What makes someone a "Salsa Professional"? The Salsa world is unique i n that there are no real standards for determining what qualifies someone as a "professional." So what is it that separates the professional from the amateur?

Here's a general guide to what makes a professional.

• Professional Image - They have business cards, a phone number, and possibly a website.  If they hand you their information on a napkin, then they are not prepared to call themselves a professional. While there may be individuals available for hire that don't have a business card, having one shows that they have taken some consideration of their professional image and the fact that they are a product.
• Pricing Schedule - A professional can tell you exactly what their services cost. While there is always room for negotiation, a professional will work with you in a way that demonstrates their experience. If you ask them how much they charge for a workshop, a private lesson, or a performance and they can't give you an answer, then they haven't worked enough to understand their value.
• Commitment to Excellence - A Professional knows their capabilities as well as their limitations. They are able to offer you advice towards accomplishing your goals. Beware the person that tells you they are perfect for your job before they have any details of what you need. 
• Personal References - You should be able to see examples of the professionals work via word-of-mouth, performance videos, and student referrals.

While a professional must be a good dancer, not every good dancer is a professional.

A profesional does not have to be a full-time dancer. There is not a lot of money in salsa, and the industry can only support so many people that do it exclusively. So don't be reluctant to hire someone that teaches in addition to their "normal" job. 

The previous question was first published in "The Scene" Magazine, where Shaka Brown is a contributing columnist. Visit www.TheSceneMagDC.com for additional articles, interviews and tips.