I know we have benches at Empress but if you are looking to dance, a word of warning: don’t sit on the benches! When you sit on the benches it tells other dancers that you want to rest and you don’t want to dance so you won’t get approached as often. So if you are looking to dance, be up and about, make eye contact with dancers you would like to dance with, and most of all, ask yourself! Both women and men can ask each other to dance. Once you have asked someone to dance, they will be a lot more likely to reciprocate in the future.

There are some helpers at the social wearing name tags. Feel free to ask them to dance – they will be more than happy to do so.

If you continue to come to the socials, very soon you will be making friends and the first feelings of awkwardness will disappear, leaving you very comfortable and excited to see the gang.

Hopefully this helps you go out dancing. Say hi and introduce yourselves to me at the socials – I am usually at the door until 7:30pm!
_________________
Sharon

The post Sunday Social Advice to New Attendees! 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.

Tracie, our Zumba Guru, showed Leah some fun Reggaeton steps alongside some students and helpers. Leah caught on extremely fast and very quickly the group was shaking it to some exciting Zumba beats.

More photos are available on our website under “events”. The segment airs January 6th on CTV.

The post TDS on eTalk! appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

Friday, December 4th – OUTING TO PLAZA FLAMINGO – (423 College St) – OPEN TO EVERYONE! Beginner and intermediate lesson available from 9:30 – 10:30pm. Cover is $10 and includes lessons. 200 people expected.

Saturday, December 19th – OUTING TO ACROBAT LOUNGE- (2464 Yonge St just North of Eglinton) – OPEN TO EVERYONE! Beginner and intermediate lesson available from 9:00 to 10:00pm. Cover is $10 and includes lessons. 250ppl expected.

Thursday, December 31st – NEW YEAR’s EVE BLACK & WHITE PARTY AT ACROBAT LOUNGE- (2464 Yonge St just North of Eglinton) – OPEN TO EVERYONE! Special evening filled with lessons, performances, give-away and more. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased through Acrobat on Friday evenings or buy calling Acrobat at 416-489-1105. Only 230 tickets available!

Socials for December: Sunday Dec 6th, 13th, 20th from 6-9pm at Empress

The post Upcoming Outings and Socials for December appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

It has been a long time in the making but we are so excited to announce that Toronto Dance Salsa is finally moving into our own studio! We will be throwing our doors wide open June 1st, 2008, just in time to begin our summer semester.

Our gorgeous new studio is located in the heart of North York on Yonge Street between Finch and Sheppard at Empress Walk Mall right on top of the North York Civic Centre Subway. Parking is free for 1.5hrs for students in the underground parking. The studio is extremely large and airy at 1600 square feet!

We will still be holding classes downtown at the Adelaide Club and the Toronto Athletic Club so that we can provide convenience and flexibility to our downtown students.

We have just posted our summer schedule and registration is open inclusive of our new location called “Empress Walk”. For all the senior students who have been asking we have a level 6 class and a specialty styling class. Adelaide Classes will be posted very shortly.

For more information or to register please click on the following link:

http://torontodancesalsa.ca/salsa-classes.php

We will be holding regular weekly practice sessions at Empress Walk once we move in and will let you know the details as they come.

We look forward to welcoming you to our new home!

Sharon

The post Our Own New Studio – Finally! appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

The first is the amount of people. We need a venue where at least 250 people can dance comfortably. That is no small feat. Most clubs can fit 250 people but not for salsa dancing. Much more space is needed for dancing and the floors have to allow for our type of dancing (hardwood is the best for this).

Second of all, we need it to be TTC accessible. Preferably on the subway or street car with street parking in the area. We want to keep it in Toronto or North York for this reason as it is much more central and more people can attend.

Third of all, we need a place that can offer us a Friday, Saturday or Sunday evening. Most places don’t want to do this as salsa dancers don’t spend a lot of money at the bar and so they make more money on regular club nights then salsa evenings. We need a club or restaurant or community centre/church with reasonable expectations that can offer us space on one of these evenings.

If you know of a place, please let us know. We would love to expand to a few more areas especially in mid town.

Happy dancing!

The post New Venues Wanted appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.