Do guys and girls learn salsa at a different pace?

Leaders, typically guys, usually have more to worry about than followers do in the beginning. In addition to the timing, frame, footwork and remembering the pattern, the leaders must concentrate on their lead. This is one of the trickiest areas in the art of dancing salsa. The lead requires a good connection, great timing and usually only improves with a lot of practice with different partners. Also followers can often be reminded of the step from a good lead while leaders do not have this luxury.

Following is also an art which takes time to develop properly. A good follower must develop sensitivity to the lead, learn not to anticipate, develop a great frame and resistance, and have the right tension in the wrists and elbows. In addition, followers do a lot more "spinning", which can be a difficult area to master. However, in general Leaders take a longer time to learn than Followers do.

Another reason why beginner-followers may learn faster is that they may dance more in the clubs with better dancers who lead them, getting great practice. Beginner leaders have a "slightly" tougher time getting great followers to dance with them, and even if they do, they are limited to their own level since they are leading. Keep in mind that nowadays guys are no longer limited to leading and girls to following. Don’t be surprised if you find the roles reversed when you go out to nightclubs.