Tip #2 for Instant Improvement

My second tip for rapid salsa progression would seem to contradict the title but is definitely a key driver in those that progress quickly; all those that follow this tip find themselves in a much better place compared to their peers.

My second tip is to “Master Less Material“.

I want to approach each of these words individually to discuss why this is such an important tip.

Master – many people in Salsa spend a lot of time dancing and taking classes but rarely do they master any element of their dance. Mastering content mentally, physically and musically is something that many dancers do not do as they dissect and understand their dancing. This especially applies when it comes to the basic techniques of the dance where I have seen a lack of mastery hamper progression.

Tip: Each week take one thing that you have learnt and really break it down mentally, physically and musically.

Less – less is much more in terms of dancing. In a world where we take whatever we can, we can easily become addicted to the act of hoarding. Take a step back and take your time with regard to classes. Do not rush through and make sure that each class is really absorbed.

Tip: For every 1 hour of classes that you attend practice the material for 5 hours.

Material – We attend a whole host of classes at the start of our journey but it is normally after a few years that we finally get the courage to decide on how we actually like to dance. This means that for a long period of time we are doing things that do not feel natural to us but doing them for the sake of it.

Tip: Think about what you have in your toolbox as a dancer and start the assessment and filtering process now. What you like you keep and what you don’t like, remove.

I gave a three-word statement but now I would like to expand this and say:

“If you want to progress more rapidly you will have to take a step back and assess what part of your repertoire resonates strongly within you and then master these mentally, physically and musically. This will form the base which you will build on and from this base you will add carefully selected and masterpieces of expression.”