Where did Salsa originate from ?

Salsa was born in Cuba and was a synergy of three distinct types of music, the music of the indigenous Cubans,  the African rhythms of the slaves brought by the Spanish Conquistadores and the music that they brought from Spain.
The only way that the poor and oppressed people could feel free and happy was through their music,  it was often their only way of expressing their emotions - through music and dance.
Salsa music and dance has evolved into something very different nowadays with many diverse styles but you can still here the echoes of it's origins.

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What style of Salsa do you teach at Salsa Perú?

At Salsa Perú the most important thing I teach is that Salsa is fun and is supposed to make you feel good.  I find that a mixture of styles is best to attain this goal e.g.  it's fine dancing in lines if you are in a salsa club in New York where everyone else is doing the same but in the real world you need to have the ability to move around the floor - sometimes to find more space and sometimes to avoid drunks waving cigarettes around.  Later if you wish to restrict yourself to one style then that is your choice but I encourage you to try to develop your own style - within the basic ground rules that include consistent and clear leads from the men and an ability to follow for the women.
Remember that if the three genres of music that were the parents of Salsa had restricted themselves to their own style we would not have salsa and the world would be a poorer place.

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    Where can i find Salsa Peru ?

At present lessons are being held in the restaurant La Bodeguita Cubana in Hatunrumiyoq 487.

Lessons for larger groups will be available at Barracuda when suitable premises are found.  During the day there will be private lessons and in the early evening there will be free beginners classes each night from 7.30pm.  Please watch the What's New and Barracuda pages for information on opening dates.

 

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What is the maximum no of people in a class?

At present four due to space limitations but this will change when we move to larger premises at Barracuda.  Meanwhile if you have more than four in your group why not consider the complete package with Salsa Peru at La Bodeguita Cubana?  Please see the Events page for details

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Do I need a partner?

If you are a complete beginner then for the first lesson you will be concentrating on learning the basic steps and techniques and a partner is not always necessary for this.   For later or more advanced lessons if you do not have a partner then one can be provided.

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What kind of clothes and shoes should I wear?

Comfortable clothes are best,  you should be aware that you can get very warm while dancing so layers are best.  Likewise shoes should be comfortable and well fitting,  soft shoes are best.  Salsa shoes for women traditionally have 2 1/2 - 3 inch heels but ultimately it is a personal choice and you should wear what you feel happy in.

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Where can I dance when I'm ready to progress beyond lessons ?

There are few places in Cusco where it's possible to dance salsa,  some play only a little and mix it with other music.  Salsa Peru arranges regular nights out for students and teachers to enable you to enjoy salsa outside the classroom.  Remember that teachers at Salsa Peru teach because they love dancing salsa.

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Can Salsa Peru provide dancers for shows and events ?

Yes,  please contact Janice using the details on the "Contact Us" page to discuss your requirements.

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I've heard there free Salsa classes in Cusco

Several places in the centre of town offer free classes but these can be unreliable and mainly concentrate on Rueda Casino and learning moves rather than the fundamental skills of dancing salsa that are observed worldwide.   Best thing is to try them and make up your own mind.

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How do I cope with dancers and/or teachers who try to get closer than I'm comfortable with?

This is a question that seems to be asked more and more by young girls visiting Cusco and is a sad reflection on a certain minority of guys here.  Salsa is a dance for two people and if one of them is uncomfortable with the distance or level of physical contact then it should not be tolerated.  

If you are offered private lessons be sure that you are comfortable being alone with the person as inappropriate behaviour is a common problem.   If in doubt ask if your friend / boyfriend can accompany you,  if the answer is no then you can draw your own conclusions.

At Salsa Peru all lesson are taught by Janice alone or with a  male member of the team and boy/girlfriends are welcome to watch.   Lessons are never offered without Janice being present so if you are offered lessons by anyone else claiming to work for Salsa Perú please be suspicious and contact me immediately.

Remember the Salsa Peru rule number one - if you're not enjoying it you're doing it wrong or with the wrong partner - Salsa is fun and should make you feel good!

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