SalsaOxford

SalsaOxford has been teaching salsa in Oxford and the surrounding area since 1996, introducing thousands of dancers to the scene over more than 20 years. The studio is run by Lisa and Mark, professional international salsa instructors, performers and choreographers who have taught and performed at major salsa events worldwide, including congresses in New York, Brussels, Amsterdam, Prague, Boston, and many UK venues. In 2008, Lisa broke the Guinness World Record for spinning (125 spins in one minute with a partner, achieved with Giles Eadle at the Great British Salsa Congress). In 1999, she received a special award for "Services to Salsa in the UK" at the Salsa Personality Awards, and in 2000 achieved 3rd place in the professional category of the first salsa competition in the UK at the Bacardi Congress.

Classes run on two evenings: Wednesdays at The West Oxford Community Centre (8–9.30pm) and Tuesdays at Kidlington Baptist Church Hall (7.30–9pm). Both locations offer beginner and improver/intermediate levels. Each session includes a warm-up, partnered instruction, technique work (with an emphasis on weight change, body movement, leading and following, and spins), and dance time. You do not need to bring a partner; the instructors rotate partners during class so everyone gets a turn.

Lisa and Mark have trained in all styles of salsa—Cuban, Colombian, Puerto Rican, and the New York style (on2), which is their speciality—and trained for several years with Nuyorican dancers in the States. Most classes are cross-body on1 based. Beyond salsa, they incorporate merengue, bachata, rumba, son and cha cha into their teaching. They have trained student groups to semi-professional standard and taken them to perform across the country at salsa events; ConTambor and the salsaOxford Improver Student group both debuted at The Clave Club in Oxford (2007 and 2008 respectively).

SalsaOxford also runs Salsa Fuego club nights on first Fridays and third Saturdays at The City of Oxford Rowing Club (Meadow Lane, off Donnington Bridge), featuring a 9pm beginner class, all-level classes at 9.15pm, and dancing until 1am. They offer private lessons for individuals and couples in a mirrored studio in Oxford or Kidlington, gift vouchers, and party bookings for corporate and private functions. Lisa has also developed Salsa Timing (learning music available on Amazon and iTunes) and SalsaLisa online courses for absolute beginners and beyond, making salsa accessible to people learning at home.

A typical class starts with a warm-up, then you partner up (no partner needed; partners rotate). You'll learn salsa rhythm, weight change, body movement, and leading and following technique, with the instructors providing tips tailored to all levels in a relaxed, fun environment. Towards the end, you practice your steps before joining the next-level class if you're ready.

Lisa and Mark are professional international salsa instructors, performers and choreographers with over 20 years' teaching experience in Oxford. Lisa broke the Guinness World Record for spinning in 2008 and received the Salsa Personality Award for Services to Salsa in the UK in 1999. Both have trained extensively with Nuyorican dancers in the States and performed at major congresses worldwide.

Classes are explicitly for beginners, with no previous dance experience necessary; the instructors are experienced in helping new dancers acquire skills and confidence from scratch.