We have just posted an Intro to Dancing Salsa ON 2 workshop on Saturday March 7th from 5:15 – 7:15pm at Empress. Open to those who have finished level 2 or with permission, this workshop is taught by Teddy Olaso from United Salseros and is $35 for students and $30 for helpers.

Here is a description:
This workshop will focus on introducing the proper fundamentals of dancing On2, covering proper footwork, musical pacing and timing. Musical tips will be given on how to feel the On2 beat much more effectively and how to enjoy it differently from dancing On1 so one understands the music better. Students will convert commonly used turn patterns On1 to On2 timing so they can focus more on the timing rather than the choreography. Since most On1 turn patterns were originally based on On2, transition will be easier and less complicated. However, an intermediate level turn pattern On2, along with styling (body isolations & hand movements) body movements that go with the accent, will also be introduced at the end of the class.

You can register online through your profile. We are still looking for one more workshop topic for April so get in your request soon!

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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!

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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.

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The competitors are as follows:
Tyrone Sterling & Jennifer Botelho
James Kalfin and Therese Maceda
Barry Ip & Kelly Elliott
John Radtke & Marsha Soefredie
Joseph Sackey & Natasha Gibson
Mildred Quinto and David Charing
Manuel Alvarez & Camela Adams
Jonathan William & Andrea Ferguson

So far the prize list is amazing! We have passes to the World Salsa Championship, the Miami Salsa Congress, the Calgary Salsa Congress, dance shoes from Addicted 2 Dance Shoes, Century Wide Shoes, Gabellini Shoes and much much more.

We also have some great judges participating including:
Teddy Olaso – United Salseros
Angus Dirnbeck – iFreestyle
Vanessa Stay – Latin Energy
Oscar Naranjo – Latin Energy
Ana Machado – Ana Machado Dance School
Salsa Steph – Go Dance Mambo

Hopefully can all join us for the prelimaries which are taking place this weekend. Here are the details:

Toronto Dance Salsa Amateur Competition
6 Degrees Nightclub – 2335 Yonge Street (North of Eglinton)
Sunday June 8th at 7pm
7-8pm lessons for beginners, level 1s and intermediates
8-9pm social dancing
9-10pm competition and performances by Latin Energy and iFreestyle
10 onwards social dancing
Cover: $12

For details on the competition click here for details.

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Even though it was hot in there, it didn’t stop the crowd from taking advantage of the lessons and dancing non-stop. I was happy to see lots of beginners on the dance floor, practicing their right turns and open breaks and, as usual, I as always proud to see the level 3s and up practicing the more complicated moves and looking really great!

It was nice of everyone to remember that I recently celebrated my birthday and, in the usual salsa tradition, I received a birthday dance (in fact, not one but two and later on an added bonus). A birthday dance basically means everyone gathers around in a circle and takes a quick turn dancing with the birthday boy or girl. It usually lasts one or two songs. Yesterday was quite hot and it was hard to dance more then 2 songs in a row with close to 20 partners, switching from leading to following, from dancing on 1 to dancing on 2. However, it was great fun and thanks to all who participated and Evan for setting it up!

Later on Teddy Olaso and the gang from United Salseros/Mambo Mosaic did another dance which as also quite hilarioun and I danced with many partners I haven’t seen in a while…thanks to Jessie, Brian, Jason, Kerem, and more for the dance!

Many people have asked me questions about birthday dance etiquette so tomorrow I will offer some tips on this salsa tradition.

Our next outing is Friday, August 24th at 8:30pm at Plaza Flamingo for a special evening of bachata with Alex Bello. More info to follow!

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