August 18th - 22nd Teacher's Training Course By Bev Baker

I attended the course because of the love of salsa and because of the way my mind works. I was frustrated with the way that salsa was relegated to bars and church halls. I hated the fact that if I went to 5 different salsa teachers I would get 5 different teaching methods, be confused with 3 or 4 different names for the same steps. My acquired knowledge could grange from 0 – 5.

I wanted to know if what I knew was right and I wanted to learnt a system for teaching other which was ‘2 left foot’ proof

I arrived expectant, hopeful that this course would answer my questions.

Before the course started, music was playing and there was a huge video playing of children dancing. A guy with waist long dreads walked slowly back and forth. Moving this and moving that.

But then it was time to start. Of we were off on a roller coaster ride! 

From the moment that Fire opened his mouth I relaxed, because I knew that he knew.

The way that he moved to the music! Explosive at time smooth at other times!

The way that he demonstrated his love of the music! He knows every beat.

The way that he told us things about himself that other teachers’ would be too proud to speak about!

Everyday was a challenge. You thought you knew how to dance? Fire would stretch you and take you to another level. He would watch you and notice what you were strong at. What you were weak at and then set you a challenge that would take you outside of your comfort zone. If you did well then praised was heaped upon you. If you made mistakes and we all did he would show you and show you and show you until you got it.

The exam day is hard. I can’t tell a lie. At one point I didn’t think that I could do a basic step let alone teach it. But when it came to my turn to teach, I didn’t feel nervous at all. I had come to learn and learn I did. I had hung on Fire every word. I had watched and listened and even dreamt the steps. When it was my time to shine, I just breathed and channelled Fire and did my thing.

The next day was Sunday and that was the best day ever. That, is when the endorphins really kick in. when I realised what I had gone through the buzz and the sense of achievement was just brilliant.

I can’t stop smiling!!