What is SalsaCraze?
SalsaCraze is one of the largest student organizations
at the University of Miami. It was founded over a decade ago and our primary
objective is to instruct anyone and everyone in the ways of Casino style Salsa.
We have a fun loving inclusive culture and want to enable people to implement
what they learn relatively quickly while still achieving technical mastery over
the dance.
What’s a
typical lesson like?
We arrange into 5 circles (ruedas) depending on
level. The group lesson begins. There are 4 to 5 songs played per hour. Then,
we repeat the same structure for the intermediate hour.
How much
does it cost?
$25 per semester. Approximately 13 weeks, two
lessons per week. Average dance school prices range from $8-$12 per lesson
depending on membership type.
Do I have to
be a student to join?
Officially, I think so. Unofficially our membership
has been open to everyone.
Do I need a
partner?
No, since we dance in a big circle and are
constantly switching, no partner is necessary. If you want to bring someone,
great, but you won’t stay with them the whole night.
What if I
don’t dance?
That’s fine. I don’t dance either. I got made fun
of for like two years when I started. Now I make fun of those people who made
fun of me while I triple spin in their presence to make them dizzy.
What if my
grandmother taught me salsa and I’m like amazing already. Can I become an
instructor or start in like super advanced level 10?
No. Being located in Miami we attract a variety of
people who have varying degrees of Latin dance experience. Some more than
others. Some much less than they thought. Since we have a syllabus, hand signs,
named moves, and a general order of things, it is best to progress through our
levels, learn everything and take it from there.
What time
and where are classes?
Classes start at 7:00PM on Wednesdays and 6:00PM on
Fridays. The first hour is beginner’s, the second intermediate, the third (Friday
only; still figuring this out) usually advanced, sometimes Bachata. I believe
we will be located primarily in two places this semester. The Multipurpose room
of the BankUnited Center’s Fieldhouse and the Storm Surge Café on the first
floor of the University Center. Please check https://www.facebook.com/groups/SalsaCraze
as we post events, location changes, and other pertinent information.
What if I
miss a class? Do I have to come Wednesdays and
Fridays?
You do not have to attend every session. Our
classes are structured so that every single time there are beginners levels 1
thru 5, intermediate 1 thru 5, and so on. Theoretically you could start the
last week. You do not have to come both days per week. You can join at any
point during the semester. It is beneficial, but not necessary.
Do you get
paid?
No. Our board is comprised of students and our
instructor corps are volunteers.
How do I
dress?
Dress comfortably. You may sweat so keep proper hygiene
in mind. Sneakers do not perform well because they stick to the floor. Leather,
suede, plastic, and wood bottom shoes are best. No flip flops please.
How long
does it take to get good?
Good is a relative term. Someone with even the
slightest musical inkling and coordination can manage to bring some pride to
our club in about 1 year coming twice per week and practicing 1 other day on
their own or with a partner. Some people are gifted and look good after two
weeks.
Are there a
lot of place to go out dancing in Miami?
Yes
Do you do
other types of dances?
As you progress and start hitting the streets you’ll
notice that more than just Salsa is being played. To keep you happy and coming
back we do regularly teach Bachata. Merengue takes about 1 minute to learn, and
cha cha cha isn’t too common here in Miami so we usually don’t teach that.
Sometimes we’ll have an LA Style Salsa workshop as that is the predominant
style of Salsa in the world, but it is usually best to stick with one style for
a year or two before confusing yourself.
Are there
events during the semester?
Our events include: after lesson parties, winter
social, end of year banquet, beach day, Halloween party, and weekend workshops.
We also attend en mass other events like Dancing with the U Stars, football
games, and certain other events.
Is this a
good place to meet the guy/girl of my dreams?
Yes and no. There are a ton of people that you get
to interact with and touch and talk to on a weekly basis, so we offer a unique opportunity
there. You may become so engrossed in salsa that the thought of dating a non-dancer
is abhorrent. On the other hand, you may prefer to keep those two realms
separate so that your significant other doesn’t know all the sordid details
about nightlife. Single people really enjoy the freedom and flexibility of
dancing with whoever however with no repercussions. Couples develop great
chemistry and are always guaranteed a partner.
Where can I
see all the moves?
Here: http://www.salsacraze.org/um/Site/Content/?c=Syl3
and then you can search for the videos here: https://www.youtube.com/user/medianochesalsa
What is the
demographic of attendees like?
Naturally quite a few college aged. Every major,
undergrad, overgrad, and nevergrad. Here’s a rough guesstimate.
|
50%
|
13%
|
27%
|
10%
|
|
18-22
|
23-27
|
28-32
|
33+
|
