Testimonials of Eric
"El Cubanito"Freeman
as a Salsa Dance Instructor
Karen Fowler (strategyk@earthlink.net) from Fort Collins, Colorado
"Eric’s analytical and conceptual abilities are superb and he uses those skills in combination with his mastery of salsa, extensive knowledge of rhythm and music, and passion for teaching to create a perfect learning environment for the student. Eric is very patient with beginners and communicates in a way that makes the student feel comfortable. Having recently taken up salsa, my private lessons with Eric elevated my abilities and confidence to step onto any salsa dance floor, including those in Puerto Rico. Eric is well-traveled, educated, and informed and it is not surprising that many of his students remain in contact with him over the years. Northern Colorado is very fortunate to have Eric Freeman as a member of its dance community!"
Fabio Boschetti (Fabio.Boschetti@dem.csiro.au) from Perth,
AUSTRALIA
(http://ww.ned.dem.csiro.au/BoschettiFabio/private/about.html)
"In Boulder I took a set of private classes with Eric Freeman. Eric
is an establishment in the salsa scene, being the producer of some of the
best salsa videos around, and collector of a legendary archive of salsa
moves. When I got there I knew only my rudiment Costa Rica style. I left
with a reasonable understanding of what NY, LA, Miami, and in particular
Cuban style are about. Eric also prompted me to the realization that my
next trip had to be Cuba.
Most importantly, I left with a friendship with Eric that still endures,
that brought so many salsa discussions both my mail, phone and in person
during our subsequent meetings.
If you pass by Boulder do not waste the opportunity to learn from
a master!"
Andy Moore (salsa_latina_uk@yahoo.co.uk) from London, ENGLAND
(runs http://salsa_latina_uk.tripod.com)
"I think one of the most amazing dancers I have seen is Eric Freeman
from Colorado. He always seems to be enjoying the dance when seeing him
in video or when giving workshops. There are so many good dancers out there
but so many who don't smile and look like they're not having fun."
Tim Galus (t.galus@worldnet.att.net) from Denver, Colorado
"Denver is lucky to have Eric Freeman, "El Cubanito" of Salsa Web fame
(but not fortune…) as one of our local teachers. Eric teaches a smooth,
flowing Cuban style salsa that I find the ladies really like, his moves
come naturally to anyone who knows hustle.
Unfortunately he does not keep a regular schedule in Denver but does
do seminars now and then. I highly recommend taking his classes whenever
possible. The thing I like about Eric is that he gives you a good,
full hour +, and always hangs around to talk/help afterwards. His stuff
is always new, different and exciting."
Paul Olk (pmolk@du.edu) from Denver, Colorado
"I think you are a terrific teacher, instructing very good moves in
an easy to understand manner. When I was in living in the Los Angeles
area, I took most of my lessons with Joby and Luis Vazquez (top instructors
in L.A.), but also took lessons from a lot of folks in the Orange County
area, attending several of the all-day workshops. Since I spend time
in the classroom myself, I am always inspecting someone's teaching style.
One thing that amazed me about Joby and Luiz when I was taking classes
with them was not only were they great performers but they also were very
good teachers: able to demonstrate the move, explain the steps very clearly,
along with the nuances that make it look good, encourage the students,
be very patient, and have fun. You did all of these as well, and
compare very favorably."
Andrew Pfeiffer (c_andrew_pfeiffer@yahoo.com) from Boulder, Colorado
"I just wanted to say thanks for the great Salsa classes you've taught
the last three weeks. My salsa has improved a hundred fold!
The class has such a great atmosphere. I'm really looking forward
to the next round of classes, too, so I can get even better."
Ron Clarke (rdclarke@earthlink.net) from Denver, Colorado
"I just finished taking Eric's Intermediate-Advanced class and was extremely
happy with the scope and the details of the material covered. He
explained the details of correct salsa styling and was patient with helping
all of us with body positioning and timing. He has an easy going
style in teaching and also covered the history of salsa and some of the
moves...a very complete dance instruction experience. I look
forward to learning more with Eric as well as with his assistants Lauren
and Michelle."
Greg Richardson (GRichardson@bcmt.org) from Boulder, Colorado
"Eric Freeman's intro to Salsa class was extremely rewarding.
I had a great time and am surprised how much I learned in such a short
time. My initial nervousness was quickly overcome by Eric's patient
teaching style. I can't wait to see you in the advanced class!"
Christine Donahue (orbit26@rmi.net) from Boulder, Colorado
"We are so lucky to have such an excellent cuban style salsa teacher
in Boulder. In just one class, I learned simple things from you that really
improved my technique -- your attention to detail is amazing. Thanks for
sharing your passion for dance with us!"
William Broder (wbroder@hotmail.com) from Boulder, Colorado
"I've only taken a single class with you so far, but I'm very impressed
with the clarity and precision of your teaching. I like the way you go
around and check that each and every student is doing the movements right,
even in a class of 15 or so, before you go on to the next step.
I've taken a few dancing lessons in my time,
but all the teachers did was model and have the students imitate; I don't
have the natural kinesthetic ability to pick things up that way, and I
imagine I'm not the only one. I was consequently surprised to find
that the rhythm practice, coupled with your concise, simple explanations,
allowed me to learn the basic sequence in a single class. I've checked
myself periodically since then, and the motion is still completely with
me.
If I had to make a criticism, and I'm hard put
to think of any at all, I guess it would be that I felt as though I'd mastered
the material about halfway through the class, and was eager to learn more
right away. I'm surprised to find myself saying this, since I've always
been the slowest learner in the class, but I guess it's just testimony
to your wonderfully effective teaching style."
Jim James (jjames@nfusiontech.com) from Boulder, Colorado
"Eric's classes are amazing! You start Salsa dancing in the first class
and can go out on the dance floor with confidence. Eric teaches fundamentals
and music skills first, and then builds on these for interesting moves,
partner work, and variations. Eric's teaching style is clear and
precise. He illustrates each move and step, and then shows you how
to put them together. He is fun and engaging - beginners as well
as people with other dance backgrounds pick up Salsa right away.
I thought I was Salsa-challenged until I took a couple of Eric's classes
- now I dance all night!"
Bob Lantaff (rlantaff@aol.com) from Boulder, Colorado
"I am a beginning dancer and have recently taken private lessons
with Eric Freeman. The two sessions/four hours of instruction with
Eric have done wonders for my technique and my enjoyment with dancing Salsa.
He greatly improved my timing, my footwork, my balance and posture, and
showed me some of the finer details of the male lead in Salsa. I
would highly recommend Eric as a teacher, and look forward to taking more
lessons with him."