"Dear Edie,
First I want to tell you that I enjoy your web sight. It's funny, informative, and honest with helpful tips regarding the salsa world. My name is [name] and yes, I got bitten by the Salsa bug. I just started a routine where I am taking one to two classes a week (one w/Joby & Luis). Just when I start feeling confident, I goof on the dance floor. I know it depends on the person, but what is the average time in mastering this beautiful art? The other night I went to the [nightclub] for Salsa (1st time), long story short, Sunday I had massive bruises on my right foot and ankle. Was it because I was stepping wrong? Anyway, I would appreciate your opinion. I was born in Brazil and grew up in California since I was a small child. However, I do visit and I Samba and dance other Brazilian dances (I'm by no means a trained dancer), but something is in my blood and salsa seems so natural. Thanks for your time,
Sincerely,
- Bruised Ankles"


Dear Bruised Ankles,
To answer your first question is tough.  It really depends how much time you put into it. If you go out seven nights a week, and take group classes 4 of those seven, and take at least 4-5 privates per week, I would say you'd be pretty good in about 2-3 months.   If not, start adding two weeks for every night out and class (group or private) you skip. 

If you didn't say you already danced, I would have said your ankles are bruised because you weren't used to dancing and exercising like this.   However, since you already dance other forms of dance, you have experience with standard dance "exercise".  Additionally, because this inflammation on your ankle is only on your right foot, then your ankle problem has nothing to do with blood circulation. 

It has to do with your getting so CAUGHT UP in the addictive music and dance (drug), that you don't even REALIZE someone just STEPPED ON YOUR FOOT.

- Edie, The Salsa FREAK