Social MediaSalsa Rapido 1-Day Intensive
Get through beginners level in one day
Info:
Info:
Booking a course
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
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.
Do I need a partner
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
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.
Beginners 1-Day Intensive Salsa
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
Welcome to the Salsa Rapido 1-Day Intensive Course.
Five hours of expert salsa tuition 10.30-5pm in central London.
Held at two locations (Soho and Kings Cross) Saturday and Sunday dates available (See dates)
Our goal is simple:
To have loads of fun learning salsa so you can go out and dance salsa anywhere with anyone!
In addition to learning the moves, style and music, you'll gain insight into the psychology that makes salsa sizzle!
The 2022 Spring Offer
‘Couples only’ bookings for £79 saving £51
‘Singles’ bookings for £49 saving £16
Use the offer-code "2022" when you book.
Only available for course dates until the end of May 2022.
Regular price £65 per person.
CoronaVirus Statement update. (06/02/2022)
All courses are booked on the basis that we will be swapping partners. This reflects salsa culture and improves the course in many ways.
Although Omicron is on the way out we still need to be cautious so I ask that:
If you have any possible symptoms of Covid you postpone your course date. I will not charge transfer fees for covid related transfers. Please let me know ASAP.
Anyone showing symptoms similar to covid 19 will not be admitted.
I encourage everyone to take a lateral flow test the day before coming.
Although I always aim for a balance in the number of leaders and followers, given the number of last minute postponements, this is not always possible. I ask for your flexibility and understanding.
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 them all. This may lead to postponements or delays and as I offer mine.
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.
Stay safe :-)
Alastair
Our Guarantee
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
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.
Balanced Men and Women
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
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.
Download Fact Sheet
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
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.
Locations in London
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
The Salsa Rapido courses are held at TWO locations depending on the date.
You can check the location here...
View Course Dates
Please go to the correct one :-)
Salsa! Soho
96 Charing Cross Rd
Leicester Square,
London WC2H 0JG
Map Link
Tube: Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road
Star of Kings
126 York Way,
Kings Cross,
London N1 OAX
The Star of Kings is a shabby chic bar/club in the heart of London's King Cross cultural area.
Located close to Kings Place theater and Granary Square.
Google map link
Tube: Kings Cross (10min walk)
St Pancras (12min walk)
Euston (20mins walk)
Salsa! Temple
Temple Station,
Victoria Embankment,
London WC2R 2PH
Map Link
Tube: Temple
Is online booking secure
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
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.
Why go on a full day course
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
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)
Salsa Soho location
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
Salsa! Soho
96 Charing Cross Rd
near Leicester Square
London WC2H 0JG
Map Link
Tube: Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road
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 :-)
Why do you have waiting lists
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
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.
Salsa Temple location
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
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 :-)
Edinburgh Salsa Intensive
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
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.....
Glasgow Salsa Intensive
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
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.....
Corona Virus Statement
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
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
What style do you teach
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
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.
Star of Kings location
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
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 :-)
Can I buy a gift voucher
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
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 level of course but 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.
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
Can I really learn in a day
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
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.
Scottish Salsa Intensives
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
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.....
Can I really learn in a day
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
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.
Why have balanced numbers
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
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.
Pricing and Discounts
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
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
Alastair Sadler Salsa Teacher
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
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.
What level am I
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
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.
Am I an Improver
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
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.
Itinerary clothes and what to bring
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
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.
Terms and Conditions
| Beginners One Day Intensive Salsa Class
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 22/08/2021
If either person show symptoms of covid 19 prior to the course date you are obliged to contact Streetbeat Salsa (Alastair) by phone 07939012231.
I encourage everyone to take a lateral flow test the day before the course.
No transfer fees will be charged due to covid symptoms. Other reasons are chargeable as per regular T&C.
Anyone who is showing covid 19 symptoms will not be admitted into the venue.
All participants agree to abide by any measures specified by the venue and salsa teaching staff.
Participants agree that they are fully aware of the risks of infection and accept that The Streetbeat Salsa Co. Alastair Sadler t/a is not responsible for any losses due to illness, cancellation or postponement due to covid 19.
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.
Open Twitter feed @Alastair_Sadler
