There is Freedom in Steps

When I look at salsa dancers, good salsa dancers or dance in general, I see extraordinary freedom of movement. That amazes me until i realise the effort that was taken to achieve that freedom. It then amazes me even more. Freedom then is achieved from the brain to the extremities.

Allow me to explain.

What does it take to achieve that freedom? What level of commitment is required? And does one want to be free?

When I observe beginners signing up to a 10-week term of salsa, I see nervousness, excitement and trepidation. Their first steps are painfully slow and agonised. Body movement is stiff and awkward and there are many shy, embarrassed looks. These people aren’t free, they are tortured! But it’s all good, really :)

Teaching is conducted slowly and the progress of the students is gradual. Moving too fast can result in frustration which leads of course to loss of students. Teaching too slowly can also result in loss of students since there may be others that learn quickly. So you don't want that. Strike a balance.

Getting back however, to that word freedom: I like it and depending on which dictionary you consult, one of its definitions is independence which is another word that i like.

Learning begins from the brain to the extremities. What this means is that as you observe an action that is being taught and you are asked to perform that action, you most likely will experience frustration because the step or movement appears to be hard. It IS in fact hard! Your brain will be telling you, 'yes i know how to do the movement' but your body (extremities) is simply not complying.

The key then is careful observation of the instructor in action and repetition. Repetition so that the extremities can catch up to the brain, so that the extremities develop 'muscle memory'.

Depending on how much practice one puts forth will dictate how quickly you achieve that freedom. Let me slow down at this point. Your probably asking yourself: 'ok ive learnt the steps, Ive learnt how to isolate various parts of my body and I’ve learnt to move in that 'salsa fashion'. Where then is my freedom?

Ah, good question! You see, freedom/independence is achieved WHITHIN those narrow confines of steps that you learnt in that basic first term. Its an amazing feeling performing movement that has been formally taught to you and to then express that movement within your own parameters, your own individual creativity (I don't want to say 'expressing your self'), your own character. It can only get better.

So to answer those 3 questions at the beginning of this post: there is definitely a ratio of commitment/effort coupled with time to achieving freedom within salsa. As to 'does one want to be free?’ Of course!