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Welcome to Episode 182 of the Salsa Kings LIVE podcast
We have been featured as #1 in “Top 10 Salsa Podcasts” on FeedSpot.
Hey everyone! Welcome back to another episode. Today, we’re diving into a recent experience I had on the Miami Salsa Cruise that really got me thinking about learning and how we grow in different environments. This connects back to how we approach salsa classes, learning, and creativity. Let’s get right into it!
Key Points
– The Miami Salsa Cruise Experience
- Recently, we took part in the Miami Salsa Cruise, which was an unforgettable experience.
- The next one will be in February 2026, visiting Ocho Rios, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, Mexico.
- More details can be found at MiamiSalsaCruise.com.
– Cooking Class on the Cruise: Carnival Kitchen
- A group of us attended a cooking class called Carnival Kitchen, which was a fun and relaxing experience.
- It followed a step-by-step format: “Turn burner to 8. Add ingredients. Stir.”
- There was plenty of wine, making the class even more enjoyable.
- However, this made me think about what truly makes a class a “class.”
– The Difference Between Following Steps vs. Learning
- A class should involve active learning, where students are challenged to create and think for themselves.
- In cooking, a real chef doesn’t just follow a recipe—they learn to improvise and make decisions.
- The same applies to salsa dancing. Many classes focus too much on specific steps rather than creativity and adaptability.
– Learning Through Choice and Creativity
- Learning should involve making choices, like picking ingredients in cooking or choosing moves in dance.
- A good instructor encourages students to explore, ask questions, and understand why certain choices work better.
- For example, in cooking: “Should I pair steak with red wine? Why?”
- In dance: “What happens if I lead this turn instead of that one?”
– The Role of a Great Instructor
- A great instructor doesn’t just tell students what to do but guides them to make informed choices.
- They create an environment where students feel comfortable experimenting while staying within useful boundaries.
- Social dancing, like cooking, should be personal and adaptable—not just about memorizing steps.
– Finding Real Learning Experiences
- Some classes are more about the experience rather than deep learning, which is fine in certain situations.
- If you truly want to improve, seek out learning environments that push you to grow.
- Private lessons can be a great option since they allow for more personalized learning.
- The best learning happens when you are slightly uncomfortable and challenged to make decisions.
– Lessons from Competition and Growth
“The wolf climbing the hill is hungrier than the one at the top.”
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