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!

Do a self-assessment!

Before jumping into the next level, use the checklist to self-assess your Salsa On2 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 ;)

Instructor Assessment not required to join beginner level.   Instructor Assessment required to progress to intermediate level

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 ;)

Instructor assessment required to progress to next level.

INTERMEDIATE

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 have awareness of myself and my partner.  I can 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.

Instructor assessment required to progress to next level.

progressing to the next level

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 >>> How quickly/easily can you pick up material and master it?
• 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 >>> Do you practice outside of class with regular frequency?  
• 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.

GENERAL ADVICE 

1. Understand your goals - be great social dancer, look & feel natural, have fun, perform, master certain movements etc. 
2. Invest in the basics - timing, partner connection, music, technique etc.  They are the building blocks for each next level of skills.  Rushing a common rookie mistake.
3. Consider prioritizing quality over speed and quantity because what you do impacts both you AND your partner.  Consider yourself warned.
4. Consider your impact to other students in the class.  

What can i do to speed up my progress?

1. Make it a goal to progress.  
2. Be consistent in practicing.
3. Social dance regularly to put what you learn into practice. 
4. Develop self-awareness.
5. Actively listen to salsa music regularly.

Characteristics of great dancers

Experienced dancers

• Continually invest in their basics because they know the return on investment is high
• Are moved and inspired by the music (not just beats or noise in the background) and seek to learn about artists, flavours, instruments 
• Enjoy connection with their partner.  Partners are more than just a body.  
• Seek continuous learning and feedback.
• Are self-aware