Levels at iFreestyle.ca

Each dance school describes level and pre-requisites in their own way.   At iFreeStyle.ca there are 3 broad levels; Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. Occasionally classes may combine levels (ie Beg/Int, Int/Adv).  The level reflects the difficulty of the material being taught.  

level assessments

An in-person assessment is required to participate in Intermediate or Advanced level classes.  Level assessments are free and scheduled directly with an instructor. ​

In some cases, "graduation assessment" may be available to move to the next level.  This includes a combo (shines and/or partner work) that will be assessed either live or by video.  Contact us for more information.  

SEE BELOW to begin a level self-assessment!

self-assessment

Below is a checklist to help self-assess your salsa level.  While instructor permission is still required, this self assessment will help you know which skills you need to acquire or refine before advancing to the next level of classes

Beginner

I have little or no prior salsa dance experience. I dance Salsa On1 or other style (not Salsa On2). I have little or no social dance experience. I need help from teacher or experienced partner to start or maintain salsa on2 timing.  I have years of experience but I want to refine my foundations because the are the most important ;)

Expires on day used

Intermediate

I am comfortable starting and maintaining Salsa On2 timing on my own for whole songs.   I know when I’m off time.   I am comfortable with right turns, left turns individually and in partner work. I can lead/follow cross body leads with and without turns. I can lead/follow in & out (copa). I can lead/follow basic checks. I have >6 months social dancing experience. I can lead/follow to slow and mid-tempo speed songs. I have years of experience but I want to refine my foundations because they are the most important ;)

Expires on day used

Advanced

All of the following can be executed in class and in social dancing I have solid salsa on2 timing.  I don’t need assistance to start and stay on time.  I can help less experienced dancers keep time.  I can consistently execute multiple turns on my own and in partner work (minimum double spins right and left).  I am able to adjust my lead/follow to the level of my partner. I am comfortable dancing shines to songs of varying speeds (slow, mid-tempo or fast).   I'm always up for the challenge! I have years of social dancing experience.

Expires on day used

Below is a checklist to help self-assess your salsa level.  While instructor permission is still required, this self assessment will help you know which skills you need to acquire or refine before advancing to the next level of classes.

Beginner

• I have little or no prior salsa dance experience.
• I dance Salsa On1 or other style (not Salsa On2).
• I have little or no social dance experience.
• I need help from teacher or experienced partner to start or maintain salsa on2 timing. 
• I have years of experience but I want to refine my foundations because the are the most important ;) 

Intermediate (all can be executed in class and in social dancing) 

• I am comfortable starting and maintaining Salsa On2 timing on my own for whole songs.   I know when I’m off time.  
• I am comfortable with right turns, left turns individually and in partner work.
• I can lead/follow cross body leads with and without turns.
• I can lead/follow in & out (copa).
• I can lead/follow basic checks.
• I have >6 months social dancing experience.
• I can lead/follow to slow and mid-tempo speed songs.
• I have years of experience but I want to refine my foundations because they are the most important ;) 

Advanced (all can be executed in class and in social dancing) 

• I have solid salsa on2 timing.  I don’t need assistance to start and stay on time. 
• I can consistently execute multiple turns on my own and in partner work (minimum double spins right and left). 
• I am able to adjust my lead/follow to the level of my partner.
• I am comfortable dancing shines to songs of varying speeds (slow, mid-tempo or fast).   I'm always up for the challenge!
• I have years of social dancing experience.

progressing to the next level

A commonly asked question is "when can I move to the next level?".  Firstly, there's TONS... correction... an endless amount to learn in salsa!  

GENERAL ADVICE
If your goal is to dance well, and look/feel natural (yourself and with a partner) and have a lot of fun because it feel soooo good: 

1. Don't rush through foundational skills (basics, timing, partner connection etc).  They are the building blocks for each next level of skills.  Rushing a rookie mistake that many make. 
2. Consider prioritizing quality over speed and quantity because what you do impacts both you AND your partner.  Consider yourself warned.

YOUR JOURNEY IS UNIQUE
Each level at iFreeStyle.ca contains a lot of material; moves, music & timing, partnering, connection, musicality, body movement and technique!  Each level teaches skills that prepare you to absorb the material in the next level.   The speed of your progression to the next level depends on a many factors, which vary person to person:

• Your level of interest.  How hungry are you? How much do you love it?
• Your level of dedication to improving.  How bad to you want it?
• Your speed of learning/skill of learning.
• Your ability and willingness to accept feedback from trusted individuals (teachers/experienced dancers).
• Your social dancing experience.  How often do you social dance? How available is social dancing in your area?
• Your quality and frequency of practice.
• Your understanding of music.  Do you understand timing, rhythms, patterns, instrumentation?
• Your prior dance experience.  This can work "for" or "against" you, depending on your habits and style of dance.