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.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
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
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
Friday, April 26, 2013
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
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
Friday, April 12, 2013
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
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
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Thursday, March 28, 2013
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
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
Saturday, March 9, 2013
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
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
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Prompt: Personal Narrative
When I was still in the Police Explorer Academy, there was a Sunday where we were at Canada College. Our Instructors told us that we were going to repel a 60ft cement wall. I was really nervous because I had never gone repelling before and I did not know what to expect. It was 7am and the weather was foggy with a little bit of rain this made things worse because our shoes were going to be slippery.
As we all huddled together our instructors were giving us instructions. There were four squad leaders on the ground and some instructors on top. We had to wear bright yellow helmets and gloves. I was watching while the explorers were putting on their gear to go first. I saw them stand on the tip of the wall. They were holding on to ropes that were attached to the ground. I saw them lean all the way back to where their feet were parallel to the side of the wall. Slowly they walked to the ground. I kept watching and waiting until it was my turn.
I was so scared and I did not know whether if I should do it or not. I was one of the last ones to go and I was putting my gear on. The instructor was attaching the ropes on me while telling me not to look down and that everything will be ok. The worst part of repelling for me was laying back. I knew that there was nothing behind me and felt like if I was going to fall. I was hold on to the rope as hard as I could. But in order to move down I had to let go a little so that the rope can also move. My instructor wanted to take a picture so she told me to let both of my hands go. I was too afraid so I just let out my hands. I went down as fast as I could because my back and arms were starting to hurt. Once I got down they unhooked me so that the next explorer would go.
After I was going back to meet with the others I realized that it was not so bad. I was letting my fears control me. This was a new experience and even though I was really scared, I enjoyed it. What I learned was not to let my fears overcome me because if I do, I will not experience new things.
As we all huddled together our instructors were giving us instructions. There were four squad leaders on the ground and some instructors on top. We had to wear bright yellow helmets and gloves. I was watching while the explorers were putting on their gear to go first. I saw them stand on the tip of the wall. They were holding on to ropes that were attached to the ground. I saw them lean all the way back to where their feet were parallel to the side of the wall. Slowly they walked to the ground. I kept watching and waiting until it was my turn.
I was so scared and I did not know whether if I should do it or not. I was one of the last ones to go and I was putting my gear on. The instructor was attaching the ropes on me while telling me not to look down and that everything will be ok. The worst part of repelling for me was laying back. I knew that there was nothing behind me and felt like if I was going to fall. I was hold on to the rope as hard as I could. But in order to move down I had to let go a little so that the rope can also move. My instructor wanted to take a picture so she told me to let both of my hands go. I was too afraid so I just let out my hands. I went down as fast as I could because my back and arms were starting to hurt. Once I got down they unhooked me so that the next explorer would go.
After I was going back to meet with the others I realized that it was not so bad. I was letting my fears control me. This was a new experience and even though I was really scared, I enjoyed it. What I learned was not to let my fears overcome me because if I do, I will not experience new things.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Day 6: Salsa Dance Class
Hours Worked: 3
This Tuesday we learn the slow spin move. We practiced walking and shaking our shoulders. We also worked on the move "sube la loma". Everything seems easier now and I learned that in order move our hips we have to bend our knees. What I thought was difficult was moving our hands in the opposite direction of feet. In order to get better I have to practice the rest of the week. Next Tuesday we will continue to practice the slow spin.
Total hours: 18
This Tuesday we learn the slow spin move. We practiced walking and shaking our shoulders. We also worked on the move "sube la loma". Everything seems easier now and I learned that in order move our hips we have to bend our knees. What I thought was difficult was moving our hands in the opposite direction of feet. In order to get better I have to practice the rest of the week. Next Tuesday we will continue to practice the slow spin.
Total hours: 18
Friday, February 22, 2013
Day 5: Salsa Dance Class
Hours Worked: 3
On Tuesday we learned a new dance move that involves spinning. We reviewed all the moves and danced with our partners. Everything seems to get easier but it depends on whether you are counting or not. I have been practicing to get better and the only thing I am having trouble with is moving my hips. My mentor said we have to keep our knees bended but it is hard while trying to dance at the same time. The only thing I have to do is just to practice. Next Tuesday we will be doing the same thing and practice the moves that involves spinning.
Total hours: 15
On Tuesday we learned a new dance move that involves spinning. We reviewed all the moves and danced with our partners. Everything seems to get easier but it depends on whether you are counting or not. I have been practicing to get better and the only thing I am having trouble with is moving my hips. My mentor said we have to keep our knees bended but it is hard while trying to dance at the same time. The only thing I have to do is just to practice. Next Tuesday we will be doing the same thing and practice the moves that involves spinning.
Total hours: 15
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Day 4: Salsa Class
Hours Worked: 3
Day four in salsa class was reviewing everything we have learned. We worked on "the salsa", "Dile que no", "in n out", and "Basila La". We put all those moves together and danced a complete song. The most important thing is to count so that we will not be in the wrong step. I have been practicing a lot and my dance partners said I did very good today. My mentor also said I was doing great. We also Learned a little bit of how to move our hips. Next Tuesday we will continue to work on those steps and we will learn more about moving our hips.
Total Hours: 12
Day four in salsa class was reviewing everything we have learned. We worked on "the salsa", "Dile que no", "in n out", and "Basila La". We put all those moves together and danced a complete song. The most important thing is to count so that we will not be in the wrong step. I have been practicing a lot and my dance partners said I did very good today. My mentor also said I was doing great. We also Learned a little bit of how to move our hips. Next Tuesday we will continue to work on those steps and we will learn more about moving our hips.
Total Hours: 12
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Day 3: Salsa Dance Class
Hours Done: 3
Day three of my salsa class at skyline was easier and better than the other two days. We did not learn anything new because we are still reviewing the basic steps. I have been getting better but the counting still gets me a little confused. My mentor said that we are still having trouble with the basic and we need to practice a lot. In order to get better I know that I need to practice my counting more. If everyone knows how to count then we will all be at the right timing and we will also not be in different steps. Next Tuesday I think we will continue working on the basic steps, "dile que no", and "basila la".
Total hours: 9
Day three of my salsa class at skyline was easier and better than the other two days. We did not learn anything new because we are still reviewing the basic steps. I have been getting better but the counting still gets me a little confused. My mentor said that we are still having trouble with the basic and we need to practice a lot. In order to get better I know that I need to practice my counting more. If everyone knows how to count then we will all be at the right timing and we will also not be in different steps. Next Tuesday I think we will continue working on the basic steps, "dile que no", and "basila la".
Total hours: 9
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Day 2: Salsa Dance Class
Hours Worked: 3
On day 2 of my salsa classes we reviewed all the basic steps that we learned on day 1. We learned a new move but I forgot what the names are called. Each move has there own name. I did better than I had expected. My dance teacher said that I was doing really good. I practiced a lot and the more I practice the better I get. I am still struggling on the counting part. Especially when we spin because I lose count on where we are. Most of day 2 was reviewing the basic steps. On day 3 I think we are going to also review and put all the steps together to dance.
Total hours: 6
On day 2 of my salsa classes we reviewed all the basic steps that we learned on day 1. We learned a new move but I forgot what the names are called. Each move has there own name. I did better than I had expected. My dance teacher said that I was doing really good. I practiced a lot and the more I practice the better I get. I am still struggling on the counting part. Especially when we spin because I lose count on where we are. Most of day 2 was reviewing the basic steps. On day 3 I think we are going to also review and put all the steps together to dance.
Total hours: 6
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Day 1: Salsa Dance Class
Hours Worked: 3 (6pm-9pm)
Total Hours: 3
The first day of salsa class was fun. I met new people and saw two familiar faces. The first thing we learned was how to count. We always use numbers 1-4. It was challenging for me because doing the foot work and counting at the same time was confusing. I always lost count of where I was with the music. I felt like my mentor was going to fast that I couldn't keep up. There are followers and leaders, the beginners are followers and the people who were there already were the leaders. I felt nervous dancing with the leaders because it felt like they would get a little frustrated with us. My dance class is once a week so I will practice everything we learned that day. Next Tuesday I think we will keep doing what we learned on the first day because it's not easy and we need a lot of practice.
Total Hours: 3
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