Blog Reflection

Taking The Cuban Roots of Salsa class was one of the most exciting but challenging classes I have ever taken. There were people of all ages in my class, but I was the youngest student. We all collaborated together because we would be dancing with each other. Joining this class gave me the opportunity to meet new people. Everyone was very friendly and they helped me become a better dancer.
Through the capstone experience, I became more confident in interacting with others. I was able to communicate with others without feeling shy. I met great people who helped me when I needed the help. I also became confident in dancing salsa. Before, I had no idea how to dance and I felt embarrassed dancing with others in class. I did not like dancing with others because I was always making mistakes and we would go no where. Now, I feel confident dancing with anyone because I know enough to dance a whole song.
I encountered many challenges in dance class. The most difficult challenge was counting in the rhythm of the song. We all needed to know how to count in order to be in the same pace with your partner when dancing. My mentor would say if we can find the 1 then we will be able to count. I could never find the 1. What I did to overcome this challenge is that I listened to many salsa songs and listened for that one beat that was always repeating itself. It took almost the whole semester to learn how to find the 1. Another challenge is that I am too stiff and cannot move my hips. Sometimes I feel like a robot dancing but my mentor said that bending my knees while dancing will help me move my hips more. My mentor was a great help. I would not be able to dance most of the steps if I did not have his help.

Last Day of Salsa Class

Hours Worked: 3
Tuesday was our last day of Salsa Class. We had a small party and we danced. I was practicing with my partner for the Capstone Project. I also recorded a video to show for the English final because I will only be dancing in front of the judges. My mentor was talking to us about the summer class he is going to have but I am not sure if I am going to join the class again. I now know how to find the 1 in salsa songs but I am still having a little trouble counting. Salsa Class is now over and I will be practicing with my partner to prepare for the Capstone Project.
Total Hours: 35

Day 11: Salsa Dance Class

Hours Worked: 2

Since my salsa class at Skyline is almost over, we have been reviewing all the sequence we have learn from the beginning. My mentor said that we will no longer learn anything new. I have improved  since tween I first started the class. My partner for the senior project will be German Joules. I need to give him the dates as soon as possible so that he can ask for a day off on his job. We have been practicing what we will perform for my classmates and judges. I also know what song I will be using. All we need to do now is keep practicing for my presentations.

Total Hours: 32

Day 10: Salsa Dance Class

Hours worked: 3

This week we learned a sequence that was all about spinning. It was challenging because we had to count the parts of the spin so that my partner and I would be at the same pace. I danced with my teacher and he said that he was surprised because I am learning really fast and I am a good dancer. We also reviewed other steps. I talked with one of the guys who is in my class of he would like to be my partner for my senior project presentation and he said yes. We danced together and next week we will plan about what we will dance for my presentation

Total hours:30

Salsa Dance Class

I did not have salsa dance classes at skyline this week because of spring break.

Day 8-9: Salsa Dance Class

Hours Worked: 6

My salsa class has been getting more challenging. We reviewed the slow spin and added it to our dance sequence. I can do the slow spin alone but not with a partner because we end up tripping each other. We reviewed "dile que no", "in and out", and "basil la la". Everything we reviewed was easier except for the slow spin. We danced slow first and the fast and I realized that it is easier for me dancing fast. I think next week we are going to do the same thing.

Total Hours: 27

Day 7: Salsa Dance Class

Hours Worked: 3
This week in dance class we learned a new step. It is called "la mentira". It is when the follower spins the leader and instead of the leader leaving he or she returns to the follower. Other than that we practiced and reviewed everything we have learned. We each got into pairs and danced one whole sequence in front of everyone. My mentor said I was really good but I still need to practice moving my hips because I am a little stiff. Next time we will continue to review everything and practice the new step "la mentira".
Total Hours: 21