Magna Gopal is one of the top international performers and instructors in the salsa scene. Originally from Toronto, Canada she is now based in New York/New Jersey, USA and is internationally known for her grace, fluidity and precision on the dance floor. Visit MagnaGopal.com or her SalsaTimba ProfileQuestion 1: Where to start dancing?
Hi Magna!I really enjoy watching such a talent dance like the way you do. First of all i want to tell you that i love your style. Well i have an issue i am puerto rican and i live in texas. i have been to a couple of salsa events and people mentioned that i have the potential to dance salsa. The thing is i dont know were to start, and i am very picky about who i want to take my lessons with. Plus they can be a little bit expensive. Considering i live on my own, i work and go to school at the same time. What advice can you give me. As far as where to start and how to find your style. I have been on a search for two years now. I would tell you more but i really dont need to bore you. I hope that unlike the other people i send emails to you would reply.
Magna Answers...
So, let me see if I can help you out. Your schedule does seem pretty unforgiving and budget is always an issue. I'm not sure what level of dancing you're at but if you're just starting out, then you might want to take some intro lessons to ensure you have proper steps and technique. Let me know what part of Texas you're from and perhaps I can recommend a few people.
If you're not an absolute beginner, then you want to do a self-assessment. What's your strongest method of learning? (1) Visual (watching people), (2) auditory (listening to instructions), or (3) kinesthetic (dancing w/ people -- learning by doing).
If #1 is your strongest method, you may be able to just go out and watch people dance to learn something new. If #2 is your strongest method, you may be better off taking classes and having what you'd like to learn broken down for you. Privates, although expensive might give you the most bang for your buck. If #3 is your strongest, you can benefit from group classes (dancing/practicing with different people) or just going out social dancing.
Either way, you will be need to make some sort of investment whether it's privates, group classes, or just going to parties.
As far as where to find my style in particular...well, I don't know anyone else w/ my style other than myself. lol I will be in South Padre, TX in May. If you are in the vicinity, we can get together and work on whatever it is you would like to learn. :)
Lastly, please don't think you are boring me with details. The more detail the better. It makes it a lot easier for me to know where you're coming from and try to provide some relevant advice.
Question 2: How to get better?
Hi Magna! I am cloudie from Groove Dance School. Just want to tell you that you are really my idol and my motivator. I am really so inspired by you and your moves.
Care to share with me what are some of the secrets to your success? Because I too, want to be a professional dancer like you.
Magna Answers...
Thanks for the email and I'll keep working hard to be your motivator. :)
Secrets...let's see. Best two rules that I have that helped me get better:
1) No fear of rejection
2) No fear of judgement
First rule allows you to approach anyone and everyone to dance and if they say no, it's ok. Let it slide off your shoulder instead of making it personal and thinking it has something to do with your dancing.
Second rule allows you to be creative and try new things regardless of what people think. Everything in dance is about comfort. I do a lot of crazy moves that if someone else tried it might look weird. The reason it may look good on me is because I'm comfortable with it. But the comfort came from doing it for myself and not for what other people were expecting of me.
Hope that helps,
~Magna
