by Magna Gopal | Feb 1, 2017 | Ask Magna, Dance, Learning & Teaching
Question:I’m thinking of starting private classes but I’m not sure with whom. Is it better to choose a male or female instructor considering I’m a female dancer? I also discovered that you learned by social dancing. When I go out social dancing, I...
by Magna Gopal | Jan 1, 2017 | Ask Magna, Dance, Learning & Teaching
Question: I have been to a couple of salsa events and people mentioned that I have the potential to dance salsa. The thing is I don’t know where to start and I am very picky about who I want to take my lessons with. Not to mention, they can be a little bit...
by Magna Gopal | Dec 1, 2016 | Ask Magna, Dance
Question: I wanted to ask you, what can I do about improving my balance? Sometimes, I am slightly distracted and I don’t know if that also affects my balance. Answer: Balance has a lot to do with focus. If you find yourself distracted...
by Magna Gopal | Nov 1, 2016 | Ask Magna, Dance, Mindset
Question: I am a teacher of salsa in Derby (UK) which I absolutely love but sometimes have difficulty being creative with my styling. My dance partner also tells me that I spin very well, but I cannot help feeling I could be better. I feel that there is a lot more...
by Magna Gopal | Oct 1, 2016 | Ask Magna, Dance
Question: I notice when watching you social dance that you have great fluidity, but also sharpness. You look relaxed, yet precise. When you follow complex patterns and change directions etc, it is very definite, but also smooth and seems to be just the right energy,...
by Magna Gopal | Sep 1, 2016 | Ask Magna, Dance
Question: I feel stuck in my dancing with 123 567. I can tell that when you dance you’re breaking up the music in different ways, especially with footwork – even when you’re following turn patterns. How can a follower start to be creative this way...
by Magna Gopal | Aug 2, 2016 | Ask Magna, Dance, Learning & Teaching
Question: I was working on the drill you teach for spins that focuses on 1/4 turns, 1/2 turns, 3/4 turns, and then full turns. I seem to do okay with the 1/4 turns, but the 1/2 turns and above have me desperately seeking more balance. I cannot seem to find where...
by Magna Gopal | Jul 1, 2016 | Ask Magna, Dance
Question: How do I know that my partner is about to lead me into a double/multiple spin as opposed to just a regular right turn? What signals am I looking for so that I can prep in time to get the spin? Answer: A good lead for an axis spin vs a right turn should help...
by Magna Gopal | Jun 1, 2016 | Ask Magna, Dance
Question: I normally dance in heels, but I’ve been practicing the drills in flat practice shoes. I just tried to do the spins in heels and nearly fell over. Just wondering if you had any pointers on spinning in heels, since I notice that you also practice in flats (on...
