Hopefully you all had a great holiday and are ready to get back into the swing of things. If you haven’t registered for a TDS class yet here are some great classes for our winter 2011 semester:

Salsa Nightclub Level 1 to Level 6
Argentine Tango Level 1 and 2
Zumba for Fitness
Cabaret Salsa Performance Class – Sold out
Helper Only Performance Class
Ladies Styling
Latin Belly Dance Fusion
Reggaeton Funk – Sold out
Bachata
Belly Dance Bootcamp

Please note due to the popularity of Belly Dancing we just opened an all new class with Christina on Saturdays at 4pm at Empress called Latin Belly Fusion which takes the fun hip shaking steps of Latin Dancing with the sensual moves of belly dancing and fuses them together in fun mini choreographies.

If you are looking to get out and practice we have our regular Sunday Social every Sunday from 6-9pm at Empress Studio. As long as you have had your first salsa class you are welcome to attend and practice your moves in a comfortable, friendly setting.

We also have another outing to Acrobat Lounge scheduled for Saturday January 29th at 8:45pm. Beginner and intermediate salsa lessons will be taught from 9-10pm. Come out and meet new people.

Hope to see you salsa dancing this semester!

The post Welcome 2011! appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

1) Outings and Socials – we still have a few events in the next week for you to go and practice your moves and learn some new moves.  Our big TDS Holiday Party takes place this Saturday Dec 18th at 8:45pm at Acrobat Lounge.  A beginner and intermediate lessons are available from 9-10pm where you will learn fun new combinations and meet new people. There will be performances by the TDS Pro Team, the TDS Student Team and the TDS Reggaeton Student Team to get you motivated and inspire you.  We also have our last social of the year on Sunday Dec 19th at Empress from 6-9pm.  We will then be off for 2 weeks and resume socials on Jan 9th.

2) Salsa clubs and practices – there is a salsa club open every night of the week.  Some of them even offer free lessons at around 9pm before the crowds get there so take advantage.  My favourite clubs are Babaluus in Yorkville, Lula Lounge for live music, Acrobat and Alley Katz.  There is also a Toronto Salsa Practice every Saturday at a downtown church so take advantage of these great events and dance, dance, dance.

3) Record yourself – before you forget all the moves you learn take a camera and record yourself doing these moves.  That way you can play it back and remember how to execute the moves.

4) Watch youtube videos – youtube salsa videos are super inspiring and, while it is difficult to learn from a small clip, it will still get you listening to music, watching dance moves and thinking about salsa

5) Practice on your own or with a friend/partner – practice at home if you are not yet comfortable going out.  You can practice your basics, turns, cross body leads, shines, body movement, styling and musicality.  You can also purchase our beginner DVD and work on your moves with the DVD.

Hope you keep dancing during the holidays!

The post How to stay dancing after classes end. appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

Workshops ($35 each, 2 for $65 or all 3 for $90):

1) 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! Sunday August 15th from 4pm – 6pm at Empress with Tracie and Daniel.

2) Dips & 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 or by assessment. Sunday August 22nd from 4pm – 6pm at Empress.

3) 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 or by assessment. Sunday August 29th from 4pm – 6pm at Empress with Tracie and Daniel

The post Our Summer Workshop Series! appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

Thanks to Maria and the Reggaeton class gang for their great idea of having a Reggaeton Performance Class – this class is just for you guys!

To see a description of these classes or to register for a class, please click on our Fall Dance Schedule.

S.T.U.D. (Salsero Training for Unique Development) for Men
Sundays 9:15-10:15pm starting Sep 12th at Empress

Afro Cuban Movement and Styling
Sunday 12-1pm starting Oct 17th at Empress

Zumba Latin Cardio – 6 weeks $84
Tuesday 6-7pm starting Sep 14th at Empress
Wednesday 6-7pm starting Sep 15th at Empress
Thursday 6-7pm starting Sep 16th at Empress

Argentine Tango
Friday 8-9pm starting Oct 15th at Empress – Level 1
Friday 9-10pm starting Oct 15th at Empress – Level 2
Friday 10-11pm Tango Practice Session (Milonga) Empress $5 drop in

Belly Dance – Combos and Musicality for all Levels
Monday 6-7pm starting Sept 13th at Empress

Student Performance Class – Partnerwork
Saturdays 12:30 – 2pm starting Sep 18th at Empress
Reggaeton Performance Class
Sunday 11:00 – 12:00pm starting Oct 17th at Empress
Ladies Salsa Technique Bootcamp – $84 for 4 wks x 1.5hrs
Wednesday 6:30 – 8:00pm starting Aug 18th at Empress

Brazilian Samba – Variations
Friday 6:00 – 7:00pm starting Oct 15th at Empress

Salsa Styling & Choreography Building – Condensed 4wks x 2hrs
Saturday 2:00 – 4:00pm starting Sept 11th at Empress

Salsa Technique Building – Condensed 4wks x 2hrs
Saturday 4:30 – 6:30pm starting Sept 11th at Empress

The post So Many New Classes! appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

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.

The post New Intro to Salsa ON 2 Workshop! appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

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

The post New Open Shines Class and Bachata Workshop! appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

Tracie Macko will be teaching a Ladies Intensive Salsa Styling & Conditioning Class on Tuesdays beginning June 9th from 7-9pm for 3 weeks at Empress Studio. This 3 week x 2 hour per class course is a great way to learn a lot of information quickly without the commitment of a full 9 week course at only $90 per person. This class is limited to women who have completed level 2 with us or with permission.

Registration is now open and is limited. Here is a description:

Whether you dance with an experienced or inexperienced dance partner, being strong in your centre and being able to use it to play and style more in your dance will make you a much better and happier dancer. Learn the basic rules of thumb for being a good follow, executing spins and turn patterns and incorporating fun and flirty styling to your dancing.

In the first hour of every class Tracie will lead you through core strength and flexibility conditioning exercises designed specifically for dancers. In hour two Tracie will lead you through technique exercises that will cover musicality and styling in both shines and partnerwork, following, spins and turn patterns. Please dress comfortably, bring a yoga mat and your dance shoes.

The post New Ladies Styling & Conditioning Class appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

1) Cha Cha Cha – The Sequel

This workshop will take place at Empress Walk on Dec 13th, 2008 from 1-3pm. It is perfect for both the students who already took the first workshop or for those who missed the workshop and wanted to learn how to dance New York style On 2 Cha Cha Cha. New combos will be taught. Students must have completed level 2 or receive permission.

2) Salsa Body Isolation and Movement

This workshop will take place at Empress Walk on Dec 13th, 2008 from 3:30-5:30pm. In the first hour learn different techniques for salsa body isolations and movement. In the second hour learn to use the movements in turnpatterns. Students must have completed level 2 or receive permission.

3) Bachata

So many of you have asked for this workshop. It will take place in January on a Saturday at Empress – time to be announced. Advanced Bachata body movement, musicality and turnpatterns will be covered. Students must have completed level 2 or receive permission.

Each workshop is $35 or two for $60. Helpers pay $30 per workshop. The first two workshops are already posted and registration is open.

Let us know what other workshops you would like to see for 2009!

The post Two New Workshops for Dec! appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

New York Style Cha-Cha-Cha (not be confused with ballroom version) is one of the few variations of this dance that places a heavy emphasis on musicality and partner-work play. It has both an elegant and funky feel at the same time. In this workshop, proper footwork fundamentals, leading, following and timing will be covered to provide a more comprehensive approach to this workshop. This includes graceful hand/arm movements and use of various parts of the body to accentuate the rhythms of the dance. The class is geared towards more advanced-beginner – intermediate level students and can help familiarize students who are also learning dancing On2. Must have completed level 2 or receive instructor permission to attend.

The post New York Style Cha Cha Cha Workshop! appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

Here is the description we posted on the website for it: An advanced class intended for those who have completed level 4 or by permission. This 9 week course will cover the practical application of styling in a turnpattern combination. New turnpatterns will be covered with emphasis on male and female styling during the turnpatterns. Focus to include execution, body movement, musicality, timing and more.

So basically what this means is that this class will please everyone. For men who like learning combinations you will get new combinations that you haven’t seen before. But you will also get to understand how to break down the combination and add some styling moves, body movement and accents to the combination. This is appealing to women as that is our big focus at this level.

So hopefully this clarifies what the class is all about. Remember you have to have completed level 4 or ask for permission to get into this class. Cost is $126 for 9 weeks.

Enjoy!

The post Advanced Turnpattern and Styling Class appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.