Taking it to a higher level
Amanda Richards | Georgetown, Guyana | 09/09/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you haven't mastered the basics of Salsa as yet, look no further. Go back and get the Beginners box set, which will show you the right way to dance Salsa via informal and fun sessions with qualified instructors.
If you've already graduated from the Beginner level, and are really serious about dancing, this DVD and the accompanying Volume 2 will give you all the tools and secrets to make that Salsa dream come true. Using the same techniques as before, the instructors make it easy. Each step is broken down to basics, one movement at a time, and then repeated over and over to give you enough time to get it right. This means that you don't have to stop dancing and replay the section continuously. Evan Margolin teaches with a passion and makes it fun, and his partner makes it look easy also.
The accompanying music is infectious and lively, and really gets you in the mood for serious dancing. Even if you think you already know it all, or just need a quick refresher on your way to the "America's Got Talent" auditions, this series can help you become a better dancer.
Amanda Richards, September 9, 2006
"
Instructor is giggly and talks 'way too much off the point.
M. Singletary | Houston | 07/14/2007
(2 out of 5 stars)
"The male instructor in this video is so annoying that it is difficult to pay attention to the instructions. He surrounds the necessary instructions with a huge amount of off-the-point verbiage, so that I quickly lost all patience waiting for him to get to it. Too, the constant big grin and giggles are really irritating.
That said, the patterns taught in this video are useful, especially from the leader's standpoint. Some of the intermediate level videos I have seen show great patterns, but most of the showy stuff is the province of the follower. Here the leader, as well, has a chance to show off. However, it is my very personal view that the greatest dancing DOES show off the follower primarily. When the follower is just marking time while the leader spins, to me it appears that he should be doing freestyle or shines, not partner work. My instructors have always insisted, "Just as a picture to appear at its best requires a frame, so each half of a couple requires the partner. In dancing, the follower is the picture, and the lead is the frame.""