Learn to Salsa Dance Video Series, Vol 1: Salsa Dancing Guide for Beginners

The approach to instruction is great, the teachers enthusiatic, but oddly they chose to wear dark clothes in a dark setting making it hard to closely follow what's going on.

Moira and Evan, the teachers for Learn to Dance Salsa Beginners' volume 1 are excellent. They seem to be very patient and in tune with the needs of new Salsa dancers. They were intricate in their description of the counts and the movements that needed special attention in order to properly do the basic step. In addition to the basic step, some simple turns are taught and information on Salsa etiquette is provided via the special features included on the DVD.

I was apprehensive when I first used this DVD. My inaugural experience was a group social at the local community center-a "meet and greet" others new to the area kind of thing. But it turned out to be a really good experience because almost everyone in there was new to Salsa. I can't say we all walked away premo Salsa dancers but it's been a month and I still remember the basic step pretty well. Says a lot about the instruction on DVD. It was a lot of fun, so much so I ordered the DVD for myself the following week. Should be arriving any day now.

You can buy volumes 1-3 now in a single 3 pack DVD set so this review is for all three of the first volumes for beginners. The DVDs have three divisions: the dance lessons, an etiquette tutorial, and some history or out-takes. The lessons are nicely paced but you realy need a partner to learn the steps well. Since the focus is on learning to dance in clubs space you don't need a ballroom sized area but you will need a good open space to practice in. The lessons have two distinct sets of instructions: for the leader and for the follower. While the couples teaching are male and female and fall into the traditional roles, I was pleased that the series does not use gendered terms because others may wish to Salsa too. I also liked the fact that these are average looking folks having fun -- no fancy costumes or heavy make-up, no supermodels or movie stars. It makes it more accessible.

The Learn to Dance Salsa series by Salsa Crazy is a great teaching tool. It's very easy to follow. The instructors offer ample opportunities for students to pick up the dance steps that are being taught and the producers of the video have included picture-in-picture type camera angles of the hands, hips, and /or body so that students can see, without reservation, what they should be doing.