sprite-bulb Info:

sprite-oneday  Booking a course

Booking:
In order to balance the numbers of men and women attending, the courses are advance booking only.
Our online booking system accepts credit and debit cards via the secure SagePay payment gateway. I never see your credit card details, but this means I cannot take your credit card details over the phone.
Currently Streetbeat Gift Vouchers are booked via the telephone 07939 012231

Changing a Booking:
Once booked, you are committed to coming and if you don't show no refund will be given.
However, if you need to postpone please call me (don't email) with as much notice as possible and I will do what I can to help. My priority is to those attending the course regarding balanced numbers of men and women etc.
I charge a fee for transferring a booking:-
Transfers with 3 days or more notice = £10 per person.
Transfers with 2 days or less notice = £15 per person.

sprite-oneday  Do I need a partner

You do not need to book with a partner as our booking system balances the number of men and women booked onto the course.
Couple will be required to mix and change partners throughout the day.

There are three main reasons for this policy:
Salsa is a social dance where the 'club culture' is to change partners and dance with many people within the club. The Salsa Rapido method is obliged to reflect the local club culture within our classes.

You will learn faster and better by dancing with many different dancers. The more you can experience a wide range of leading / following skills the better you are prepare for the clubs. Also within a class good practice is spread through changing partners, where couple that stay together often compensate for one bad practice with another. This would make it difficult to dance with anyone else.

In a full day course relationships can be strained through over familiarity with each other. This often leads to unpleasant exchanges.

If you have issues relating to you or your partner dancing with other people, this course and maybe salsa dancing in general may not be for you.

sprite-oneday  Beginners 1-Day Intensive Salsa

Welcome to the Salsa Rapido 1-Day intensive salsa course.
Five hours of expert salsa tuition in a single day so you get beyond the basics sooner and better. The Salsa Rapido 1-Day Intensive is the first and most successful course of its kind in the world. It combines clear communication, fun and psychology so you not only know the ‘how ‘ of salsa but the ‘why’.
The course is led by Alastair Sadler who’s been teaching salsa professionally since 1995.
For Improvers full day salsa courses visit
Salsa Rapido i2i courses

Prices Held for Salsa Rapido 1-Day Intensive Courses (including Gift Vouchers).

‘Couples now £79 saving £51! Offer code ‘2024’
‘Singles’ now £49 saving £16! Offer code ‘2024’

For Gift Vouchers, no offer-code is required.
Vouchers are valid for bookings made within six months. (I'll always extend if you ask :)
Gift Vouchers

sprite-oneday  Oxford Salsa Intensive

The Salsa Rapido 1-Day Intensive Course for Beginners comes to Oxford on
Saturday 25th February 2023.
It’s a full day of salsa followed by an optional, free intro to Mambalsa Dance.

Quick start your way into salsa dancing with the Salsa Rapido 1-Day Intensive course.2019
It’s the first and the most successful course of its kind available with over 10,000 people having attended. It's been awarded the TripAdviser Certificate of Excellence 2019 and the TripAdviser Travellers Choice 2022.
Whether you dance for fun, friendship or just to feel fabulous the day definitely lives up to Salsa Rapido’s strapline: The fast n’ fun way into salsa.

Goal: Get through the beginners level in a day so you can go dancing, and have a heap of fun along the way
Style: There are several significant regional styles of salsa and Salsa Rapido draws from them all to form a foundation course totally relevant to all styles. In addition there’s an exploration of the psychology of social dancing and it’s benefits.
Presented by: Alastair Sadler professional salsa teacher since 1995.
Location: Old Fire Station Arts Centre, 40 George St. Oxford OX1 2AQ map link
Times: Doors open at 10am for 10.30pm start until 4.30pm (lunch 1.30-2.30pm)
Attire: Comfortable clothes and shoes ideally smooth soled.
Cost: £49 singles and £79 couples with offer code ‘2023’
Couples are one leader and one follower and everyone swaps partners.
The booking system does its best to balance the number of leaders and followers.

Included Free is my Intro to Mambalsa 5-6pm (same location)
Mambalsa is a new partner dance that is easy to learn and works to any 4:4 time music.
Everyone leads and follows and it comes with an ethos of well-being at its heart.
To book click Book Now! and choose a Oxford date

sprite-oneday  Cambridge Salsa Intensive

Salsa Rapido 1-Day Intensive Course for Beginners comes to Cambridge.

Hello Cambridge!
It’s time to get salsa off the to-do-list and onto the dance floor.
I’m delighted to announce that the Salsa Rapido 1-Day Intensive Salsa Course for Beginners is coming to Cambridge on Saturday 11th February 2023.
It’s a wonderful experience and definitely lives up to Salsa Rapido’s strapline: The fast n’ fun way into salsa.

This course is usually held in Soho London. It's now in it's 20th year and was not only the first intensive salsa course in the world but is certainly the most successful.
In 2019 it was awarded the TripAdviser Certificate of Excellence 2019 and TripAdviser Travellers Choice 2022.

Goal: Get through the beginners level in a day so you can go dancing, and have a heap of fun along the way.
To gain an understanding of salsa through the perspectives of the mechanical (what to do), relational (how we interact) and psychological (our emotional response).
Style: There are several significant regional styles of salsa and Salsa Rapido draws from them all to form a foundation course totally relevant to all styles. In addition there’s an exploration of the psychology of social dancing and it’s benefits.
Presented by: Alastair Sadler professional salsa teacher since 1995.
Times: Arrive 10am for 10.30pm start until 4.30pm (lunch 1hr) Saturday February 11th 2023
Attire: Comfortable clothes and shoes ideally smooth soled.
Cost: £49 singles and £79 couples with offer code ‘2023’
Couples are one leader and one follower and everyone swaps partners.
You can book as a couple or as single and the booking system does a fine job of balancing the number of leaders and followers.
Location: Holiday Inn (North Cambridge) Lakeview, Bridge Rd, Impington, Cambridge CB24 9PH Google Map Link
We’ve found a great dance studio inside the Holiday Inn, so there’s free and easy parking for drivers and it’s less than 15mins bike ride from central Cambridge.
Times: Doors open 10am 10.30 - 4.30pm

To book click Book Now! and choose a Cambridge date

sprite-oneday  Our Guarantee

We offer a simple no quibble guarantee.
If you do not feel, for any reason, that you have achieved the level to wished,
you may repeat the course within two months for FREE.

Our business is to teach salsa so that people can enjoy the salsa scene.
For some people it takes a second go at the course before they're ready to move on.

Our guarantee is there as a safety net for those who might struggle.
Those who choose to use the guarantee find it very easy second time around.
People can also use it to be with friends that they have recommended to book.

sprite-oneday  Balanced Men and Women



Balanced numbers of men and women are essential for a full day course.
It prevents you chopping and changing from leader to follower or sitting out part of the time.
Note- All advanced salsa dancers can lead and follow. It about acquiring skills not gender.
Most people expect and are comfortable to learn the traditional roles first.

You do not need to book with a partner as our booking system balances the number of men and women booked onto the course. Sometimes I have to form a waiting list if too many men or women want to book. Please don't be put off by the waiting list as we nearly always offer places to everyone on the list. Generally ladies book early (they're organised) and men book late! The waiting list covers the gap in the middle. We also use the waiting list to make up for last minute transfers etc.

Couples will be required to mix and change partners throughout the day. (not optional)
There are three main reasons for this:
Salsa is a social dance where the 'club culture' is to change partners and dance with many people within the club. The Salsa Rapido method is obliged to reflect the local club culture within our classes.

You will learn faster and better by dancing with many different dancers. The more you can experience a wide range of leading / following skills the better you are prepare for the clubs. Also within a class good practice is spread through changing partners, where couple that stay together often compensate for one bad practice with another. This would make it difficult to dance with anyone else.

In a full day course relationships can be strained through over familiarity with each other. This may lead to unpleasant exchanges.

If you have issues relating to you or your partner dancing with other people, this course and maybe salsa dancing in general may not be for you.

sprite-oneday  Download Fact Sheet

To make life a little easier I've put all the infomation about the London 1-Day Intensive courses in a single PDF file for you to download or view.

1-Day-Intensive-factsheet.pdf
Don't forget to click save or download when it opens.

sprite-oneday  Why go on a full day course

Reasons for the 1-Day Intensive, as opposed to a longer weekly course are :
Hate the idea of weeks at beginners level.
Catching up a friend who can already dance salsa.
Certain to drop out of regular classes before getting to 'club Standard'
Get fit / change of life style.
Going on holiday to a salsa region.
Getting married (first dance)

sprite-oneday  Locations in London

The Salsa Rapido courses may be held at other locations depending on the date.
You can check the location here...
View Course Dates
Please go to the correct one :-)

Our main location is:
Salsa! Soho

96 Charing Cross Rd
Leicester Square,
London WC2H 0JG

Map Link

Tube: Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road

sprite-oneday  Is online booking secure

Our on-line booking system is as secure as possible.
In fact we no longer see your credit card details, ever!
Our system rounds up the details of how many people, how much to pay and which date etc. Then you and this information is sent to our payment company called Sage Pay who process your card details and then send you back to us.
The drawback with this system is that we cannot take your credit card details over the phone.

sprite-oneday  Why do you have waiting lists

We want to offer the best course possible and that means balanced numbers of men and women (see why have balanced numbers).
Please don't be put off by the waiting list as we nearly always offer places to everyone on the list.
Generally ladies book early (they're organised) and men book late! The waiting list covers the gap in the middle.
We also use the waiting list to make up for last minute transfers etc.

sprite-oneday  Salsa Soho location

Salsa! Soho
96 Charing Cross Rd
near Leicester Square
London WC2H 0JG

Map Link

Tube: Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road (It's half way between them)

Courses are held different locations depending on the date.
Other locations and date's can be checked here: Locations in London
If you are unsure please text me 07939012231 but I cannot reply after 10am on the day of the course :-)

sprite-oneday  Salsa Temple location

Salsa! Temple
Temple Station,
Victoria Embankment,
London WC2R 2PH
Map Link
Tube: Temple

Salsa Rapido courses are held different locations depending on the date.
Other locations and date's can be checked here: Locations in London
If you are unsure please text me 07939012231 but I cannot reply after 10am on the day of the course :-)

sprite-oneday  Oxford Old Fire Station Location

Old Fire Station Arts Centre,
40 George St.
Oxford OX1 2AQ
map link

sprite-oneday  Edinburgh Salsa Intensive

The fast ‘n fun Salsa Rapido® teaching method returns to Edinburgh as London Salsa professional Alastair Sadler brings you:

Wednesday 17th January 2018 Edinburgh Salsa Intensive.
An evening of intensive three hour salsa workshops 7pm to 10pm.
Location: The Foxy Fiddler Bar & Kitchen, 192 Morrison St, Edinburgh EH3, use Haymarket station. Map Link

Book as a single or a couple, the booking system balances the numbers of men and woman.
Open for ages 18+
Prices:
£35 singles
£50 couples*
£30 University Students
BOOK NOW!
* a couple is defined as one leader and one follower, traditionally: one man and one woman. All leaders dance with all followers and vica versa.

Salsa Rapido® method uses humour and popular psychology to speed your learning, making it a fast, fun alternative approach to learning salsa. It’s aim is to get you up to ‘club competence’ and beyond as soon as possible, while helping you to avoid many of the bad habits and pitfalls.
Salsa Rapido method works for all regional styles of salsa, enabling you to dance with anyone from anywhere.

For Beginners:

  • Salsa Rapido is simply the fastest and most fun way into salsa, so let’s get dancing.
  • There’s no slog and no stress just easy core moves and clear explanation.
  • We’ll pinpoint the skills of leading, following, looking good and having fun on the dance floor.
  • I’ll introduce you to the seven rules that make salsa a lot less complicated.
  • You’ll gain a clear insight into where style and your confidence comes from, why things go wrong and a practical approach to going from clunky to mastery.

If I’ve missed something just call/text me on 07939012231

Reviews:
Check out my 5 star reviews on TripAdviser

I LOVED IT. Alistair is a gifted teacher. He makes everyone feel great. Even the absolute beginners were bobbing along fine. I enjoyed the exercises which were playful and easy. And made me understand how the emphasis on different beats within the salsa rhythm can change. Is that why different men dance so differently? And I loved every word that Alistair explained about theory. A fountain of knowledge.
THANK YOU! Please come back soon!

B. Edinburgh (from my last course in Edinburgh Oct. 2017

Brilliant class, brilliant teacher. Alistair makes it very accessible for literally anyone, however much you may lacking in the rhythm department. Breaking the ice with humour he ensures everyone is at ease very quickly which results in people dancing naturally. He is not prescriptive so gives you space to have fun with it! Definitely highly recommend! K

Do it. Now. I should have done a course like this years ago. W

Fantastic class, very enjoyable, lots of laughter and great results! R

Felt I could manage a basic salsa by the end of the day. Would highly recommend.” J

Alistair is a brilliant engaging teacher who approaches the day with good humour and high energy. J

Alistair is a fun teacher with deep knowledge about salsa (over 25 years of teaching) which he shares in a humorous, but very precisely thought through way. G

Awesome classes! These classes make it easier to learn the psychology of Salsa through fun, energetic and intensive sessions. R



Alastair Sadler has been teaching salsa professionally in London since 1995.
He has developed and refined the progressive teaching method called Salsa Rapido®.
Many of his projects have helped define salsa in the UK:
The Salsa Rapido One Day Intensive course (The world's first and most successful intensive course, still running weekly in London)
Editor of Email Salsa News from 1999 -2007.
He hosted the UK's first ever weekly Bachata course at Salsa Camden.
In 2001 he choreographed & performed a solo demo (with a mop and office chair) at several congresses and events throughout Europe.
His TV credits as performer and/or choreographer include Baby Father I & II, Casualty, Happiness, Auf Weidersehn Pet and the BBC Ident.

Every year since 2011 he has performed Stand Up at The Edinburgh Fringe festival, and taken five full run shows there since 2014.
In 2012 he created a new partner dance called Mambalsa which is currently used for corporate events.
There are many Projects still to come.....

sprite-oneday  Glasgow Salsa Intensive

After over twenty years of teaching salsa in London, Alastair Sadler brings the fast ‘n fun Salsa Rapido® teaching method to Glasgow.
Thursday 18th January 2018 Glasgow Salsa Intensive.
An evening of intensive three hour salsa workshops 7pm to 10pm.
Location: Sloans, The Argyll Arcade, 108 Argyle St, Glasgow G2 8BG, use Glasgow Central or Argyle St. Map Link

Book as a single or a couple, the booking system balances the numbers of men and woman.
Open for ages 18+
Prices:
£35 singles
£50 couples*
£30 University Students
BOOK NOW!
* a couple is defined as one leader and one follower, traditionally: one man and one woman. All leaders dance with all followers and vica versa.

Salsa Rapido® method uses humour and popular psychology to speed your learning, making it a fast, fun alternative approach to learning salsa. It’s aim is to get you up to ‘club competence’ and beyond as soon as possible, while helping you to avoid many of the bad habits and pitfalls.
Salsa Rapido method works for all regional styles of salsa, enabling you to dance with anyone from anywhere.

For Beginners:

  • Salsa Rapido is simply the fastest and most fun way into salsa, so let’s get dancing.
  • There’s no slog and no stress just easy core moves and clear explanation.
  • We’ll pinpoint the skills of leading, following, looking good and having fun on the dance floor.
  • I’ll introduce you to the seven rules that make salsa a lot less complicated.
  • You’ll gain a clear insight into where style and your confidence comes from, why things go wrong and a practical approach to going from clunky to mastery.

If I’ve missed something just call/text me on 07939012231

Reviews:
Check out my 5 star reviews on TripAdviser

I LOVED IT. Alistair is a gifted teacher. He makes everyone feel great. Even the absolute beginners were bobbing along fine. I enjoyed the exercises which were playful and easy. And made me understand how the emphasis on different beats within the salsa rhythm can change. Is that why different men dance so differently? And I loved every word that Alistair explained about theory. A fountain of knowledge.
THANK YOU! Please come back soon!

B. Edinburgh (from my last course in Edinburgh Oct. 2017

Brilliant class, brilliant teacher. Alistair makes it very accessible for literally anyone, however much you may lacking in the rhythm department. Breaking the ice with humour he ensures everyone is at ease very quickly which results in people dancing naturally. He is not prescriptive so gives you space to have fun with it! Definitely highly recommend! K

Do it. Now. I should have done a course like this years ago. W

Fantastic class, very enjoyable, lots of laughter and great results! R

Felt I could manage a basic salsa by the end of the day. Would highly recommend.” J

Alistair is a brilliant engaging teacher who approaches the day with good humour and high energy. J

Alistair is a fun teacher with deep knowledge about salsa (over 25 years of teaching) which he shares in a humorous, but very precisely thought through way. G

Awesome classes! These classes make it easier to learn the psychology of Salsa through fun, energetic and intensive sessions. R




Alastair Sadler has been teaching salsa professionally in London since 1995.
He has developed and refined the progressive teaching method called Salsa Rapido®.
Many of his projects have helped define salsa in the UK:
The Salsa Rapido One Day Intensive course (The world's first and most successful intensive course, still running weekly in London)
Editor of Email Salsa News from 1999 -2007.
He hosted the UK's first ever weekly Bachata course at Salsa Camden.
In 2001 he choreographed & performed a solo demo (with a mop and office chair) at several congresses and events throughout Europe.
His TV credits as performer and/or choreographer include Baby Father I & II, Casualty, Happiness, Auf Weidersehn Pet and the BBC Ident.

Every year since 2011 he has performed Stand Up at The Edinburgh Fringe festival, and taken five full run shows there since 2014.
In 2012 he created a new partner dance called Mambalsa which is currently used for corporate events.
There are many Projects still to come.....

sprite-oneday  Star of Kings location

The Star of Kings is a shabby chic bar/club in the heart of London's King Cross cultural area.
Only eight minutes walk from Kings Cross tube it located close to King Place theater and Granary Square.

Star of Kings
126 York Way,
Kings Cross,
London N1 OAX

Google map link

Salsa Rapido courses are held different locations depending on the date.
Other locations and date's can be checked here: Locations in London
If you are unsure please text me 07939012231 but I cannot reply after 10am on the day of the course :-)

sprite-oneday  Cambridge Holiday Inn Location

The Holiday Inn is just to the North of Cambridge near the M11.
It is a three star hotel with pool and gym.

Address: Lakeview, Bridge Rd, Impington, Cambridge CB24 9PH
Google map link

This is NOT a London location
If you are unsure please text me 07939012231 but I cannot reply on the day of the course :-)

sprite-oneday  10.30-4.30pm

The course runs 10.30am until 4.30pm
Doors open c.30mins before.
We have a regular breaks (lunch typically 1hr)

sprite-oneday  Can I buy a gift voucher

A full day intensive salsa course is an ideal gift and we have tried to make it as easy for you as possible.
You can buy a single or couples place for any Salsa Rapido 1-Day Intensive Course without the hassle of arranging a date.
Once purchased, just print off the voucher via the link on the email confirmation.
The recipient just calls us to book a date at their convenience.
Gift vouchers are sold at our regular prices with no surcharge.
They are valid for six months.
Find out more about the 1-Day course

Book a gift voucher for a single person:
Book a gift voucher for a couple:
If you have any difficulties or questions please call daytime on 07939012231

sprite-oneday  Corona Virus Statement

Corona Virus Statement update. (05/09/2021)
All courses are now booked on the basics that we will be swapping partners as before covid 19. This reflects salsa culture and improves the course in many ways.
Covid has not gone away so I ask that:
If you have any possible symptoms of Covid you postpone your course date. I will not charge transfer fees. Please let me know ASAP.
Anyone showing symptoms similar to covid 19 will not be admitted.
If you can test before coming please do. I will test myself before every course.
If your booking or gift voucher was affected by lockdown please note that I have extended gift vouchers and suspended booking indefinitely.
Restriction required by the government or venue may change at short notice. We will comply with all. This may lead to postponements or delays and I ask for your flexibility as I offer mine.
Course dates may have to be postponed at short notice.
Ultimately, the responsibility for our own safety and those around us rest with ourselves. I ask that we err on the side of reasonable caution.
Meanwhile stay safe :-)
Regards Alastair

sprite-oneday  What style do you teach

Salsa Rapido is teaching method not a style of salsa. It’s a well developed foundation course that draws from and prepares you for any regional style of salsa. see Salsa Rapido: Regional Styles in Salsa (2019)
Through comparing different elements from various regional styles, you'll have a greater depth of understanding and be able to make informed choices about your style.
Salsa Rapido is there to foster your style and your expression. I hope you’ll be informed by, and not confined by, the style of others. Many people mistakenly believe that the regional styles are incompatible. This is totally untrue.

The goal is to be able to dance with anyone from anywhere, easily adapting to their style whilst expressing yourself with confidence, consideration and authenticity.

Salsa Rapido presents the required skills in a way that helps you to quickly achieve a high level of competence regarding style, communication, timing, mechanics etc.
You’ll also avoid "bad habits" that will limit you at a higher level.

sprite-oneday  Can I really learn in a day

Yes- Our aim is for you to have all the skills necessary to go out to salsa clubs that night and dance all night.
Secondly you should be able to join any class at above Beginners level and finally you will have the 'look and feel' of a salsa dancers.

sprite-oneday  Scottish Salsa Intensives

Scottish Intensive Salsa Courseuu
To book tonight's Glasgow Intensive text 07939012231 ASAP
Space available for Ladies and Couples


Edinburgh Salsa Intensive - Wednesday 17th January 2018
Glasgow Salsa Intensive - Thursday 18th January 2018

The fast ‘n fun Salsa Rapido® teaching method returns to Scotland as London Salsa professional Alastair Sadler brings you:
Two evenings of intensive three hour salsa workshops 7pm to 10pm.

Edinburgh Intensive Salsa course Location: The Foxy Fiddler Bar & Kitchen, 192 Morrison St, Edinburgh EH3, use Haymarket station. Map Link
Glasgow Intensive Salsa course Location: Sloans, The Argyll Arcade, 108 Argyle St, Glasgow G2 8BG, use Glasgow Central or Argyle St. Map Link

Book as a single or a couple, the booking system balances the numbers of men and woman.
Open for ages 18+
Prices £35 per person with discounts for couples*

BOOK NOW!
* a couple is defined as one leader and one follower, traditionally: one man and one woman. All leaders dance with all followers and vica versa.

Salsa Rapido® method uses humour and popular psychology to speed your learning, making it a fast, fun alternative approach to learning salsa. It’s aim is to get you up to ‘club competence’ and beyond as soon as possible, while helping you to avoid many of the bad habits and pitfalls.
Salsa Rapido method works for all regional styles of salsa, enabling you to dance with anyone from anywhere.

For Beginners:

  • Salsa Rapido is simply the fastest and most fun way into salsa, so let’s get dancing.
  • There’s no slog and no stress just easy core moves and clear explanation.
  • We’ll pinpoint the skills of leading, following, looking good and having fun on the dance floor.
  • I’ll introduce you to the seven rules that make salsa a lot less complicated.
  • You’ll gain a clear insight into where style and your confidence comes from, why things go wrong and a practical approach to going from clunky to mastery.

If I’ve missed something just call/text me on 07939012231

Reviews:
Check out my 5 star reviews on TripAdviser

I LOVED IT. Alistair is a gifted teacher. He makes everyone feel great. Even the absolute beginners were bobbing along fine. I enjoyed the exercises which were playful and easy. And made me understand how the emphasis on different beats within the salsa rhythm can change. Is that why different men dance so differently? And I loved every word that Alistair explained about theory. A fountain of knowledge.
THANK YOU! Please come back soon!

B. Edinburgh (from my last course in Edinburgh Oct. 2017

Brilliant class, brilliant teacher. Alistair makes it very accessible for literally anyone, however much you may lacking in the rhythm department. Breaking the ice with humour he ensures everyone is at ease very quickly which results in people dancing naturally. He is not prescriptive so gives you space to have fun with it! Definitely highly recommend! K

Do it. Now. I should have done a course like this years ago. W

Fantastic class, very enjoyable, lots of laughter and great results! R

Felt I could manage a basic salsa by the end of the day. Would highly recommend.” J

Alistair is a brilliant engaging teacher who approaches the day with good humour and high energy. J

Alistair is a fun teacher with deep knowledge about salsa (over 25 years of teaching) which he shares in a humorous, but very precisely thought through way. G

Awesome classes! These classes make it easier to learn the psychology of Salsa through fun, energetic and intensive sessions. R



Alastair Sadler has been teaching salsa professionally in London since 1995.
He has developed and refined the progressive teaching method called Salsa Rapido®.
Many of his projects have helped define salsa in the UK:
The Salsa Rapido One Day Intensive course (The world's first and most successful intensive course, still running weekly in London)
Editor of Email Salsa News from 1999 -2007.
He hosted the UK's first ever weekly Bachata course at Salsa Camden.
In 2001 he choreographed & performed a solo demo (with a mop and office chair) at several congresses and events throughout Europe.
His TV credits as performer and/or choreographer include Baby Father I & II, Casualty, Happiness, Auf Weidersehn Pet and the BBC Ident.

Every year since 2011 he has performed Stand Up at The Edinburgh Fringe festival, and taken five full run shows there since 2014.
In 2012 he created a new partner dance called Mambalsa which is currently used for corporate events.
There are many Projects still to come.....

sprite-oneday  Can I really learn in a day

Can I learn Salsa in a day?

Yes- You will have all the skills necessary to go out dancing salsa, with sufficient repertoire and style to feel confident on the dance floor.
You will also have the concepts to succeed in any UK salsa class at above beginners level.
Finally you will have that 'look' of a Salseros (You at your most confident best)

I strongly recommend you set a date to go dancing to test what you’ve learnt ASAP. You will not feel as if you can really do it, until you’ve followed through and gone dancing. It will be scary, thrilling and amazing so be brave and do it!

Fitness
The 1-Day intensive is carefully structured so that anyone of average fitness can enjoy the day.
Minimum age is 18 and most will be between 22 and 55 (see gallery)
We ask that if you have any medical condition that may affect your performance, that you seek professional advice before booking.
You may be a little stiff the following day so please stretch before you go to bed.
Motivation:
A 1-Day Intensive is especially appealing for those who:
Hate the idea of spending weeks at a beginners level.
Are catching up a friend who already dances salsa.
Feel they would have given up on a regular weekly class before getting to dancer level.
They are going on holiday to a salsa region.
They are getting married and wish to dance salsa for their first dance.

sprite-oneday  Why have balanced numbers

Balanced numbers of men and women are essential for a full day course.
Ask anyone who has tried a one hour class with too many women. Ladies either have to chop and change from leading to following or sit out part of the time. In a five hour course this is unacceptable.

We do encourage ladies to learn to lead but suggest them learn to follow first.

The only down side of balanced numbers is that we often have to form waiting lists if too many men or women want to book.

sprite-oneday  Alastair Sadler Salsa Teacher

Alastair Sadler has been teaching salsa since 1995 and has clocked up over 15,000 classes.
From the start he has developed and refined the progressive teaching method called Salsa Rapido.
Many of his projects have helped define salsa in the UK:
Salsa instructors forum (a workshop where instructors could exchange good teaching practice an ideas).
The One Day Intensive course (The world's first and most successful intensive course, still running weekly)
Salsa university (an all-dayer concept but weekly with five advanced classes in different styles)
In addition to teaching he runs The Streetbeat Salsa Co. and edited the Email Salsa News from 1999 -2007.
Salsa Camden - London's highly successful Rapido & Rueda venue where we ran the UK's first ever weekly Bachata course and in 2018 ran the first Blend format event.
In 2001 he choreographed & performed a solo demo (dancing salsa with a mop and office chair) at congresses and events throughout Europe.
His TV credits as performer and/or choreographer include Baby Father I & II, Casualty, Happiness, Auf Weidersehn Pet and the BBC Ident ( He was the big guy at the front in the white shirt!)
In 2014 he created Mambalsa, the first new partner dance of the 21st century.
Since 2011 he has realised his love of comedy and performed Stand Up at The Edinburgh Fringe festival taking five shows in 2015/16/17.
I still have many new projects to run such as Mambalsa, Salsa Liquida and teacher training courses and a book! So watch this space for another 20+ years :)
It's all been possible through the support of my partner Felicity aka DJ Felicidad.

sprite-oneday  Pricing and Discounts

Pricing:
The regular price before discounts for the 1-Day Intensive for beginners is £65 per person.
Discounts:
Booking online and telling us how you heard about us triggers the following prices:

Couples (one leader and one follower)- £95 saving £35.


Big Groups: (4 Couples +)
This course is not suitable for stag/ hen parties.
For large group enquiries please call me during office hours 07939 012231

sprite-oneday  What level am I

Am I a beginner or Improver
In ascending order the general levels are:
Beginner, Improver, Intermediate, Advanced.

Beginners:
If you have never had a salsa class before, or you have tried a couple of salsa classes you are a beginner. No expertise in another dance qualifies you for salsa although you can expect to find many aspects of the course easier.
An excellent natural definition of a salsa beginner is that you cannot keep the footwork sequence going consistently unless most of your attention is focussed upon it.
Improvers:
An improver has generally completed 6-10 classes (weekly 1 hour) and can consistently keep the footwork sequence going while thinking of other things. You will have experienced spins, turns and various combinations but probably have not mastered them or cannot remember them.
Usually improvers are not confident of dancing in a freestyle situation and lack practice.
The Improver level Course is called the i.2.i. "improvers to intermediate" and is a direct follow on to the 1-Day Intensive Course for Beginners
Click here to visit the i.2.i. FAQ
Minimum levels for i.2.i.courses:
All participants must be able to :

  • Keep the footwork going whilst concentrating on something else.
  • Manipulate their FWS to make a range of basic steps.
  • Have experienced a range of moves.
  • Lead or follow a 'Cross Body Lead' or 'Dile Que No'
  • I strongly recommend that a minimum of four hours tuition has been completed prior to the i.2.i. Courses.


Intermediate:
Once you can dance freestyle in a club you naturally become an Intermediate. You’re getting so much practice that a gap opens up between those who freestyle and those who don’t. You’ll still make mistakes, and get frustrated about various things but it’s a nice place to be so well done and enjoy :-)
Advanced:
The quick answer is ... if you’re reading this you’re not! But if you are advanced you’ll know it. You won’t need medals or camera crews, but you’ll be able to look good any time any place anywhere, and most importantly you’ll be able to make anyone you dance with feel great.

Tips:
If you have reached that freestyle salsa level but have had a break from salsa of months / years you are just a rusty intermediate and you should not go back to beginners level. If you are not sure call us or try one of our regular weekly classes and have a chat about your level.

Don’t be overeager to become advanced. (from a man who created Salsa Rapido!) What I mean is enjoy the journey. There’s fun to be had at every level. Those beginners you leave behind in your race to improve may have become your friend for life.

Ride above the cliquedom and politics and give a little back. An advanced dancer who can’t dance with a beginner isn’t advanced.

And finally... If you’re really not sure, call me. I’ve been having this conversation for a loooong time and can usually clarify things for you.

sprite-oneday  Am I an Improver

An improver has generally completed 6-10 classes (weekly 1 hour) and can consistently keep the footwork sequence going. You will have experienced spins, turns and various combinations but probably have not mastered them or cannot remember them.
Once you can dance free-style in a club you naturally become an Intermediate.
Please note that if you have reached that free-style level but have had a break from salsa of months / years you are just a rusty intermediate and you should not go back to beginners level.
If you are not sure call us or try one of our regular weekly classes and have a chat about your level.

sprite-oneday  what to wear & bring

What to bring:
A smile, it's a fun day
Students need to bring their student ID (if applicable).
Gift Voucher holders need to bring the voucher.
Clothing: Comfortable casual clothes, a spare top or t-shirt.
Footwear: Comfortable, smooth soled shoes (I don't recommend new sticky trainers)

What to wear:
Although people usually dress to impress in the salsa clubs, at our classes, comfortable clothing are your priority.
You can get a little hot so a spare top is not a bad idea. I insist on the highest standards of personal hygiene (yes I will say something)
Footwear is important. We recommend smooth soled shoes (Not new trainers) Ladies should wear shoes of the same height as they are used to. Please bear in mind that you may get trodden on (sandals = "Ouch"!!) and you may tread on someone else (stilettos = "*&%$ ?"!!!)
Above all wear shoes that are comfortable, not brand new ones.

sprite-oneday  Terms and Conditions

Terms and Conditions for Salsa Rapido course bookings.
These Terms and conditions are designed so that your course runs smoothly within the best environment possible.
Please do not contact me via email as they often get missed, call me (office hours) on 07939 012231

Coronavirus (Covid 19) amendments to T&C 25/08/2022
If you or persons within your booking show symptoms of flu or covid 19 prior to the course date you are obliged to contact Streetbeat Salsa (Alastair) by phone 07939012231.
Anyone showing flu or covid 19 symptoms will not be admitted into the venue.
Transfer fees will be charged for rescheduling.


Regular Terms and Conditions
Transfers:
Once booked you are committed to the date of the course. If however, you wish to transfer to a later date or put your booking on hold we can do so. Transfers do attract a transfer fee. These transfer fees are dependent on how close to the date of your booking you make the transfer. Transfers can only be made via the telephone within office hours (Mon. to Fri.) prior to the course. Transfers with 7 days or more notice = £5 per person. Transfers with 3-7 days notice = £10 per person. Transfers with 2 days or less notice = £15 per person.
No-Shows: No-Shows is the term we give to those people who do not arrive at the course at the given time and have not contacted us by 5pm on the day before the course to transfer. No-Shows are not refunded or made alternative offers, as their actions disrupt the balance of the class.
Refund Policy: We will only refund in the unlikely event of The Streetbeat Salsa Co. cancelling the course. No further compensation will be offered.
Health and Safety: We expect all participants who have physical or mental problems, which may affect their performance or the performance of others to seek professional medical advice prior to booking and inform the instructors prior to the course.
Should any problems occur during the course, participants must immediately stop and inform the instructors immediately. The Streetbeat Salsa Co. accepts no responsibility for injuries etc. sustained during the course.
Exclusions: Participants may be asked to leave with no refund for the following reasons:
Dangerous, Disruptive or offensive behaviour;
Poor personal hygiene;
Inappropriate dress likely to cause injury;
Apparent alcohol or drug use, before or during the course;
Inappropriate level i.e. to far above or below the stated level of the course.
Any breach of the above terms and conditions:
Copyright: The Streetbeat Salsa Co. reserves all rights to the material presented at the course. N.B. The verbal content is scripted and therefore subject to copyright. No recording or photography of the course is allowed.
Photography and Filming: These terms and conditions also include your agreement to the filming/ photographing of the course and you hereby give all consents necessary for the reproduction, exhibition and use of the material recorded. The Streetbeat Salsa Co. are entitled to cut and edit the film as we deem fit.
Changing partners: Changing Partners is essential and non-optional. See FAQ 'Do I need a partner?' for details.
We look forward to seeing you on the day.
Alastair Sadler - The Streetbeat Salsa Co.

sprite-offer Offers:

Salsa Rapido 1-Day Intensive Gift Voucher Offer
From Sept 1st 2024 to End December 2024
Gift Vouchers for couples will be £79 and Singles £49
No offer code required.
Please spread the word!
All vouchers valid on any course date booked within for six months!

sprite-news Events:

Dance Curious is currently a Free full day event held at London’s Salsa Soho on
Saturday 23rd November 2024
I need 30 volunteers for this second Dance Curious Event.(Sorry it's 18+ only). Its aim is the development of the Mambalsa® workshops.
It's aimed at those who are interested in the intersection of Dance, Well-Being and Self-Development.
Using Mambalsa® as a platform, there'll be lots of dancing, moves, grooves, laughs and discussion, all wrapped around a heap of psychology.
There's lots of dancing, moves, grooves, laughs and discussion, all wrapped around a heap of psychology.

sprite-news News:

The Thames Salsa Cruise returns in Spring 2025.
At the moment we have a proposed date of 18th May 2025 which will be confirmed before tickets go on sale in Jan 2025.

We wish to invite as many groups of salsa dancers from across the land to come on this iconic event that's been running every year (except lockdown) since 1998! Music is mainly classic salsa with a small dash of bachata etc. presented by DJ Felicidad (The UK's longest running female salsa DJ)
Groups are formed mainly by dancers and teachers who want to add something special to their dancing year.
We never have classes on board as we don't wish to clash with anyone's style or method. It's just a salsa party for lovers of salsa and non dancers wishing to see the sites and enjoy the vibe.
We make it as easy as possible to bring a group.
We think of a group as five or more but if that doesn't happen no problem. We're grateful you've made the effort.
We set up a discount code word for your group so no one has to gather the money and everyone gets a discount.
Tickets will be £20 or less with the group discount and I'll add detail as soon as I have it.
Please message me on 07939012231 Alastair and I'll set a group up for you.
regards Alastair
I’ve just finished another six week Mambalsa course at the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre in Enfield and what a lovely group it was.
I was aiming for a gentle introduction to Mambalsa without too much emphasis on the well-being aspects of Psych. Ed. but they came up anyway.
Often the classes would end in a group discussion about recovering from cancer and I have to admit it was great to share those stories and feel a paid up member of that club.
Every group teaches me something about dance and life. This group showed me that like a hummingbird, beauty has no relationship to size. We took the lid off our creativity and relaxed and moved freely within the ethos of Mambalsa dance. I’m being deliberately cryptic but confidentiality prevents me from sharing any detail.
I will take the chance to share the last two tracks we danced as a way to illustrate that Mambalsa is danced to any 4:4 time music:
- Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen - complete with head banging and Zimbabwean Wellington Boot dance! (I’ll just leave that to your imagination)
- Would You Be Loved by Bob Marley - A perfect song to end on.
I’m already missing all my Mambalsa Dancers from the Nightingale and can’t wait for the next group.
Alastair
I’d like to offer my sincere apologies to all my clients affected by this.
Some courses have been cancelled including the next Mambalsa Dance Curious event and some courses will be smaller than usual (which is not a bad thing).
All bookings are secure as they are made on the Stripe platform and no data has been lost or breached.

Full explanation:
This Autumn’s bookings have not started well with a host of I.T. problems slowing down and eventually stopping the booking process.
In late August my web host (the company where my websites reside) decided, as part of their preparations to be bought out by a bigger company, to ditch many of their accounts that weren't easy to transfer to their new host. I received a polite email saying streetbeat etc. would be switched off on Sept 12th. Why they had to choose the height of the holiday season to do this is quite beyond me. No doubt I wasn’t the only one, because as hundreds of companies backed up / down loaded or shifted their sites, I noticed that my web pages would often take over two minutes to load. This effectively interrupts the booking process as new visitors lose confidence in the booking process.

I found a new host 34sp.com who offer excellent customer support via telephone which is a rare thing these days. The only drawback was that their minimum version of PHP (effectively the operating system of the host) was PHP 8.1 and my site was PHP 7.4. This meant many of my pages didn’t work and none of my back end worked. It was time to stop whatever I was doing and dive deep into upgrading first my IT skills and then the site!
I know it’s a cliche, but I like the phrase ‘build back better’. This I have done and the new streetbeat and mambalsa sites are near completion. The booking confirmation system is fixed and the connection to the Brevo email platform is up and running.

I’ve learnt a lot through this process such as IT is like a sand dune of ever shifting upgrades and technologies that need to be constantly navigated. I’ve also revisited an old debate of whether to delegate or self code. Assuming a developer was available at short notice, the cost would have been considerable and the time taken arguably longer than self coding.
My I.T. department is slow, under skilled, overwhelmed and unsure of himself, but that’s OK because it’s me. So maybe the best lesson learnt is to be kind to yourself.
By the way, if you’re reading this, it’s working!
In my latest blog post "Me and Bar Salsa!" I write about why this long standing venue is very special to me on the eve of my thirtieth wedding anniversary.
There's also a potted history of London's salsa scene.
Me and Bar Salsa!
Yesterday I received an email from TripAdvisor informing me that I had been awarded a Certificate of Excellence.
I had no idea that there was such a thing but now I've got one I'm a big fan.
It's the chance to thanks to everyone who's taken the time and trouble to say some kind words about my Salsa Rapido 1-Day Intensive course.


Click the image to visit TridAdvisor


Reflection: (You may prefer to read this on the Salsa Rapido Blog)
When I embedded TripAdvisor into my site I was hoping for praise but open to the possibility of harsh and unfair criticism, and in fairness I've received a one star review from someone who wasn't on the course and a two star review from someone who enjoyed the class but didn't enjoy the fajitas at lunch! May I just add that fajitas are not compulsory and anyone can eat wherever they wish. Lunch isn't even part of the deal so bring a packet of crisps in if you wish but don't blame my course if they didn't have your favourite flavour! (I'm so over it now)
Anyway, I overcame my fears and gave it a go, realising that feedback is good and TripAdivsor offers a third party review that's useful for the pubic when booking.
Many months later and I've received mainly five star reviews.
This tells me that:
My presentation is engaging and entertaining.
People are way nicer than I deserve.
Salsa Rapido is a mature enough method to stand comparison to traditional classes.
I'm really good at asking for five star reviews.

On the last point my hobby of stand up comedy led to five shows at the Edinburgh Fringe where at the end of a show we would have a 'bucket speech' to encourage the audience to give a tip (our only source of income)
Cliched line like "Take some change, fold it and put it in the bucket" were common.
One time I got a waif-like act to kneel down holding the bucket while looking as mournful as a Dickensian child.
Another time a showed the audience picture of my cats on my phone and asked "which one should I 'economise' first?" Well it works for charities!
The result was seldom any different. It was the show that counted.
Dance school says ballet is racially problematic and too gender binary!
I saw this article in the news and throught I'd offer a few thoughts so here's my latest Mambalsa blog blog posts titled: Dance school says ballet is racially problematic and too gender binary

I've decided to share my recent experience of cancer in a personal blog.
This may be upsetting for many people and I advise caution as to whether you read on.
First I need to address the question: why blog about cancer on a salsa dance website?
Like so many brands on the salsa scene, behind the Streetbeat/ Rapido/ Mambalsa brand is an individual person, who made the jump from dancer to dance teacher. My treatment will affect every aspect of my life including the Salsa Rapido courses and Mambalsa Project. I may physically change as a result of chemotherapy and when someone asks a question about these changes I'd like to answer in a brief and polite way with an invitation to read my blog to get my personal insight if they wish. In other words cancer affects me but it doesn't define me!

Follow this blog: Use this link to add you email to my blog following list:

The blog is a continuation of my 2022 Brighton Marathon blog hosted on Blogger.

24/01/2024 The Last Post

05/11/2023 Round Five Biddy Beep

18/10/2023 Round Four Round Up

01/10/2023 Round 3/4 Review

30/09/2023 Happy birthday Homewood School

05/08/2023 Round Two Update

26/07/2023 Would You A&E it!

26/07/2023 Labels, Trauma, PTSD and Self-diagnosis

21/07/2023 Sepsis vs Sadler A Week in Hospital

06/07/2023 Icky

02/07/2023 Day Three Sitrep (Situation Report)

26/06/2023 Three days to Chemo C-3

24/06/23 Capitano Chemo
In the run up to treatment starting I find myself getting silly to offset the anxiety.

07/06/2023 Scanaxiety
When the prospect of chemo becomes a reality.

24/03/2023 Who's Lynne and what's she FOMO about?
A catch up post from 2019 to 2023. Probably the best place to start :)
I'm delighted to release the Salsa Rapido 1-Day Intensive dates for August to December 2024.
They are almost weekly on Sundays and I strongly recommend you book ASAP to save disappointment.
Notice there's also some Mambalsa workshop dates. Mambalsa is not salsa so please click here for details

Here's a permanent link to the dates page so you can check them at any time:
https://www.streetbeat.co.uk/dates

The i.2.i. Knock the Rust Off is the Salsa Rapido Improvers course.

There may well be a few adjustments to the schedule as 2024 comes into focus.
I haven't confirmed dates out side of London yet!
Summer's a great time for a wedding and this wedding was a wonderful fusion of dance styles.

Here's my latest Mambalsa blog blog posts titled: mambalsa-wedding

Well I did it! I ran the Brighton Marathon 2022
Here's my latest marathon/ lockdown blog posts titled: Alastair's Marathon
If you want to sponsor me here's the link to the charity fundraising page (open until end May 2022): www.justgiving.com/alastairsadler
Salsa Rapido Method has it's own blog at Salsa Rapido Method
and not forgetting Mambalsa at: Mambalsa
I've set up a new section on the site for Tripadvisor reviews of the 1-Day Intensive Course.
If you've been on the course recently and would be kind enough to review it please go to
link
Thanks in advance :-)
For suggestions and suggestions please email me at salsa@streetbeat.co.uk

sprite-blog Blogs, Tips & Articles

sprite-tv  Gallery of Video Playlists

sprite-cameraImage Gallery

Open Image Galleries

Please Share

admin_master