Student Spotlight:

Erfan Shabani

Salsa Student

When Erfan Shabani stepped into his first salsa class at Movers and Shakers, he brought nothing but an open mind and a genuine desire to learn. With no prior dance experience, he quickly found joy in the process thanks to the warm, welcoming atmosphere and encouraging instructors. What began as a new challenge soon turned into a fulfilling journey of growth and discovery.

Determined to improve, Erfan immersed himself in every opportunity to learn—taking group classes, private sessions, and extra practice to strengthen his skills. He credits his progress to consistent training and the patient guidance of dance instructors like Inna, who helped him refine the small but important details. Over time, Erfan has moved from focusing solely on the steps to seeking more fluidity and confidence in his movement.

For Erfan, salsa has become more than just a dance—it's a way to connect with people and build confidence in a fun, supportive environment. As he continues to grow, he’s excited to eventually share the dance floor with his partner and explore even more styles like bachata. His journey is a reminder that progress comes with patience, practice, and a willingness to show up and enjoy the rhythm.

1. How did you feel at the beginning, middle, and end of your first salsa class?

I’d love to say it was a transition from bad to good feelings, but honestly, it was great from the very first moment! The instructors were kind and energetic, and the atmosphere was incredibly welcoming. Mistakes were part of the process, and no one was condescending about them. I’d definitely recommend this program to anyone interested in trying salsa. Now, I’m just waiting for my partner to arrive in Los Angeles so we can attend bachata classes together!

2. What strategies have helped you the most in remembering salsa steps and improving your skills?

I made sure to cover all my bases by taking private sessions, attending Friday training, and fully engaging in the main class sessions.

3. Has an instructor or classmate pushed you to grow in ways you didn’t expect? How did that impact you?

My private sessions with Inna were a game-changer. She was incredibly patient and observant, always catching small mistakes to help me pinpoint what I needed to improve—whether it was understanding the step or adjusting my balance.

4. Imagine you have the power to instantly improve one aspect of your salsa dancing. What would you choose to enhance and why?

I’d love to improve the feeling and vibe of my dancing! This was my first time trying any kind of dance, and I feel like I’m still a bit stiff. I'd love to move more naturally and with confidence.

5. If you could give your past self one piece of advice before starting to learn salsa, what would it be?

Practice more! As time went on, I realized how important it was to drill the fundamentals. By week five, I was doing basic steps even while cooking—just to make sure they became second nature.