Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by derek DIGHTMAKER on March 14, 2013 at 17:19

I am a Dance Teacher with more than 50 years' dancing/teaching experience. I currently teach Latin twice weekly at the Ruth Winston Centre (The charity for the Over 50s) and have done so for the past 7 years since I retired. I do this as a volunteer and take no payment. All proceeds go the the RWC. I also teach at Trinity at Bowes church weekly.

I teach Rumba, Samba and Cha Cha as SOLO dancing (precisely because of the shortage of men you mention!) My classes average about 18-20 at RWC and 10 (Beginners only) at TaB. I do not teach Salsa  because (1) it is best danced with a partner, and (2) because when I learned to dance Salsa had not been heard of in the UK! I have dabbled in it but as I don't teach it I haven't pursued it. I am interested in offering my services as a male partner, but hope that you do not charge me.

Are you interested in this proposition?

If not then I wish you every success, and am sure you'll get a good crowd.

Best wishes

Derek Dightmaker

American DTA (Retired)

Permalink Reply by Sureka Fernando on March 14, 2013 at 23:25

Hi Derek, 

Thanks for such a lovely reply and what a wonderful idea! Sounds like a plan :)

I teach LA (cross body) style salsa - is this what you do?  I (obviously!) wouldn't charge you to come and help out and I'd be happy to return the favour by assisting in teaching at your rumba, samba and cha cha classes as I'm trained in these too, but it sounds like I'd be superfluous to requirements?! Alternatively, my dance partner Patrick and I would be happy to do a salsa fundraising show for your charity, the Ruth Winston Centre as a thank you.

I teach salsa, merengue, bachata and reggaeton so if you teach rumba, samba and cha cha, I see a natural crossover interest among our students :)  Anyway, drop me a line at surekaf@gmail.com and maybe even come round for a cuppa and a dance ( I teach privately from home so am set up with a dancefloor and mirrors!). 

Many thanks again for your support and please do spread the word! See you on April 3 if not before.

Best wishes, 

Sureka 

Permalink Reply by Sureka Fernando on March 17, 2013 at 14:42

Hi everyone, 

Just to clear up a few questions about my Beginners Salsa Course starting on April 3...

1) You don't need a partner - in salsa classes it is usual to rotate partners so that you get used to dancing with different people

2) There are no age restrictions - Salsa is a Cuban street dance and as such it can be danced by anyone from 8 to 80 years!

3) You don't need any previous dance experience to do this course - the only way you won't be able to dance salsa is if your teacher is terrible so let me take the pressure and just come along and have fun! 

4) We now have the expertise of Derek Dightmaker on board who has over 50 years experience teaching rumba, samba and cha cha! 

5) If you can't afford the full £25 for the 4 week course, don't worry - just contact me and we will work something out - this is a new venture for me and it's less about making profit and more about bringing salsa to the local community and make it accessible to everyone as I believe it's a great way of having fun, releasing stress, reducing depression, getting fit, meeting new people and developing a new passion! So what are you waiting for??

There are still places for men and women - advanced booking is preferable as space is limited - you can call me on 07984 136 961 or email surekaf@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you! 

Sureka x

Permalink Reply by Lindsey Berthoud on March 22, 2013 at 16:02

How lovely of Derek! 

I mentioned this to my flatmate again this morning, I'll remind her at the weekend. 

Permalink Reply by Sureka Fernando on March 22, 2013 at 17:42

Thanks Lindsey! Yes - he and his wife have just left my house after a lovely cuppa, chat and cha cha! 

Absolutely lovely couple :) please keep spreading the word so we can get a bit of a crowd going! - 7 confirmed bookings so far which isn't bad at all but it would be nice to get a few more! xx

Permalink Reply by Shona Rose on March 21, 2013 at 16:43

Just to confirm - do you have to book ahead & pay for the whole course in advance?

Permalink Reply by Sureka Fernando on March 22, 2013 at 15:54

Hi Shona! 

That was the original idea as it would be good to get a rough idea of numbers in advance. 

However due to popular demand, the fee has been discounted to £20 if you book in advance but you can still pay £25 on the door if you're feeling spontaneous! 

You can pay in advance via paypal, bank transfer or cheque - just call me on 07984 136 961 or email surekaf@gmail.com. 

Hope that helps! 

Sureka x

Permalink Reply by Suellen edgar on March 22, 2013 at 20:39

What a great idea, although we'd evening would be better than Monday as both Mums Lounge and The Step are closed Mondays and I'm sure I would welcome a sit down, pint , frindly chat with class members and rest after salsa lol

Yes, sign me up

Permalink Reply by Sureka Fernando on March 22, 2013 at 23:18

Hi Suellen! 

Great, I've signed you up and sent you a personal message with all the details. GREAT idea to go for a drink, sit down and friendly chat afterwards!! The Step or Mums Lounge sound good :)

Really can't wait to meet you all on April 3!

Sureka x

Permalink Reply by Sureka Fernando on March 23, 2013 at 15:41

Hi everyone, 

I've now added my 'Beginners Salsa Course' starting April 3 as an event on Bowes and Bounds so please do sign up! :)) On Suellen's suggestion, I have also reserved tables for alternate weeks at The Step and Mums Lounge for after dance drinks for class members :))

As an aside, because a few people have been asking, Gabriella Mia Dance Company is NOT my company name. When I first posted on this forum, I didn't realise company names were not allowed and this was an idea I toyed with but discarded - so now I have breached B&B's rules and posted false and misleading information against myself - DOUBLE FAIL!!! I don't know how to delete it from my original message without deleting the entire thread so if anyone can help with this I would be eternally grateful as I feel like a plonker! 

Sureka x

Permalink Reply by Suellen edgar on March 23, 2013 at 17:10

Brill news Sureka . Will check emails to find out start time and venue address

It's my birthday 3rd April so depending on things, not sure if I can attend first one but happy to pay for the month.

This is so exciting and I'm happy to start posting details about this venue on what's happening in north London Internet sites to get more members :)) what is your contact number and email address so anyone who is interested can make contact with you?

Permalink Reply by Sureka Fernando on March 23, 2013 at 17:19

Thanks Suellen! - that's awesome! My number is 07984 136 961 and email address is surekaf@gmail.com. 

I've also added the course as an event now on Bowes and Bounds so you should be able to see all the details here...let me know if you can't! 

Looking forward to meeting you and thanks so much for your support :)) If I don't see you on the 3rd, happy birthday!!!

Sureka x

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