Improvers' Salsa Certificate

You have achieved this level if you are competent in the following:

Time dancing: typically 6-10 weeks or more

Timing: you understand that salsa is danced to an 8-count rhythm. You may have difficulty finding the strong beat (the 1), but when the teacher counts for you, you can stick with the 123 567 rhythm.

Moves: You can do, comfortably, the following steps (see video clip below):
- Mambo (basic step) - Side step - Opening out - Back step - Suzie Q
- Right turn
- Cross body lead - cross body open

Leading / Following Skills: you understand that salsa is all about leading and following rather than dancing a set choreography. Leaders: you can mix up the moves that you learnt in beginners and put them together in different ways. Followers: you can follow all the beginners moves even when the guy leads one you are not expecting.

Intermediates' Salsa Cerificate

You have achieved this level if you are competent in at least the following:

Time dancing: 2 to 6 months

Timing: you can find the strong beat (the 1) when asked to do so, though you may go off beat from time to time with certain moves.

Moves: cross body inside turn on both sides - cross body outside turn, on both sides - left split turn - copa - guys' hook turn

Leading / Following Skills: leaders, you underatand about leading her along the line or on the spot, and not inbetween. You lead in assertive, clear lines and are starting to be able to lead some moves with minimal arm tension and others with stronger tension where appropriate. Followers: you are agile enough to move quickly when he leads you without him having to drag you, but at the same time, not racing beyond his lead, and hence anticipating his lead.

Advanced Salsa Certificate

When you have achieved this level you will have competence in at least the following:

Timing: You can find and stay on the 1 throughout the song and are starting to incorporate musicaility into your dancing.

Moves: ladies' double right spin - guys' double right spin - ladies' double left spin - 'slalom' - double cross body - walk-around moves

Leading / Following Skills: leaders - you can keep good timing, not speeding up through the easy moves or slowing down for the more difficult ones. You can lead a good double ladies' spin and double cross body. Followers, you have learned to not anticipate the moves or lead yourself and can match your arm tension to his as appropriate.