Review(s): DVD The Quick & Dirty Guide to Salsa - Part 1, Beginners
Excellent beginner DVD for Cuban Salsa
Finally here is a DVD that beginners can actually learn from. Gigi does a great job at teaching the steps in a very simple manner. As far as a review that was posted about how this is not a popular dance style in the US and how it's not useful that Gigi shouts out the names of the turns, I'd like to explain a little something.
Cuban salsa (also known as Casino or Rueda, when danced with multiple partners) is very popular in Miami, DC, and now up and booming in NYC. The reason why the turns are shouted out is because when danced in a cirlce with multiple partners, all the men need to be able to start the same turn at the same time...people have even devised a sort of sign language for the turns too (in case the club is too loud).
I've been to clubs in NYC where I've been able to dance this kind of salsa...for one there is The_Underscore on 1st ave and 90-something street. I've also been to outdoor summer festivals where you can see a circle of partners doing crazy turns and switching partners (Rueda). This is a very fun style of salsa!
Teaches just steps and not how to lead or follow
Pros:
1. Good looking salsa steps
2. Instruction is clear and easy to follow
3. Different camera angles give you better perspective of steps
4. Instructor makes sure you have fun while learning
Cons:
1. The steps, although good looking, do not belong to the most popular style of salsa in the US (NY Style) which is taught at most of the dance schools. Not many people know/dance the type of salsa (Cuban Style) in this DVD. This makes it tough to dance at clubs unless the person you're dancing with has also learnt from the DVD. Also, Cuban Style is danced mostly with multiple partners in a circle and I am sure it must be very fun but you'd hardly see it happening in most of the clubs.
2. Does not teach leaders (men) how to lead, or followers (ladies) how to follow and DVD does not teach how to transition from one step to another. Infact, in the DVD instructor shouts out when she wants to transition to next step. That does not work on the dance floor, unless you and your partner have memorized steps in some order before going to the dance floor.
Suggestions:
1. The best way to learn salsa is by taking classes, and not from a DVD no matter how bestselling it is. If you really want to Salsa then it's absolutely essential that you learn to lead/follow correctly, and that you can learn only by going to dance classes by a good professional instructor.
2. If at all you want to use DVD, take salsa classes and use a DVD (this or another recent best selling one)for side-by-side self learning.
This Girl Can Dance, This Girl Can Teach, This Girl Is Cuban
It's always a pleasure to see a natural dancer teach what come naturally to her and that's Cuban Salsa. Gigi is cute, hot and Cuban. If you want to really dance Cuban Salsa, go to Cuba or go to Miami. f you want to learn Cuban Salsa at home then Gigi is your best bet.
Traditionally girls are followers. Well Gigi leads and follows and teaches both with flair. She seems like a fun chick and has a great smile. She feels like a long lost friend rather than a teacher. The multi-angle feature is really helpful. Even my neighbor Jack loves it.
If you insist on learning Cuban Salsa from video, then this is your best bet. You will Love it. Buy it. Watch it and hide your DVD remote.
For other styles of Salsa, check out Jose Neglia, Edie the Salsa freak and Jamie Josephson. Go girls go.
Yes Jack, part 2 is on its way. Can I have my remote back now?
Related DVD's The Quick & Dirty Guide to Salsa - Part 1, Beginners
The Quick & Dirty Guide to Salsa 2 is a no-nonsense dictionary of beautiful Salsa moves or turns as they call it in Miami. Much faster paced than The Quick and Dirty Guide to Salsa 1, this DVD is a life-saver. Like it's super attractive main instructor Gigi, this DVD is very low in fat. There are no dull moments. Sans self promotion and fluff talk, Gigi's teaching style is fast-paced, to the point and concise. You will love her friendly style of teaching.
If you are going broke paying for expensive Salsa classes, you will save thousands of dollars with this treasure chest of 31 great Cuban patterns. Gigi and Pedro has packed at least 6 months worth of dance lessons on this DVD. It is the biggest bang for your Salsa bucks.
A word of caution: This DVD is not for... More Info about this DVD DVD Release Date: Released the 28 February 2005 Usually ships in 24 hours
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The Salsa Series, this being Part 1 in a 5-part series on learnign this dance, the instructions are clear and direct and even two left feet will find the Salsa moves. Following the instructions that are so carefully laid out will make a dancer out of anyone.
The Salsa lessons are prefaced with a rich description of the style; positions; moves and history of this Latin dance. Viewers will be able to apply these steps to other forms of Latin dances as the Salsa is a good point of reference.
Moira Denike, a very beautiful and talented dancer provides a visual lesson in the art of Salsa with Evan. They are a good dance partnership. Their patient repetition of the steps will certainly help to ensure that viewers practicing the moves will be able to dance like... More Info about this DVD Actor(s): SalsaCrazy.com DVD Release Date: Released the 25 March 2005 Usually ships in 24 hours
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I purchased this dvd after reading all the reviews, hoping for the best.
Although the instructor was qualified in dance, the exercise part seemed mostly watching and waiting. Once the actual dancing gets going, it is tough!
I already gave the workout to someone else, and will just go back to tried and true basics, with Richard Simmons.
If you plan on going on tour, buy this workout. If you just want music and some fun in exercise, don't buy this dvd. More Info about this DVD DVD Release Date: Released the 24 October 2003 Usually ships in 2 to 4 weeks
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This DVD does everything correctly. It starts with good simple exercises, explains them completely with excellent close-up camera work all the time. No dead time with just talking. It's all dancing - a full hours worth - with clear running explanation of what you are watching. Highly recommend - The Tango Fundamentals.
A really good introduction for beginners who are too shy to actually take real dancing lessons. Go for it ! More Info about this DVD DVD Release Date: Released the 22 August 2003 Usually ships in 24 hours
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