5 Things I wish I would have known when I started salsa dancing.

1.  Its OK to go alone.
90% (completely unscientific stat) of the people who go to salsa nights are there to just dance.  Many of us go alone and leave alone.  Heading to the club was something I kept putting off because I had no one to go with, but after my first time I saw how may people come alone and it was out almost every night afterward.  Always try to do the club lesson to meet all the other people who are new to dancing and start building your “salsa friend” base.

2.  Latin Nights and Salsa Nights are different.
While both are lots of fun I made the mistake of going to Latino Nights expecting to salsa dance and barely hearing salsa.  Latino nights are more like club nights with not just salsa but also reggaton, merengue, reggaton, bachata, reggaton and other varieties of latin music like…reggaton.  These nights are great fun, but are different from salsa nights in both the crowds that come out and the vibe you will feel.  If you are not sure what kind of a night it is ask your teacher, call the promoter and ask what kind of music they will play.  If they say reggaton its probably a latin night, but this can vary depending on your location.

3  Its OK to say No.
This applies a lot to ladies, but once in a while to guys too.  If you don’t want to dance with someone its OK to say no, my feet are tired, sorry I am a bit dizzy or anything like that as long as its done nicely.  I have had it happen to me and its hard to not take it personally.  There are a lot of reasons why, but as a beginner its can be deflating.  Try to keep this in mind.  Salsa is a scene and the ‘dancers’ tend to recognize one another and while new faces are welcome people might need to see you dancing a few times before they realize that you are a ‘dancer’ as well and not just trying to pick up.  Ladies if you do say yes and half way through the song you feel uncomfortable (your are dancing with the 10% see point one) don’t be afraid to use one of the above excuses to detach from the dance.

4.  Be prepared,
Salsa is high energy, you almost have to think of it as a workout.  In all my time of dancing I have consistently heard complaints about breath, sweating and odor.  Make some rules for yourself.  Here are mine.  I always add extra deodorant under the arms (double up), bring deodorant with you and keep it in your bag or the car, every two songs new gum or mint, hydrate – most bad breath comes from dehydration and no amount of breath stuff can help if you have mouth pasties.  Lastly if you are a sweater like me bring some extra shirts or take a break every 3rd song.

5.  Be the fun one
I must admit to always feeling a bit of jealousy when I talk to girls who rave about how fun someone was even though they didn’t have a lot of moves.  If you are dancing, try to add some funny little bits to your repertoire of styling. Personally I love adding a little shimmy, butt shake or cheeky grin at the end of moves, but that is my style.  Observe yourself in other situations when you are being funny and see if you can put that on the dance floor.  Be the fun one to dance with.

Article by Ivan (Salsero)  Ruiz
Ivan is a local dancer and instructor in Vancouver.  He is one of the organizers of the Vancouver International Salsafestival and has a blog called SalsaMe.  You can contact him or find out more about him at his blog:  http://salsame.tumblr.com/

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“Although I only began learning salsa six months ago, joining Toronto Dance Salsa I already feel like I’m part of a welcoming and exciting community. I have enjoyed all the classes I have taken so far, with Sara in Level 1 and Sharon for Levels 2 and 3. The atmosphere in the classes is always friendly and fun, and the material is taught at the perfect pace, with lots of opportunities to practice. And I love dancing with and hearing the advice of helpers, who really are helpful. Having said all that, it comes as no surprise that I’m developing a salsa addiction, the benefits of which are incredible. In the last few months I have met so many interesting people and got to dance with many of them at the Sunday Socials (at which I am now a regular) and some of the outings. And, it seems like the salsa addiction sparked by TDS is contagious, because I’ve already got several friends as enamored with it as I am. All in all, I am excited for my salsa journey to continue!”

– Nina Gheihman, Level 3, Toronto Dance Salsa Testimonial

Keep the feedback coming our way – email me at info@torontodancesalsa.ca with your comments!

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“Casino Rueda: My Latin dance journey started with Casino Rueda.  During my college days in India, we performed a Casino Rueda choreography for our college cultural function, it was an epic success and we got a lot of appreciation. Later we were even invited as guest performers in other colleges. That is how I fell in love with Casino Rueda and this was long before my girlfriend introduced me to the world of Salsa.

Later in Toronto, in the midst of my Salsa journey, I happened to see “Casino Rueda lessons by Tracie and Daniel” posted on the TDS website and thought I would give it a shot. I am so glad I took that course. It was totally different from a choreography class because we had to remember the Spanish names of the moves and we had to execute it when the circle leader calls for it. Some of my favorite moves were; Enchufla El Pulpo, Festival de Pelota, Setenta complicado, Toma Electrica, Sombrero (hat), La Flor (the flower).

The class was so lively with non stop dancing and it was a faster pace than a regular salsa class, at least for a non Spanish speaker like me!  Every class was so much fun and so full of laughter that it made my day brighter and I would always long for the next week’s class.  It  became very addictive on me.

If you would ask me to chose either Salsa Dancing with a partner or Casino Rueda in a circle, I’d opt for Casino and I wish it was just as popular. But even now, I would add my Casino moves like Enchufla, Sombrero(hat), etc into my Salsa social dancing which will always impress my partners. I feel that the Cuban body movement is very stylish, and I always tend to adapt them into my Salsa dancing. Guys you have my word, no one will ever regret taking a Casino class, especially with Tracie and Daniel, as they are the best… :)”

For more information on the Casino Rueda Class we are offering please see the Student Performance Team class on our Spring 2011 semester schedule.

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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. For dancers who have completed Level 3 or higher. Sat Feb 26th 12:30 – 200pm. $35 for one workshop, $60 for both. $25 for helpers.

Shines & Styling for Men and Women Workshop
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. 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. For dancers who have completed Salsa Level 2 and up or have passed an assessment. Sat Mar 5 12:30 – 200pm. $35 for one workshop, $60 for both. $25 for helpers.

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Jazz Meets Salsa is a 24 hour (7 days a week) Salsa Radio, Rumba Buena Estereo, currently streaming via www.jazzmeetssalsa.com. This is a 100% Canadian run station where you will have the enjoyment of listening to great salsa music in the comfort of your home and with no need to worry about changing CD’s.

Our vision is to bring Salsa Music to our listeners without the need of having to login to a foreign site. In this site their is also a section where visitors will have access to listen to the bands offered, Cache amongst others.

We are only a year new, and have already accomplished one of our visions, to bring forth the first ever Latin stage to Toronto’s own Beaches International Jazz Festival in 2010 where we showcased Latin Bands, percussion workshops as well as dance lesson on a wood platform, ideal for the dancers. This new area is called, Latin Square, and our main stage is JAZZMEETSSALSA. All this conveniently located right by the boardwalk. Who said you needed to travel down south to have the Latin flavours and rhythms. We worked hard to bring it to the people in Toronto.

Feel free to take a look at some pictures of last years event at www.beachesjazz.com

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We are also interviewing Wilson about Cache’s new album which has just been released and we will be bring you this interview soon. Until then, check out jazzmeetssalsa.com and enjoy!

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Each workshop is $35 per person or attend two workshops for $65 or three or four for $30 each.

NEW 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, deconstruction of the rhythm & musicality, polishing of the basic step, transfer of your On1 turn patterns and learn new fun ones! For dancers who have completed Level 3 or higher. Mon Dec 14th from 7:30 – 9:30pm at Empress.

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. Sun Dec 6th from 3:30 – 5:30pm at Empress.

Dips & 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. Sun Dec 13th from 3:30 – 5:30pm at Empress.

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 (“Seven”). For dancers who have completed Level 2 and higher. Sun Dec 20th from 3:30 – 5:30pm at Empress.

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— SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA Season 3 Auditions take over Toronto Ontario on Saturday November, 14 –

Jazz, tap, ballet, whatever – Just come on out! Could Ontario be the home of Canada’s next Favourite Dancer? Auditions for CTV’s SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA Season 3 will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in the John Bassett Theatre on Saturday, November 14 with registration beginning at 8 a.m. Who will have the talent in Toronto to make Mary Murphy scream? Only those who come out and audition on November 14 will have a chance to break it down and possibly become Canada’s next Favourite Dancer, taking home the $100,000 prize. For up-to-date information and audition FAQ’s visit the series’ official website, dance.ctv.ca.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA – Toronto Auditions
Saturday, November 14
Registration begins at 8 a.m.
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
John Bassett Theatre
255 Front Street West, Toronto

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA is designed to showcase and judge the talent of Canadian dancers who have roughly the same level of experience and maturity.

Among the rules and regulations that should be noted for the auditions:
* Competitors must be either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
* All competitors must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
* Competitors must be of the age of majority in the province/territory in which they reside and no older than 30 years of age as of November 14, 2009. The age of majority is as follows: 18 years of age in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan; and 19 years of age in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut and Yukon.
* All competitors must provide two pieces of identification, including a government-issued photo ID (e.g. driver’s license or passport), at the audition.
* Competitors may bring a non-competing dance partner for purposes of the audition.
* All competitors must bring with them, along with the proper ID, the signed personal release, the completed preliminary questionnaire, and the music sheet. All will be available at the audition site and for download at dance.ctv.ca.
* All competitors are asked to bring with them the completed music sheet indicating the music they will use in their audition, along with the CD containing the indicated music.
* All songs must be “original” songs that are commercially available. A song must not be a re-mix of a song, a song downloaded from the Internet, or a competitor-created mix.
* Competitors will not be permitted to audition in any article of clothing with a visible designer, sports or other logo; artwork; name; photo; or other mark which may be subject to protection by copyright or trademark laws.
All additional audition details can be found at http://www.ctv.ca/mini/dance2009/Audition.html

Other audition cities that have been confirmed are:

Montreal Auditions
Saturday, November 28
Registration begins at 8 a.m.
Palais des Congres, Viger Hall
201 Avenue Viger Ouest
Metro Station: Place D’Armes

Vancouver Auditions
Saturday, December 5
Registration begins at 8 a.m.
The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts
777 Homer Street

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What is Zumba Fitness?

Founded by celebrity fitness trainer, “Beto” Perez, Zumba Fitness Classes Toronto 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 Fitness Classes have 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. 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. Add some Latin flavor and international zest into the mix and you’ve got Zumba Fitness!

Zumba Fitness Classes will get you grooving to Merengue, Salsa, Reggaeton, Cumbia, Bachata and Cha Cha Cha. The progressive level 1 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!

Join Tracie every Thursday 6-7pm from October 29th to December 10th at Empress for a high energy dance workout.

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New Belly Dance Beginner Class

What is Belly Dancing?

Belly Dance is a very sensual, fun past time and offers an excellent workout especially for the abdominal area. This ethnic dance which originated in the Middle East has different influences from regions such as Egypt, Africa, Lebanon, Turkey and more. Today it is enjoyed by dancers worldwide and is a popular form of entertainment and exercise as well as a great way to meet new friends and socialize.

Belly Dance has many social, mental and physical health benefits. Belly Dance classes promote better circulation and can reduce blood pressure, assist in joint health and act as a great cardiovascular exercise which burns calories, tones up and strengthens the body and assists with trimming up and getting fit.

The technique of belly dance varies with the type and style but most of the basics involve circular motions that, very similar to salsa body movement, isolate certain body parts such as hips, abs, shoulders, etc. The use of a coin belt or scarf tied around the hips assists with accenting and isolating the hips.

It is a misconception that men do not belly dance. Historically men have been very involved in this dance and we welcome males in our Toronto Belly Dance classes.
Join Laura from Arabesque every Monday or Wednesday from 6-7pm for Belly Dancing for Beginners at Empress.
Mon Oct 26 – Dec 21
Wed Oct 14 – Dec 9

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Date: Sundays 2:00 – 3:00pm starting Oct 18th
Instructor: Tracie Yee
Type: 9 classes x 1 hr per class
Cost: $126/$117 per person

Sexy Bachata Moves
Kick your Bachata dancing into high gear with some new sexy turn patterns that will add flair and sensuality to your dancing. Join Elton and Velina as they cover body movement, rhythm and musicality, as well as explore new dance patterns in this 1.5 hr workshop at Empress Studio. For those who have completed a minimum of Level 2 and up or passed an assessment.

Date: Saturday November 7th from 5:30 – 7:00pm
Instructors: Velina Sotirova and Elton Martins
Type: 1.5hr workshop
Cost: $35/pp or $30/helpers

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Here is some more info on the program as can be found on Toronto.ca`s website. Click on the City of Toronto`s website to get more info:

`The City of Toronto transfers and connects underground cultures with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) by creating a new artistic and audience platform for urban dance and music, visual art and performance art.

From August 2009 through the summer of 2010, this new program aims to bring your transit experience to life by regularly featuring the artistic creativity and culture of emerging and more seasoned young artists performing in a fluid, public living environment – subway stations, on subway cars, buses and streetcars.
Part of Toronto’s 175th anniversary celebrations, this Toronto Cultural Services initiative offers artists aged 18 to 32 (PDF) an expanded public audience and the opportunity to make money through their art by providing an honorarium and the ability to receive donations from the public like regular TTC performers. This will also be the first time that dancers and visual artists will be regularly showcased on the TTC.`

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