For students who have prior salsa dance experience, we offer complimentary assessments to determine the appropriate level and lesson plan for you. Please see our "Salsa Classes Descriptions" to ensure you are comfortable with the turn patterns covered in the prior levels. Remember that every dance school and/or salsa instructor will cover different material so it may be a better option to begin with level 1 lessons. However we have many different class options for all types of seasoned salsa dancers so let us know if you need an assessment!

Class Name

Description

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.

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.

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 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 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. Over 20 hours of class.

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 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.

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!

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 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-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 dancing skills to the next level? Join the Student Performance Class! This class is for Level 3 and higher dancers who are interested in developing their shines skills as well as going through the performance and training experience of a dance team. Students will be taught and rehearse a choreographed shines routine and perform as a group before a 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!