Baltimore Salsa Blog

What is the Baltimore Salsa Blog? The blog is a tool utilized by the Baltimore Salsa community to find out where to dance, when to dance, who is teaching, and what big events are coming up.

• What information is available to new dancers? Visit the "FAQ" page for answers to basic questions.
• Where can I go Salsa dancing? Visit the front page for a summary of all the regular spots. Go to the top menu on this site, choose the day you wish to go dancing, and check out your options.
• How much will this cost? Prices for group classes range from $5/hour to $15/hour depending on many factors - someone has to pay the rent and someone has to pay the talent (instructors, DJ's, and bands). Workshops are more intense, have smaller class sizes, and focus on a specific set of core moves. Workshops cost up to $40 with a world renowned professional teacher.
• How much is a private lesson? Prices range from $65/hour to $85/hour depending on the qualifications of the instructor.
• Where can I take salsa lessons for free? Before you read the list, be careful. Free only gets you so far. You might learn the basics, but you will need to pay if you really want to learn how to dance. See the Free list.
• What is the quickest way for me to make friends? Join the Baltimore Salsa Meetup.
• How long will this take? Everyone learns at a different pace, but give yourself 6 months to gain a solid foundation if you take at least 1 lesson per week and practice 1 night per week.
• Is this an expensive hobby? Depends on your budget. Expect to pay $10 a night minimum. You are either going to pay for the lesson, a cover charge, parking, alcohol, or bottled water (dehydration is not an option). Most salsa addicts dance 3 nights per week.  If you buy the shoes, which I highly recommend, get ready to invest $60 to $150 for each pair. If you buy the music, which you will need to familiarize yourself with the rhythm, add another $15 to the pot for your first CD.
• Who are the Baltimore Salsa instructors? Go to the "Instructors" page to read biographies and contact information.
• When did this blog begin? December 2008.
• Is there a blog for other cities? None like this.

Who is Sue Elliott?

• The Beauty and Brains behind the blog
• Baltimore native, daughter of a longshoreman, mother of one.
• Promoter, passionate about building community.
• Social dancer with 7 years experience.
• Organizer, Baltimore Salsa Meetup.
• Creator, Baltimore Salsa Blog.
• Retired Director of the Baltimore Salsa Fest
  

Email me at the address above or text me at 410-609-6701...this is by far the best way to reach me. Sign your name after the message.

Or, you can call me in the evenings using Google Voice, one of my favorite tools. Be ready to announce your name first. If I am not available to answer your call, speak slowly when leaving a voice mail. The Google Voice feature will actually transcribe your message and send it to me via SMS text and email. How cool is that?

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March 30-April 1, 2012 - 3rd Annual Baltimore Salsa Fest. A weekend dedicated to Salsa dancing sponsored by KayaDance. Check out the official website www.baltimoresalsafest.com for details. I am no longer the director of this event.

How do I choose a Salsa Instructor?

• Ask about their credentials - years of experience, who taught them, what training path they are on, if they have a dance team - only a few instructors are actually certified to teach - many others became self-made instructors which most people in the community don't seem to mind
• Ask about their philosophy on Salsa dancing and how long your training will take
• Ask about the history of Salsa, the roots, the rhythms, the people, the culture
• Ask about their availability - where/when do they teach group lessons and private lessons
• Ask about their fees - group lessons are inexpensive, private lessons range from $65 to $85/hour depending on certification
• Ask about the other dances they teach - Salsa venues play Bachata, Merengue, and Cha-Cha too
• Ask fellow dancers who taught them - you are watching them dance, you may as well ask the ones you admire the most
• Ask about overcoming fears, shyness, physical challenges
• Anyone trained to teach Salsa, Cha-Cha, or Bachata is encouraged to send a bio to sue at baltimoresalsablog.com for inclusion on this website. Check the Instructor page on this website. Review bios and contact them directly.

Where do people dance Salsa?

• Studios
• Night Clubs
• Restaurants
• Banquet Halls
• Hotels
• Gyms
• Universities
• Living Rooms
• Kitchens

Website Techie Questions:

• Who is the webmaster? Sue Elliott
• What is the platform? Joomla, an open source content management system.
• Who is the hosting company? Bluehost

Instructors/Promoters: I am happy to add your salsa related info to the blog.  All I ask is for a small donation to offset hosting expenses and the sacrifice of my time away from my daughter keeping this blog alive.  Donation box is on the left side of the main page. No amount is too small. It is at your discretion.

How many instructors/promoters have ever made a donation? 2

How many dancers have ever made a donation? 4

How many years have I dedicated to this blog? 3

Is there money in salsa? Nope