Salsa I offers an introduction to two fun Latin dances, Salsa and Merengue. Both dances and music have their origins in the Caribbean with a heavy African influence. These dances are easily performed in the small space of a club or kitchen, and can be found around the US and the world.
The class covers:
- Fundamentals of leading and following
- Dance positions
- Styling
- Footwork
- Rhythm and Musicality
- Social Dance Etiquette
Salsa is fast passed and stylish, with complicated music. Although there are several different styles of Salsa, this class covers the most common variation which is Mambo based.
Salsa moves covered:
- Basic Moves including
- Mambo
- Cucarachas
- Cumbia
- Cross Body Lead
- Right Pivot Turn
- Rock Turn (Inside Turn)
Salsa combinations covered:
- Cuddle
- Passing turn
- Cuddle Wheel
- Hip Wheel
- Sombrero
- Kentucky
Merengue is improvisatory and playful. The music is very direct. The perfect “Wedding Dance”, Merengue is easily picked up by people with no prior dance experience. It is easy to have fun as anything goes. Even complicated combination move slowly enough that there is time to adjust or just let go and laugh.
Merengue moves covered:
- Basic Moves including
- Closed and open
- Moving
- Turns
Merengue combinations including:
- Cuddle wheel to face loop
- Pretzel
- Subway
- Heart Push
- Windmill
- Turntable