Salsa Classes / Salsa Lessons

Class Name

Description

A Taste of Tango Workshop

This workshop is a intended to be a fun and easy introduction to the sensual world of Argentine Tango. This workshop will focus more on the attitude and styling of Argentine Tango - learn some basic Argentine Tango figures and how to add some smoulder to your dancing. Suitable for all levels including those with absolutely no Tango experience!

Afro Cuban Movement and Styling

Learn the principles and basics of Afro-Cuban movement and styling. This class will focus on techniques and elements of the Cuban Orishas dances, the basis of Afro-Cuban movement. Learn the technique behind the body movements of the Cuban cultural roots of salsa dancing and add some Cuban flavour to your salsa dancing! No experience necessary and open to both men and women.

Argentine Tango - Milonga Style for Intermediate Students

Milonga is a fun and playful dance that started the Tango. It is a mixture of dances such as Candombe (Uruguay), Havanera, and African dances. Milonga began as a folk dance and developed into a style of Tango that is characterized by quick footwork and accented pauses. Milonga is also a term for a place or an event where Tango is danced. Milonga uses the same basic elements as Tango and requires a greater relaxation of legs and body. Movement is normally faster and pauses are not made. It is rather a kind of rhythmic walking without complicated figures with a much more "rustic" style than Tango. In this course you will learn the basic steps of milonga, musicality, timing, characteristics of the dance, disassociation of lower and upper body as well as new movements and concepts. This class is intended for those students who have completed Tango Level 1 or pass an assessment.

Argentine Tango Level 1

Argentine tango has been thrilling dancers for more than 100 years. Tango is loved by dancers and audiences for its beauty, passion, drama and excitement. The essence of Argentine tango is about life and, especially, about the relationship between a man and a woman. This 9-week course is intended for absolute beginners and will focus on the fundamentals of lead and follow technique, the Tango walk, close embrace, musicality and etiquette. Learn simple floor patterns that you will be able to use in a milonga (tango social).

Argentine Tango Level 2

This class is intended for dancers who have completed a minimum of Argentine Tango I and have a strong understanding of the fundamentals of Argentine Tango (lead & follow, Tango walk, close embrace, musicality and simple floor patterns such as Basic Salida in 6, Basic Salida in 8, forward and backwards ochos and sandwich). Tango Level II will focus on disassociation, musicality, cross walk, parallel walk, sacadas (take offs), giros (turns), ganchos (hooks), and other figures. This course will add grace and seduction to your dance.

Argentine Tango Level 3

This class is intended for dancers who have completed Argentine Tango II and have a basic understanding of the fundamentals of Argentine Tango (lead & follow, Tango walk, close embrace, musicality and simple floor patterns such as Basic Salida in 6, Basic Salida in 8, forward and backwards ochos). Argentine Tango III will take your Tango dancing to the next level; in addition to developing the musicality and improvisational skills required to shape a tango dance, students will be taught more intricate figures and how and when to execute styling and embellishments for both lead and follow.

Bachata - All Levels

Bachata is a four-beat dance originating from the Dominican Republic. It is characterized by fluid walking hip action and a hip accent. It can be danced from both the open and close hand holds, with emphasis on developing a solid connection with your partner. This class will cover basics, body movement, turn patterns, musicality, styling and shines. You will learn how to lead and follow effectively using body movement while incorporating Bachata's sensual movements. We will explore musicality and learn to add accents and dips to the music for a dramatic look. For all levels including beginners.

Bachata Intermediate Variations

Learn the finer points of the body movement, lead and follow technique and musicality of the sensual and romantic dance of Bachata. New turn patterns will be introduced each class with a focus on styling, body rhythm, timing and execution. Some time will also be spent on developing musicality and learning where and how to add accents, dips and holds to spice up the dance. Completion of Salsa level 2 or assessment required. All new material covered!

Belly Dance - Combos and Drills

A great way to learn or practice your Bellydance. This class is suitable for all levels. We will be learning some fun combinations of steps, by drilling one movement into the next as well as layering movements together. It will also tone the whole body and strengthen it for Bellydance. The end result is more confidence while dancing as well as feeling good about our own femininity.

Belly Dance - Combos and Musicality

For the beginner to intermediate level belly dancer, this class will teach technique in the context of movement combinations set to different styles and moods of music. Discover how belly dance and music are inseparable!"

Belly Dance Beginners 2

Laura teaches the Arabesque method. Beginner II is where the foundation of Egyptian technique is introduced. There is a greater awareness of how amazing the abdominal muscles can be and how mastery over them can change the look and integrity of all previously learned steps by the student. A new grouping of steps is introduced at this level, but what must be mastered before moving on is the vertical drop technique and how it can be applied to many movements. By learning even more steps with slightly more difficulty and discovering a deeper understanding of what abdominal muscles are capable of, the student should now be able to really execute every movement including shimmies with ease and fluidity. If the student is having difficulty with any of the Beginner steps, the student should not continue to Intermediate. Things to look out for are the vertical drop, maya, basic shimmies and 3/4 shimmy technique. Completion of Beginner 1 or prior experience required. Description as found on arabesquedance.ca.

Belly Dance Bootcamp

This fun exciting Belly Dance class is open to all ages and levels of dance and fitness. We will be strengthening our core, arms and legs for proper execution of Belly Dance technique. By drilling moves from Beginner to Intermediate bellydance training we will work on stamina and ease of movement. A fun dance workout!

Belly Dance Level 1

Learn to isolate, shake,and undulate! Feel empowered in the celebration of your own body and femininity. We will learn beginner to elementary bellydance steps and work on fluid transitions from one step to the next. There is no previous training required. The class is based on Egyptian Bellydance technique. A delightful way to express yourself while getting a core and leg workout!

Bollywood Beats

Ever wanted to dance like a Bollywood movie star? Join this beginner Bollywood dance class and learn how! Referred to the genre of dance emanating from the Hindi cinema industry, Bollywood dancing is a fusion of traditional South Asian dances like Bhangra with Hip Hop as well as Latin & Arab influences. In this Bollywood dance class you will learn basics and choreography to popular Bollywood movie songs. You will also learn to feel the music and rhythm of the Bollywood beat. Get ready to groove 'Jai Ho' style!

Bollywood Flash Mob

Ever wanted to surprise your friends with a Bollywood performance? Now is your chance! Join this Bollywood Flash Mob dance class and learn how to perform a choreographed Bollywood routine, but shhh... the details are a surprise! Referred to the genre of dance emanating from the Hindi cinema industry, Bollywood dancing is a fusion of traditional South Asian dances like Bhangra with Hip Hop as well as Latin & Arab influences. In this 9-week course you will learn to move like a Bollywood movie star, building on your performance quality, and feeling the rhythm of the Bollywood beat. This course will teach you a fun and easy choreographed routine, which will be performed at a time and location known only to the performers and instructor. Get ready to surprise the audience 'Jai Ho' style!

Bollywood Performance Class

Ladies, get ready for a fun-filled Bollywood performance, showcasing the vibrant colours and costumes of the sub-continent. In this class you will learn the genre of dance made popular from Hindi cinema - a fusion of classical technique and modern day influences, now known as Bollywood dancing. You will learn choreography to a beat-busting, toe-tapping Bollywood number, while also learning key components of dance performance. This ladies-only class will be filled with fun dance moves named to trigger fits of giggles and building a performance persona that audiences will remember.

Booty Beat Flirty Girl Fitness Course

Booty Beat is the ultimate sexy, fun cardio dance party! We take our moves straight from the hottest videos and coolest dance floors and incorporate them into a fat burning, super-fun, easy-to-follow routine to provide the perfect combination of cardio and strength training. You will feel like you are a part of a music video rather than in a cardio crazy, core chiselling, booty toning and arm sculpting workout class. No experience necessary!

Brazilian Samba - Variations

Samba, the national dance of Brazil, is perhaps one of the most energetic and exhilarating South American dances! Learn the basics of Samba no pe, the style of samba most associated with Rio de Janeiro’s carnival. This class is suitable for female dancers with no experience with Brazilian samba, or those wanting to further develop their basic samba footwork, body movement, rhythm and styling. Improve coordination, core and leg strength and learn a fun, new (and easy) Brazilian samba routine. Join Tracie to dance and sweat to some of the most fun music on the planet! No prior dance experience necessary. This is a solo female dance class, no partners necessary and material will be new. Please note that this class will be conducted in bare feet.

Cabaret Salsa Performance Group (Ladies only)

A NEW performance class for ladies to develop their salsa styling and dance technique. This is not your ordinary ladies styling performance class! This class will not only focus on isolations, control and musicality, but also attitude, confidence of execution and stage presence, all within the context of a theatrical cabaret style salsa choreography. By the end of the class you will be ready to perform the routine during a salsa outing in front of a live audience in costume and makeup. Completion of Salsa Level 3 or assessment required. Unleash your salsa goddess within!

Casino Rueda 9 Week Course

A salsa style originating from Cuba, Casino Rueda is danced with partners arranged in a circle, or wheel (Rueda). Characterized by multiple partner and pattern changes called out from the circle leader (or caller) throughout the dance, Casino is a fun and highly interactive style of salsa dancing. Learn the meaning and execution of moves such as "Da Me Uno" (give me one), "La Flor" (The Flower) and "Setenta" (Seventy). For dancers who have completed Level 1 and higher, or who have a basic understanding of salsa basic footwork and timing.

Casino Rueda Workshop

A salsa style originating from Cuba, Casino Rueda is danced with partners arranged in a circle, or wheel (Rueda). Characterized by multiple partner and pattern changes called out from the circle leader (or caller) throughout the dance, Casino is a fun and highly interactive style of salsa dancing. Learn the meaning and execution of moves such as Da Me Uno ("Give Me One"), La Flor ("The Flower") and Setenta ("Seveny"). For dancers who have completed Level 2 and higher.

Casino Rueda Workshop and Social

Learn the original Cuban salsa style Casino Rueda! Casino is danced with partners arranged in a circle, or wheel (Rueda). Join us for our new once-a-month Casino workshop and social and see how addictive this salsa style really is! Characterized by multiple partner and pattern changes called out from the circle leader (or caller) throughout the dance, Casino is a fun and highly interactive style of salsa dancing. The first 30 minutes will be for absolute beginners or those who want to review their Casino basics, followed by 90 minutes of instruction and practice for Casino dancers eager to learn new moves and keep their Casino skills in shape! For dancers who have completed Level 2 and higher. New moves taught at every workshop!

Cha Cha Cha ON 2 Variations

Cha Cha Cha is an elegant eight beat dance with Cuban origin and influence. The music is characterized by 3 syncopated steps, and the dance is recognized and danced around the world. The distinctive foot pattern creates a sound as though the dancers are scraping the floor. In this 9 week course we will cover the foundations of Cha Cha Cha On including weight shifting and the characteristic Cha Cha Cha chasse. This class will add new turn patterns and stylish combinations, with sensual body movements and shines to make you look like a Cha Cha Cha King and Queen. For those who took the original Cha Cha class as well as for new Cha Cha students. Completion of level 2 or assessment required.

Cha Cha Cha On2 4 Week Course

Cha Cha Cha is an eight beat dance with Cuban origin and influence. The music is characterized by 3 syncopated steps, causing a distinctive pattern of the feet, where it sounds like the dancers are scraping the floor. This dance is very well known and danced around the world. In this 4 week with 2 hours per class course you will learn how to dance Cha Cha Cha On2 and to properly weight shift to create the Cha Cha Cha chasse with ease and flow. Learn effective turn pattern combinations that are visually appealing and comfortable to lead/follow as well as styling for this elegant, sensual dance. Completion of Salsa level 2 or assessment required.

Cuban Style Salsa Level 1

Learn the original Cuban Salsa Style, a fun and highly interactive style of salsa dancing characterized for its playfulness and unique turn patterns. In this course you will learn the basics steps of the dance, musicality, lead and follow, meaning and execution of moves such Guapea, Paseala por el parque, setenta, and much more! At the end of every class learn to dance these moves in a Casino Rueda style wheel.

Cuban Style Salsa Level 2

Enhance your salsa dancing skills by learning the original Cuban Salsa Style, a fun and highly interactive style of salsa dancing characterized for its playfulness and unique turn patterns. In this course you will learn to lead and follow, the meaning and execution of moves such as La Familia, La Flor, Setenta Complicado, Basila, Ocho and much more! At the end of every class learn to dance these moves in a Casino Rueda style wheel. Completion of level 1 Cuban Salsa or level 3 nightclub Salsa or assessment required.

Dips and Tricks II Workshop

An extension of our popular Dips and Tricks workshop which is open to those who have taken Dips and Tricks I as well as new students. Learn how to kick your dancing up a notch by adding a few fancy dips and tricks. This workshop will teach you how to use your core to execute and balance dips and tricks effortlessly on the dance floor. We will also focus on turn pattern options for proper lead ins and outs of dips and tricks in a social setting. For dancers who have completed Level 3 or higher. Completely new dips and tricks.

Dips and Tricks III Workshop

Back by popular demand, Tracie & Daniel bring you Dips & Tricks III: Introduction to The Lift. This workshop is meant for salsa dancers serious about developing their performance and possibly competition skills. Learn how to execute a new set of dips, tricks and easy lifts to enhance your salsa routines! This workshop will also focus on technique, styling and clean execution and, of course, safety. For dancers who have completed TDS Level 3 and up.

Dips and Tricks Workshop

Want to kick your dancing up a notch by adding a few fancy dips and tricks? This workshop will teach you how to use your core to execute and balance dips and tricks effortlessly on the dance floor. This workshop will also focus on turn pattern options for proper and safe execution of getting in and out of dips and tricks in a social setting. For dancers who have completed Level 3 or higher.

Helper Only Performance Choreography - Casino

A performance class exclusive to our current Toronto Dance Salsa Helpers. This 10-week class will focus on learning a choreographed 2.5-minute piece to be performed at a future salsa event. 15 hours of class plus 5 hours minimum of rehearsals. The Winter 2011 routine will be a couples salsa choreography blending Casino (original Cuban style salsa) and LA style (on-1 salsa), all danced in the Rueda (wheel/circle).

Hip Hop Level 1

A style born in the streets - hip-hop has been brought to the mainstream thanks to pop culture - music videos, tv and films. This class will focus on basic hip-hop/street grooves and principles. In this class you'll learn how to move like a street dancer and also learn the hottest moves from your favorite music videos to your favorite songs. Suitable to all levels, men and women! No experience necessary!

Intro to Brazilian Samba

Samba, the national dance of Brazil, is perhaps one of the most energetic and exhilarating South American dances! Learn the basics of Samba no pe, the style of samba most associated with Rio de Janeiro's carnival. In this 6 week course Tracie will teach you the basic samba footwork, body movement, rhythm and styling as well as basic footwork combinations. This class will not only improve coordination, core and leg strength, but it will also get you dancing and sweating to some of the most fun music on the planet! No prior dance experience necessary. This is a solo dance class, no partners necessary. Please note that this class will be conducted in bare feet.

Introduction to On 2 Workshop

Become bilingual! Learn how to transfer your skills from On1 to On2. If you are an intermediate/advanced On1 dancer or a On2 beginner, this workshop is for you! During this workshop you will learn how to "feel" the On2, deconstruct the rhythm & musicality, polish the basic step, transfer your On1 turn patterns and learn new fun ones!

Jazzy Bootcamp

Jazzy Bootcamp is an upbeat fitness class that combine Jazz, Salsa, Hip Hop, House and African dance styles as well as Pilates and strength training in a dynamic dance party combination. The class is designed to improve cardiovascular fitness, increase strength and flexibility while maximizing calories burned! Appropriate for all dance and fitness levels.

Ladies Salsa Technique Bootcamp

In this class Tracie will lead you through technique exercises focusing on the proper technique required for footwork, spins and turn patterns. Learn the tips to being a better follower and a more comfortable dancer on the social dance floor. Improve your posture, styling and fluidity of movement! Please bring dance heels - note that warm up will be conducted in bare feet but most of the class will be done in dance shoes. No mats necessary. Four weeks x 1.5 hours per class. Completion of level 2 or assessment required.

Ladies Strength Conditioning for Dancers and Floor Barre

Being strong in your centre is essential to being a good follow, and a better dancer overall. Tracie's specially designed conditioning class for dancers will help you strengthen your core and increase your flexibility. The intensive strength-training workout combines yoga, pilates and ballet barre technique without the barre or special equipment - all you need is your yoga mat! Build muscle stamina to help you survive those all-night sessions of dancing at the socials and the clubs! Suitable for all levels of dancers.

Ladies Styling

Learn how to incorporate styling into your salsa dancing. Tracie will show you how to add that extra "oomph" and flair to your basic steps and the combos that you already know and love so that you can start adding styling to your dancing right away. Each class will focus on the fundamental elements of building styling into your dancing: body rhythm, timing, follow technique, musicality and the essentials of clean footwork in turn patterns and spins. Each class will introduce more advanced styling techniques to add as your dancing progresses. For those who have completed a minimum of Level 2 and up.

Ladies Styling and Technique for Salsa and Tango Dancers

Searching for a different way to improve your Salsa dancing? Ask any experienced dancer and they will tell you that learning the fundamental techniques of another dance form helps improve your skills as a dancer overall. In this class Tracie will lead you through technique exercises used by Argentine Tango dancers to develop their centre, poise, isolations and body awareness and show you how to apply those fundamentals to your salsa dancing. Also learn how to add sexy Tango leg styling within the structures of your on-1 salsa footwork. This class is also suitable for Argentine Tango dancers wishing to develop their Tango fundamental techniques of posture, balance, disassociation and execution. For dancers who have completed Level 2 salsa or higher. Also suitable for dancers who have just completed Level 1 or 2 Argentine Tango.

Latin Belly Fusion

A choreography based class open to students of all levels and dance backgrounds. Every 2 to 3 classes will be used to learn a new routine to Latin, Reggaetone, or Arabic music. This class is designed for those who just want to let loose and learn some fun moves to take to the dance floor. It is a great addition to Latin dance and/or Bellydance training, freeing the hips of Latin students and adding more foot work for the bellydancers. This class combines the sensuality of Bellydance and the spiceyness of Latin dance in a fun creative atmosphere.

Men's Movement and Shines Workshop

This 2 hour workshop will introduce students to a new understanding of dancing while being disconnected with their partners. The workshop will be broken up into 2 parts. The first part will focus on fundamentals such as upper body balance/counter balance, body positioning for starting and finishing a shine, body movement and hints and cues to initiate and complete shines while dancing. The second part of the workshop will focus on four new shines that can be danced separately or grouped together to make a longer exciting shine. Enrollment and/or completion of level 3 or higher required.

Merengue and Bachata - Condensed 6wks x 1.5hrs

Learn these two fun Dominican Republic dances that are played at all salsa clubs. In this class, you will learn how to utilize body movement as well as leading and following skills. New turn patterns will be introduced in each class as well as styling. You will also learn how to understand the rhythm and accenting of each dance. No dance experience necessary!

Mommy and Me Fitness Class

Toronto Dance Salsa is now offering a new "Mommy and Me" dance and gentle fitness series! Catered specifically for mommies with little ones still at home between the ages of 6 and 14 months. If you're a new mommy looking for ways to get in a quick, easy and effective work-out without having to stress about finding a baby sitter for your little one, these series of classes are for you! Choreographed and formatted specifically to suit your needs and schedule as a new mommy, all TDS Mommy and Me classes are 50 minute long fitness programmes that you can do with your baby in a car seat close by or strapped to your front in the Baby Bjorn. First in the series is Zumba (basic), choreographed and taught by TDS's own "Zumba guru", Zumba certified and Salsa dance instructor, Tracie Yee. The class is guaranteed to make you sweat, while making it safe to work out with your baby strapped to you; plus, expose your new little one to the fun of Latin dance music and join in on the laughs and giggles as your little one bounces around with you to the music!

MTV Video Star - Lady Gaga and Michael Jackson

Do you ever wish you could just rock out that awesome choreography from your favourite dance music video? Well now you can! Join Tracie in the MTV Video Star class where she will teach you routines from some of the most popular dance music videos. Choreographies will be built-up each week in this 9-week course: dance moves will be added each week to build a full routine; time will be given to perfect and perform the steps just like in the video, right down to the rockstar attitude! This semester will feature the choreographies from Michael Jackson’s "Thriller" and Lady Gaga’s "Bad Romance". No experience necessary!

Musicality and Shines Workshop

Yearning to work on your salsa footwork and musicality skills? Learn new ways to get your feet moving to the salsa beat as well as how to use your body to interpret the music. Musicality and Shines are an integral part of salsa dancing - it is what bridges the gap from being a student to a dancer. This workshop will open your mind and body to these essential elements of salsa dancing which you might have not yet been able to develop yet. Learn a fun and challenging shine routine (suitable for both men and women) and work on your Shines and Styling improvisational skills. For dancers who have completed TDS Level 2 and up.

Open Shines

Shines are an integral part of salsa dancing - it is one of the things that bridges the gap from being a student to a dancer. This class will focus on the body isolation and movement techniques essential for fluid shines and open the dancer’s mind and body to the essential element of shines in salsa dancing as well as develop a dancer’s overall musicality skills. Every week students will learn fun and challenging shine sequences (suitable for both men and women) that will be used to build an overall routine; there will also be some focus on shines improvisation. For dancers who have completed TDS Level 2 and up.

Pilates

Pilates classes are designed to build strength and increase flexibility. The course focuses on integrating the entire body using your own body weight and gravity promoting ease and efficiency of movement. Pilates classes will improve core control, coordination, standing alignment and balance while building strong, sculpted muscles. Floor may required. Appropriate for all dance and fitness levels.

Reggaeton Funk - Variations

Get your funk on, reggaeton style, with this fun dance class that blends the grooves of hip hop, funk and Jamaican dancehall. In this non-partnering dance class for both men and women, Tracie will focus on rhythm, body isolations, execution, styling and coordination. Once you're done with this course you'll have no reason to sit out the reggaeton music sets at the club. New routine for the summer semester. If you've taken this class before this will be the perfect opportunity to work on your technique AND learn a whole new dance routine! Beginners welcome.

Reggaeton Funk Dance Course

Ever get seized with the overwhelming desire to flee the dance floor when Reggaeton comes on at the club? Well, flee no more! Learn how to get your funk on with this fun new dance class that blends the grooves of hip hop, funk and Jamaican dancehall. In this non-partnering dance class for both men and women, Tracie will focus on rhythm, body isolations, execution, styling and coordination. Once you're done with this course you'll have no reason to sit out the reggaeton music sets at the club!

Reggaeton Performance Class

Have you always wished for an opportunity to show off your pumpin' Reggaeton styling without intimidating other people on the dance floor? Yearning for the chance to perform those skills for your friends and family? The Reggaeton Performance Class provides the opportunity for students (with or without previous Reggaeton instruction) to work on their Reggaeton dance technique as well as experience what it's like to train and work in a performance dance team. Students will be taught and rehearse a choreographed Reggaeton routine, and perform as a group before live audiences in the GTA.

S.T.U.D. (Salsero Training for Unique Development) Program for Men

Introducing Toronto Dance Salsa's first specialty class just for men. The S.T.U.D. (Salsero Training for Unique Development) program is designed just for men to help you become a better leader, improve your styling, and have your dance partners love dancing with you. The S.T.U.D program is also the only one of its kind to give you a report card on your progress, what your strengths are, and where there is room for improvement. Over a 9 week period you'll learn all the elements you need to become a better dancer and tap into your inner Salsero. Some of the areas that we'll cover include: Looking Good, Developing a Power Song, Timing, Leading, Spins, Musicality, Following, Birthday Dances, Stealing, and Covert Ops. Click here for more details. Please note: This is a salsa program for men only. However, for some of the classes you will need to invite a volunteer partner to dance with who is at your level. If you have any questions please email evan@torontodancesalsa.ca.

Salsa and Merengue Dance Workshop

This fun fastpaced workshop is a great introduction to Nightclub dancing. The first one a half hours will cover the basic steps, turns and combinations for both Merengue and Salsa, the most popular nightclub Latin dances. Learn how to impress your friends at a Salsa Club and then practice your moves for the last half hour in a Salsa Social (practice session) style environment.

Salsa Body Bootcamp

Spending a little too much time at the bar and not enough time on the dance floor? Finding yourself out of breath after 1 or 2 fast paced songs? Out of breath from climbing those stairs at the salsa club? Then you need to put your body through Salsa Body Bootcamp! This one hour bootcamp class (led by Tracie) will work on developing your core strength, overall flexibility, body awareness and stamina. At the end of this 5-week course you'll see an improvement in overall coordination, control, fluidity and execution of movement, plus you'll look better in your salsa dancing clothes!

Salsa for Singles level 1

Mix and mingle with young single professionals from the ages of 20-35. The syllabus is the same as Salsa-Nightclub level 1 but the emphasis is on fun and rotating every few minutes.

Salsa On2

Salsa On2 is a variation of salsa popularized in New York city (hence also called "New York" style), which was heavily influenced by jazz and mambo in the 1960s. In this smoother, more elegant dance that more closely emulates ballroom dancing, you will learn how to look effortless as you and your partner flow across the dance floor. In Salsa On2, dancing begins on the second beat, with the leader breaking back on beat 2. You will learn to recognize the conga drum beat that signals the On 2 timing, and learn how to transfer your salsa On 1 skills to Salsa On 2. New turn patterns and styling included. Completion of level 3 or assessment required.

Salsa Open Shines

For intermediate level dancers (those who have completed level 2), this new open shines course teaches students to salsa dance without a partner. Each week students are taught a short shines (footwork) sequence that can be used on the dancefloor when separated from your partner. This class will challenge your coordination, speed and weight transfer. Body movement and rhythm and musicality will also be covered.

Salsa Styling and Choreography Building

This 4 week condensed course with two hours per class is designed to teach students different movements to complement their dances. In-depth analysis of head, rib cage, hips, arm and leg movements will be practiced and incorporated to salsa, both in turn patterns and shine combination. Foundational salsa partnering will be taught. Students will have the opportunity to create variations of these foundational moves and learn ways to create their own shine/turn patterns. Students will be paired to create their own 45 seconds choreography based on the elements learnt. Completion of level 2 or assessment required.

Salsa Technique Building

This program is designed to sharpen dance technique to take your social dancing to the next level. Focus will be on elements such as proper weight shifting, effective leading and following, understanding of body alignment, spinning technique and rhythm and musicality interpretation. Each element will be discussed and practiced in great details and will be incorporated in higher-difficulty turn patterns. This condensed course is four weeks long with each class two hours in length. Completion of level 2 or assessment required.

Salsa-Nightclub level 1

In this introductory course, you will learn three dances: Merengue (nightclub-style) - for 1.25 hours, Bachata - for 1.25 hours, Salsa (Salsa-on-1 style) - for 6.5 hours. You will learn the fundamental footwork, turns and movement of all three dances. We will cover at least 10 figures in Salsa including righ turns, reverse turns, male turn combinations, cross body lead with turns, etc and four to five figures in Merengue and Bachata. By the end of the session, you'll be able to dance an entire Merengue, Bachata, and Salsa song!

Salsa-Nightclub level 2

Building on the figures you learned from level 1, we will turn our attention to cross-body lead variations, right turn and reverse turn variations with emphasis on creating turnpattern combinations and styling. There will be a focus on checks, wraps, rainbows, shines, body movement and styling. A few additional Bachata figures are also taught. Must have completed level 1 with Toronto Dance Salsa or successfully pass an assessment.

Salsa-Nightclub level 3

Now that you can dance, we'll teach you Traveling Right-Turns and In & Out variations. We'll also introduce you to double spins and incorporate multiple spins into combinations. Combination work and styling tips are incorporated into every new pattern. Must have completed level 2 with Toronto Dance Salsa or successfully pass an assessment.

Salsa-Nightclub level 4

You're set to learn some interesting combinations now that you've mastered the first three levels. These include S-turns, Lassos, Spider Turns, and Tunnels. Styling and musicality will be a focus in this level. Must have completed level 3 with Toronto Dance Salsa or successfully pass an assessment.

Salsa-Nightclub level 5

Ready for some sexy dancing? It's time to learn the Coca-Cola, Reverse Coca-Cola and check variations. Challenging shines, turnpatterns and styling tips will be demonstrated. Put it all together and soon enough, you'll be the star of the dance floor! Must have completed level 4 with Toronto Dance Salsa or successfully pass an assessment.

Salsa-Nightclub level 6

Level 6 has 4 variation classes that are categorized as A, B, C and D. Each variation class is the same level of difficulty but with all new material. Level 6 classes focus on a variety of turn patterns, dips, tricks, shines and styling techniques to enhance your dancing. There will be a focus on musicality and dancing the turn patterns rhythmically. To attend this class you must have completed level 5 or successfully pass an assessment.

Shines and Styling for Men and Women Workshop

Yearning to work on your salsa styling and shines skills? Learn new ways to get your feet moving to the salsa beat as well as how to use your body to interpret the music through styling. Shines are an integral part of salsa dancing - this workshop will open your mind and body to this essential element of salsa dancing which you might have not been able to develop yet. This workshop will develop your shines patterns - execution, timing, body awareness and rhythm. You will learn a fun and challenging shine routine (suitable for both men and women) and how to style the routine in different ways so that it sensual and feminine for women and strong and masculine for men. Also learn how to "mix and match" shine footwork patterns with styling techniques to improve your improvisational skills. For dancers who have completed Salsa Level 2 and up or have passed an assessment.

Student Performance Class - Salsa Funk Edition!

Nothing takes your salsa dancing to the "next level" like a performance class! Join the TDS Winter 2012 Student Performance Class: Salsa Funk Edition! This class is for Level 3 and higher dancers who are interested in developing their salsa partnerwork, styling and shine skills as well as going through the performance and training experience of a performance dance team. Students will be taught and rehearse a choreographed partner and shines routine, and perform as a group before live audiences around the GTA. The Winter 2012 routine will be all about "girl power"! The fun and sexy routine will have all dancers dressed in a costume inspired by the first woman who dared to push the boundaries of what it meant to be feminine - Marlene Dietrich. Dancers will learn how to dance both lead and follow sequences with funky shines sequences in between.

Tango Up Your Salsa Workshop

Searching for a new way to move in your salsa dancing? Tango Up Your Salsa! This workshop will show you how to capture the sensuality of Argentine Tango in your salsa dancing. Learn how to add Argentine Tango moves such as ganchos (hooks), boleos (leg "throws") and molinetes (windmills) within the structures of your on-1 salsa footwork. For dancers who have completed Level 2 or higher.

Zouk Level 1

Brazilian Zouk is an incredibly sensual dance with roots in Lambada (the forbidden dance). It has become a global phenomenon, exploding in popularity all over the world - especially in Australia, Europe and Brazil. In this three-week course, you will learn the basics of Zouk from Toronto's leading Zouk instructors. This all-level class is beginner friendly, but will be challenging for all!

Zumba Fitness

Founded by celebrity fitness trainer, "Beto" Perez, Zumba Fitness fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy to follow moves to create a dynamic workout system that will blow you away. It's an exhilarating workout of caloric-burning, heart-racing, muscle-pumping, and body-energizing movements meant to engage and captivate for life! The routines feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat. In the past years Zumba has become nothing short of a revolution. Coining the concept of "fitness-party" and making fitness fun, Zumba has spread like wild-fire throughout North America. Level 1 Zumba will get you grooving to Merengue, Salsa, Reggaeton, Cumbia, Bachata and Cha Cha Cha. This progressive class will start you with the basic footwork patterns and as the weeks progress, styling and fitness elements will be added to have you really working up a sweat! What are you waiting for? Join the party!

Zumba Latin Cardo

An exhilarating and fun workout of caloric-burning, heart-racing, muscle-pumping, body-energizing, awe-inspiring movements set to your favourite latin dance music - salsa, cumbia, merengue, bachata, cha cha and reggaeton! The routines feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat.

Yonge Street & Empress Avenue (South of Finch)

North York Civic Centre - Yonge St East Side & Princess Ave Subway Exit provides underground access to studio.

1. Students receive 2hrs of free parking at the underground Riocan parking lot under the Empress Walk Mall. Please ensure you enter through HILLCREST Avenue and enter the "Empress Walk Mall" parking. If you enter through Empress Avenue the parking is for Loblaws only and cannot be validated. You should receive a parking chip which will be validated in the dance studio.

King & University

St. Andrews

1) Parking lot at Royal Alexander Theatre at 230 King Street West
2) Street Parking on King Street West

King and Spadina

King & Univesity (St. Andrew)

1. $4 per hour on King across street in a private parking lot
2 . Metered parking on King Street