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 Level 2

This class is intended for dancers who have completed Argentine Tango I 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 II 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 9 Week Course

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. In this class, you will learn how to utilize body movement to effectively lead and follow a sensual Bachata dance. New turn patterns and shine work will be introduced each class as well as styling. You will also learn to manipulate the music to add accents, dips and holds to spice up the dance. Completion of level 2 or assessment required.

Bachata Variations

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 expand on last semester by adding new turn patterns, as well as 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 those who took the original the Bachata class as well as for new Bachata students. Completion of level 2 or assessment required.

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 1

Laura teaches the Arabesque method. "Beginner I is where the fun starts and the student will learn actual steps. Almost all of the quintessential Bellydance steps are taught in this level. These are the movements from which later on, one will be able to draw from, and with which, one will be able to layer and elaborate. Getting all of these steps is important but more important still is remembering the basic principles learned in Foundation level and how they apply to each of these Beginner I steps. When the student sees the connection of these principles to all of the movement and can execute these, then she or he is ready to move on to the next challenge. Another important factor to take into consideration is the fact that each movement has a corresponding arm position. This arm movement is just as essential to the accomplishment of the step." Description as found on arabesquedance.ca.

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.

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.

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 9 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 9 week 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.

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

A performance class exclusive to our current Toronto Dance Salsa Helpers. This 10-week class will focus on creating a choreographed 2.5-minute piece using all the turn patterns and shines learned in level 1-5 to be performed at a future salsa event. 15 hours of class and 5 hours minimum of rehearsals. The Summer 2010 routine will be a combined Bachata and Cha Cha Cha Routine.

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 Argentine Tango

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).

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!

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 easy and fun ways to incorporate styling into your 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. Also learn the basic rules of thumb for being a good follow, executing clean spins and turn patterns, new shine moves and more advanced styling techniques to add as your dancing progresses. For those who have completed a minimum of Level 2 and up.

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.

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!

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.

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, the Basics, Timing, Leading, Spins, Musicality, Following, Birthday Dances, Stealing, and Covert Ops. 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 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

This advanced class will 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.

Student Performance Class

Interested in taking your salsa dancing to the next level? Join the TDS Fall 2010 Student Performance Class! 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. Each class is 1.5 hours in length over 9 weeks.

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.

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. Andrew

A variety of paid parking options are available around the club including parking lots and street parking.

Bay & Adelaide

Osgoode, St. Andrew, Queen or King

1. $5 flat-fee parking at the Scotia Plaza off Adelaide St, east of Bay St .
2. $6 flat-fee parking at the TD Centre weekdays after 6pm and all-day weekends.
3. $7 flat-fee parking under the First Canadian Place .
4. Free parking after 6:30pm weeknights and on weekends on side streets and on King Street around the First Canadian Place - check parking signs for availability

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

Danforth & Chester

Chester

1. Free parking around residential area if space is available.
2. Meter parking along Danforth Avenue .
3. Parking lot at Jackman Avenue for $2 per hour.   It is across from the church's side entrance.
4. Parking lot on the east side of Chester , across from TTC subway entrance for $1.50 per hour.