Question # 23

Dear Jami

I've been reading your forum and have noted some
really interesting points regarding teaching salsa.  I
wonder if you would take a quick look at my up and
coming situation and give me some advice.

I've been dancing salsa/merengue for a little more
than 3 years now and been teaching beginner level here
in Dublin for the last 18 months or so at my local
club.

In July I'm moving to Turkey to live and work, and
whereas Istanbul has an established salsa scene of
about two years, Izmir, the city I'll be living in,
only has access to classes and social dancing events
in tango, cha cha cha and waltz - not an ounce of
salsa to be found anywhere in this region.

In saying that, I've been in contact with two dance
studios who've both offered me part time teaching
work, desperate to bring salsa into the city - seems
their students have been asking about learning salsa.

How would you suggest I go about 'pioneering' this
dance form? 

I know that in one respect, it should be easy for me
because I would have NO competition, but on the other
hand, with the lack of male salsa partners, I think
I'll have some problems keeping up and also furthering
my own dance level. 

Any tips?

Thanks

Liz Irvine

Hi Liz...

Thanks for your email... I know it can be tough when you don't have a partner to work with in a new city let alone somewhere to maintain and further your training and practice your own salsa...but definitely find a partner who is easy to work with asap...train him as best and fast that you can so you can go out and show off since you'll be new in town...Salsa/Mambo is a wide spread of styles and has lots of history, I always say the more info you know the better the teacher you'll become...most of all try and keep up your own training so that your always ahead of the game! I do know a very good dancer from NYC that goes to Turkey (Ankara) somewhat now and again (She has family there)...I believe she teaches workshops there...here name is Rebecca Sweet and her partner is from PR. I'm sure she can help you if you need any info on salsa there for what ever the reason...you can write to her and said I sent you...here email is rebeccalynnsweet@hotmail.com

Also may I recommend that occasionally see if you can gather your soon to be new students and have them help you bring in outside instructors for demos and teaching...that will also help you stay alive with you dancing...and if you like to travel ... do so! to other places that do offer good dancing and training such (Like the Salsa Congresses and Events)...just remember that if you keep yourself going on a learning upswing you'll always feel good within yourself as well within your teaching

Which = great students to hang out with!

OK..hope that pep talk and advice helps...If you do have any other question’s do feel free to ask!!!

Take Care and Good Luck IN Turkey!

Jami

PS...May I post this on the Instructors forum?

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