Current Courses
2021-12-22 || Due to the Health Mandate all classes are currently suspended at the moment.
Nightclub Latin Dance styles of Bachata, Cha Cha, Merengue and Salsa.
Feat of the Week
Feet o' Flames
Latin Dancing at studios1.ca with Gabby
Coming from “classical” dance Gabreïl was amazed how fun and free Latin Dancing was and how important it is to celebrate that!
These graduated Social Dance Latin classes focus on clean and concise fundamentals that allow students to approach all Latin Dances and encourage the development of their own styles and preferences within the confines of the social dancing Leading and Following ideals – while looking amazing.
Focusing more on the Nightclub styles of Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha and Merengue, in addition to contextualized with historical references, the primary object is confidence and control with style as the secondary objective. Choreographed routines are not taught in these courses, it is social dance!
Since learning “Continental*” Salsa one afternoon Gabby has been hooked, despite having to put his mohawk down to deal with all the arms… #punkrockproblems! Initially teaching the Friday Night Latin Class alongside Andrea Chumak at Dancing on King in Toronto, Gabreïl has enjoyed teaching to literally thousands of students, age 5 to 85 across Canada and abroad with highlights including his street dance inspired Latin Dance for Latinos as well as successfully teaching Gold and Silver level moves to Beginner Bronze students.
*Prior to the more recent pop cultural rise of Cuban and Puerto Rican music, here in Canada Nightclub Salsa tended to be danced with a stronger influence from Central and South America such as Cumbia. Both styles are referenced in the courses.
Latin Dancing INFORMATION
Our Nightclub Latin Dance Courses can have 3 graduated Levels. The Beginner class introduces key concepts in Latin Dance Styles focusing on Salsa, Merengue, Cha Cha and Bachata, that progress into more complicated footwork and patterns in the higher levels.
Beginner
Beginner + / Intermediate
Advanced
This highly popular dance originally from the Dominican Republic is great dance for beginners. With multiple regional styles of Bachata developed over the years the distinctive Hip Pop/Tap on count 4 continues to make this dance a must have for your Latin Dance repertoire.
The "Cha cha cha" steps and style of this dance come from the influences of Mambo and Rumba. Popularized by its syncopated "triple step" and complex Afro-Cuban music, Cha Cha has become one of the most successful partner dances through out the world. Flashy and sultry, it is as fun to dance as it is to watch.
Like most of the Latin dances Merengue has been influenced by several dances and styles. Hailing from the Dominican with its own music Merengue is characterized by syncopated steps danced to the side or in a circular motion. The footwork is often simpler than other dances in comparison and is often a great choice for beginner dancers.
Today the Rumba is danced smoothly to an often slower tempo. Like many Latin Dances the Rumba is of Afro-Cuban origins and is known for its romantic sometimes erotic qualities and stylings - we offer Rumba in our Ballroom Courses.
Salsa's origins are a mix of Latin and Afro-Caribbean dance and music styles. Heavily influenced in Cuba by Mambo and Rumba, the dance was later regionally adapted in the United States, the Caribbean and both Central and Southern America. With no one definitive style the dance encourages an individualistic flare and a borrowing of moves and patterns from many other dance styles. In our courses we teach moves from Cuban, American styles as well as Cumbia.
Latin Dances not current offered in this course.
A highly established and noble dance the Spanish Bolero has been refined for over 200 years. Modified rhythmically when it came to Cuba, the dance resembles a slower tempo, romantic flowing Rumba.
A Cuban dance known for its forward and backwards in the slot basic step. Combining Swing and Cuban music this dance was very popular by the 1950s as a modified Rumba dance known for the sometimes elusive break on count 2. The Mambo is a wonderful dance on its own and has influenced other dances such as Cha Cha and Salsa.
Influenced by Spanish Flamenco dances the couple dramatically portray the Bullfighter and his Cape. Rather a showcase piece than a social dance, Paso Doble is used in competitions to high light the dancers' technique and style.
A festive dance from Brazil of African origins, Samba can be danced both smoothly and or in a lively manner. With several different styles it is recognized by it's distinct 3-step rhythm pattern.