement, and perhaps a towel if you think you’ll work up a sweat. Reggaeton and Ladies Styling classes certainly require stretchy work out clothing, and high heels for ladies styling and sneakers for reggaeton! For all classes, footwear MUST be strapped on your feet. A general rule of thumb is, if it may fly off, it’s not right. For partner dancing, ladies should not wear heels that are overly high, and men should not wear something with a rubbery sole to avoid sticking to the floor.
How are the Group Classes structured?
All our classes run for 1 hour unless otherwise stated. Our Salsa group classes are structured in levels as follows:
Salsa Level 1A (Absolute Beginners)
Salsa Level 1B (Beginners)
Salsa Level 2 (Improvers)
Salsa Level 3 (Intermediate)
Salsa Level 4 (Inter/Adv)
Salsa Level 5 (Advanced)
Here at Spin City, we teach extremely high calibre classes with technique that follow international standards. Thus, we recommend that you try the class below your existing level when coming in for the first time! Absolute beginners, Level 1A is perfect for you with a slow steady learning of the fundamentals, and moving up to Level 1B when you're ready to learn more!
In addition to our regular weekly group classes, every week we have different Workshops in many different styles, levels, technique, and purpose. They can be a spinning class one week, to a cha cha or bachata class, from reggaeton, to a performance course. Check our upcoming page for our monthly workshop lineup!
What are private lessons for?
Private lessons are excellent for covering intricacies in technique that are not always possible in a group setting. The one-on-one attention you get during a private class is unparalleled for assuring continuing improvement in your dancing. Whether you are seeking to improve your styling, lead, follow, footwork or performance moves, a private will help you iron out issues and improve steadily.
Regular private lessons will assist you in moving through each level without hiccup. We do have an enrolment plan that includes complimentary group classes for those of you that would like an ongoing progression in learning! Private classes can be taken one on one, or with a dance partner, and with both male and female instructors.
Having ongoing private classes are a popular option but are by no means compulsory – here we like you to learn the way you would like to, and if that means you would like a single private lesson once in a blue moon, amongst a ton of group classes, that’s fine too. There are no lock ins, no courses of privates, and certainly no penalty for just doing a single class. Contact us to book a lesson in!
What are Shines (in partner dancing)?
Normally Salsa is a partner dance, danced in a handhold. However sometimes dancers include shines, which are basically solo "show-offs" and involve fancy footwork and body movement and isolations, danced in separation. They are improvisational breaks, but there are a huge number of "standard" shines, which are taught to improve rhythm, timing, musicality and body movement.
Shines fit best during the percussive sections of the tune, but may be danced whenever the dancers feel appropriate. Typically, shines are great as the dancer can express their own individual and unique interpretation of the music. They are also a good recovery trick when the connection or beat is lost during a complicated move, or simply to catch the breath.
One possible origin of the name shine is attributed to the period when non-Latin tap-dancers would frequent Latin clubs in New York in the 1950s. In tap, when an individual dancer would perform a solo freestyle move, it was considered their "moment to shine". On seeing Salsa dancers perform similar moves the name was transposed and eventually stuck, leading to these moves being called 'shines'
Which of the instructors should I have lessons with?
All our instructors can be viewed on our instructors page. Our team is a friendly and extremely fun one, with great personalities and fantastic attention to detail and technique. All instructors are handpicked and trained personally by Sharon Pakir, and are all part of her professional performance team that tours internationally. In addition to professional level performance training, all instructors go through rigorous ongoing staff training to ensure an enjoyable experience for you.
In choosing a teacher, we suggest coming down to a group lesson or two and meeting all of us. We’re all pretty nice so you may be spoilt for choice, but you’ll get an idea of what you’d like in an instructor, and be able to book in with them at that time.
How do I join one of your performance teams? Is there an audition?
We have a range of ongoing performance teams to suit all levels of dancer, from beginner to professional. Whilst we don't audition for the student teams, we usually do have pre-requisite courses or workshops and class levels for them. Our instructors will guide you to the appropriate team for your level having had a preliminary dance with you. For more information about the Spin City performance teams, refer to our Performance & Comps Teams page. To request one of our teams (or all of them!!) perform at your event, please contact us.