Salsa Intensive for Beginners: 4 Week Series

Wednesdays 6:45-8:30pm. Dates: 2.22, 2.29, 3.7, 3.14
This four week intensive series covers the fundamentals of timing, body movement, lead-follow connection, and basic step patterns and partner combinations. Students learn principles of Latin dance and musicality and how to incorporate this into Salsa dancing. Social dance practice with availability of one-on-one assistance is held at the end of each class.

Description:

Class Format

Students learn the basics of Salsa: dancing with the rhythm and on the beat, body movement and weight shift, partner connectivity, and principles of music-dance interpretation. Class begins with a body movement warm-up. Dancers start in bare feet. We teach Salsa step variations (aka "shines") and movement patterns across the floor and in rotating lines in front of the mirror. In the second half of class we apply these step patterns and turns in partner format, where combinations are formed through the communication of lead-follow technique. Class ends with a 30 minute practice session, where repetition of moves, a relaxed environment, and individual assistance from instructor helps students solidify their skills and become natural Salsa dancers.

6:45-8:00pm: Instruction
8:00-8:30pm: Practice

Salsa Musicality

In Salsa, timing, rhythm and dance flow is cued to the dancer by layered Afro-percussion based orchestral style music. Lead and follow between partners is created through the frame, points of connection, and tension. The flavor of Salsa derives from a core of Afro-Cuban, Afro-Caribbean, Afro-Latin and Iberian music and dance forms, enhanced by contributions from cultural phenomena around the world, including jazz, ballroom and various styles of pop music. Salsa is ecumenical, inspiring, dynamic and accessible. Beginner Salsa will help you acquire the skills and sensibility necessary to survive on the dance floor, advance to higher levels, and form a basis for your own individual dance style.

Learning aids include syllabus, music and video.

Class size limit: 35. Partners rotate, rotation not required for couples. Gender free: each student is free to learn the lead or follow role.

Cost
Non-students: $60 for series, $110 per couple, $17 drop-in.
Students: $48 for series, $86 per couple, $15 drop-in.

Directions: use online campus map.

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