This is going to sound like a rant, but it is the reason SalsaLoft was created..

SalsaLoft was created in 2003 by me (Howard Carney). I was tired of hearing horror stories about the Kansas City dance studios and instructors that were taking advantage of their students. High pressure contract sales, spoon feeding lessons to lock in students, overpriced lessons, with instructors who lie about their experience and training in an attempt to impress and fool potential students. It prompted me to create SalsaLoft.com. Knowing that people only went to these studios and instructors because they had few other choices, I wanted to create an alternative. A space to learn and practice dancing without the pressure of sales tactics for private lessons and contractual commitment. Affordable lessons without the pressure and stress. Walk in, walk out, whenever you want. Don't get me wrong, there are good dance studios with good hearted instructors which offer contracts. They just don't use the same tactics and methods and there is value for the student. There is nothing wrong with making a living. I am talking about the studios and instructors who care about nothing more than making a dollar, and do not care about the students and in some cases the instructors that work for them. So, I started hosting Salsa practice parties at my loft every Sunday, for free, and SalsaLoft.com was born. We have since been forced to move back to public venues due to noise complaints from my neighbors, but I hope to find another loft soon. Until then, I will continue to offer lessons and workshops at various public venues in the Kansas City area.

Some instructors will advise you that you should take lessons from them exclusively because they do it the "right way" and the others do it wrong. This approach does not make much sense. There are so many different styles of Salsa. There is no right or wrong way. If you are connecting with your partner and the Salsa music while dancing (and having fun!), you are dancing Salsa. It is not necessarily about the steps, it's about the connection. Unless you are in a hurry to learn, or your goal is to be a professional dancer, it is my belief that you should take the free and cheap group lessons and workshops first. Take from as many instructors as you can (even the bad ones), until you have learned all you can. Then look into videos, more workshops and private lessons. Keep what you like and use it, throw out the rest. Save money, learn more.

SalsaLoft.com, SalsaNoche.com and INeedMySalsa.com hosted workshops and events will always be about the social dancer. The style I personally teach is a mix of many styles. The focus is on moves that are easily lead and followed and the connection between partners. After taking lessons with me you should be able to dance effortlessly with anyone in the world!

Howard Carney