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Salsabristol's Teachers
| Wayne |
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Wayne started dancing salsa in 2006.
Not being the fastest learner he found it hard as a beginner to learn the turn patterns, keep the timing, lead the leads and think about what move to lead next without putting in 10 or 20 mambos first.
He decided that so many others must struggle in a similar way that a new method could be taught in the form of weekly courses as opposed to drop-in classes. Having given much thought to this and realising that this wasn't being done elsewhere (certainly not in the South West) he spent the next 18 months travelling the West Country trying different teachers and learning not just what works but also learning what doesn't work so well! This concept soon became popular and several companies have tried to copy a similar format, without the same success!
In 2008 Wayne set up his first class teaching a beginners course in South Bristol. His fun and charismatic style of teaching brings laughter to the arena and the courses allow pupils to learn at their pace in a safe environment. Such is the popularity of these courses that there are now at least four teachers available each night all taking different levels and teaching varying levels of technique and styling. There are now six courses running each Thursday night.
Since beginning on his teaching career Wayne has taught workshops for entertainment companies; stag and hen nights, at salsa parties, choreographed and taught wedding dances and notably for the International Bristol balloon Fiesta. Wayne was most proud of this appointment but feels having four of the Red Arrow pilots take part in his lesson was a highlight of his career to date. In fact, the pilots enjoyed the group lesson so much that they later asked for a private lesson.
In 2010, he was approached by the local authority to teach salsa to primary school children which he found a most challenging but enjoyable experience. His teaching experience continues to grow having now taught in Bristol's new shopping Centre 'Cabot Circus' as well as for several charities including Oxfam and Mencap.
Wayne strives to improve on his teaching capabilities and teaching methods on a daily basis. When a pupil can not understand instructions; it is his teaching methods he questions rather than the students' ability to learn.
Wayne believes, and has proven he can teach anyone to dance, from 6 year old children to adults with learning difficulties to mass crowds to small classes!
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| Billy |
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Billy is well known on the local Salsa scene and is a popular character where ever he goes due to his fun, friendly, relaxed and upbeat personality. Billy's first love was listening to good music but this grew to dance when he started dancing in nightclubs.
"I wanted to start Salsa for ages but because of work was never able to commit to any regular nights. I wanted to give Salsa 100% not go into it half-heartedly. I finally started Salsa dancing in 2006 and have loved every minute of it. I have learnt many styles of Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha Cha, Reaggaeton etc from different teachers and again I love it all. I have attended many weekenders and hope to attend many more now and in the future; I have won a couple of competitions when on weekenders one Bachata and one Merengue."
"I have always wanted to learn to teach and got the chance with Salsabristol in 2008. The reason for wanting to teach is to pass my experience and love of dance on to others. There is so much fun to be had from Salsa, not just the dancing but also the great social side ."
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| Aga |
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Agnieszka is also known locally as Aga and we'll let you work out why!
She started dancing at the tender age of eight and for the next few years trained in contemporary dance which included many different styles and techniques. The outcome of this was performing in groups at theatres around her home country in Poland. These performances told stories to children similar to the 'Nutcracker suite', some of these shows lasted several hour's which at took a lot of hard work and dedication from one so young.
Her interests in dance styles have changed; when she was 15 she started dancing various styles of ballroom. Aged 24 she discovered the beauty of Salsa and its various forms, Bachata, Merengue, Cha Cha Cha and Reggaeton. Aga loves all the different combinations of Salsa and feels mastering just a few of them can give you so much confidence on the dance floor. She believes that no matter who you are dancing with there are so some many moves and turn patterns you never get bored.
She loves bringing her fun and flamboyant personality into her dance and thinks this can only be done by styling. "This can be learnt within just a few short weeks but with good practice everybody can look like intermediate dancer."
Aga believes that Salsa music is easier to find the rhythm than many others and you don't have to follow strict rules like in ballroom dancing; it is fun, more enjoyable and suitable for everybody at any age.
Aga loves teaching and passing on advice/tips, as well as observing people's progress, feels is one of the best feelings she experiences as a teacher.
"All you need to have as a student in motivation!"
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