Bachata Course

This is a structured 4-week course that aims to expose you to a more sensual Latin dance form that is becoming increasingly popular.

Bachata stems originally from the Dominican Republic and first emerged in the 1960s, where it was very poorly rated as a type of music or dance. It was kept in the back streets and associated with poor rural migrants as music of low quality. The term 'Bachata' was initially used to describe informal recreational back yard or street parties.

Part 1 (2 weeks) of this course will:

• Introduce the basics of Bachata timing
• Demonstrate the execution of basic Bachata steps
• Help you identify the kind of music that suggests a Bachata dance

Part 2 (2 weeks) of this course will:

• Introduce more complex Bachata movements
• Build an increasingly complex Bachata routine

Suitability: All levels of salsa dancers

Cost: £5 per week (£3 NUS)

Cha Cha Cha Course

This is a structured 4-week course that aims to expose you to the Latin American dance of Cuban origin known as Cha Cha Cha, and help you feel comfortable staying on the dance floor when such a song comes on.

Cha-cha-cha is danced to music of the same name which was introduced in about 1953 and is identified by the syncopated fourth beat. This dance starts on the second beat of the bar instead of the first (similar to On2 or mambo dancing, if you are familiar with this). When Pierre Zurcher Margolie returned to England after a visit to Cuba in 1952, he brought back this dance with him and eventually, it evolved into what is commonly referred to as Ballroom Cha Cha Cha.

Part 1 (2 weeks) of this course will:

• Introduce the basics of Cha Cha Cha timing
• Demonstrate the execution of basic steps
• Help you identify the kind of music that suggests such a dance

Part 2 (2 weeks) of this course will:

• Introduce more challenging movements
• Build an increasingly complex routine

Suitability: Intermediate to Advanced salsa dancers

Cost: £5 per week (£3 NUS)

Cuban Salsa Course

This is a structured 4-week course that aims to expose you to salsa in its original form.

Salsa originated in Cuba in the 1920s from a mixture of Spanish melodies, and African and Cuban rhythms such as Rumba. It soon became influenced by jazz, blues, and later became distinctively identifiable by the introduction of horn instruments. Cuban Salsa, unlike Cross body Salsa, is danced in a circular pattern disregarding the 'cross body line'. It also involves more body movement and a less spinning and styling.

Part 1 (2 weeks) of this course will:

• Introduce the concept of circular motion (Distorting the Cross Body Line)
• Introduce the basics of Cuban salsa
• Help you identify the kind of music that suggests a Cuban Salsa dance

Part 2 (2 weeks) of this course will:

• Build up an increasingly complex Cuban salsa routine
• Introduce the concept of Rueda as an application of Cuban Salsa

Suitability: Intermediate to Advanced salsa dancers

Cost: £5 per week (£3 NUS)

Ladies Styling Course

This is a structured 4-week course that aims to boost ladies confidence on the dance floor. Each week will consist of 45 mins individual styling and 15 mins putting it into context in partnerwork.

Ladies styling is an adornment which should not interfere, but integrate seamlessly with the lead's movements. It creates a sense of completeness and adds an important ingredient of elegance to the dance. Ladies styling is an opportunity for the lady to contribute to the dance in their own unique way.

This course will:

• Take you through various elements of ladies styling including body movement, arm/hand placement, dance attitude and character e.t.c
• Put styling in the context of partner work
• Boost your confidence on the dance floor
• Help develop your own unique style

Suitability: Improvers to Advanced salsa dancers

Cost: £5 per week (£3 NUS)

Leading & Following Techniques Course

This is a structured 2-week course that aims to improve the ability of the follower to more accurately interpret the lead by clear concise indications.

Leading and following techniques are an important part of salsa. A clean clear lead, increases the likelihood of a follower correctly interpreting the desired movement making for a more enjoyable and fluid dance. It also boosts confidence while social dancing as the lead is more certain that the follower will 'read' and react to the indication clearly even if they have never danced before.

In this course, we will:

• Identify the importance of tension
• Identify the importance of occasional eye contact and spatial awareness
• Illustrate the importance of 'just following' and resisting the tendency to anticipate
• Demonstrate good leading habits
• Demonstrate how to interpret the lead and react appropriately

Suitability: Improvers to Advanced salsa dancers

Cost: £5 per week (£3 NUS)

Men's Styling Course

This is a structured 4-week course that aims to increase men's confidence and presence on the dance floor. Each week will consist of 45 mins individual styling and 15 mins putting it into context in partnerwork.

Men's styling is a means of enhancing and improving the quality of the dance through seamlessly subtle movements. It creates a sense of completeness and adds an important ingredient of charm and charisma to the dance.

In this course, we will:

• Take you through various options available for execution of moves efficiently and confidently
• Put the enhancements in the context of partner work
• Boost your confidence on the dance floor
• Help develop you as a rounded dancer

Suitability: Improvers to Advanced salsa dancers

Cost: £5 per week (£3 NUS)

Musicality Course

This is a structured 2-week course that aims to provide a better understanding of salsa music, the rhythm and timing.

Musicality is a vital fundamental piece of learning to dance, as there would be no dance without the music. It is important therefore to have a greater appreciation for the music, how it is composed and how it can be interpreted.

In this course, we will:

• Take you through the basics of the salsa rhythm and timing
• Give an insight into the instruments involved in creating the music
• Illustrate how different songs call for different dance styles and being able to adapt to that is beneficial
• Illustrate the idea of musical interpretation

Suitability: All Levels of salsa

Cost: £5 per week (£3 NUS)

On2 (Mambo) Course

This is a structured 4-week course that aims to expose you to New York style salsa.

Salsa On2 started back in the 1940s and is a mixture of jazz with Afro-Cuban beat. It is particularly popular in New York and is more commonly seen in performances and shows. It differs from Salsa On1 mainly because of the breaking on the 2nd beat instead of the first. Once you have grasped the concept of On2, you will probably find, your dancing becomes smoother as the music allows you more time to execute moves.

Part 1 (2 weeks) of this course will:

• Introduce the basics of On2 timing
• Demonstrate the execution of various On1 salsa steps and footwork in an On2 context
• Help you identify the kind of music that suggests an On2 dance

Part 2 (2 weeks) of this course will:

• Look at turning and spinning On2
• Deconstruct an On1 Routine of increasing complexity and rebuild it On2

Suitability: Intermediate to Advanced salsa dancers

Cost: £5 per week (£3 NUS)

Rotation Techniques Course

This is a structured 2-week course that aims to improve turns and spins.

Rotations are frequently used throughout salsa by both the lead and follower and can be executed in various ways. You will rarely dance through a 3 minute salsa track without doing at least one turn or spin, and it is therefore essential to be absolutely sure of yourself when carrying out such movements in order to avoid injury.

Part 1 (1 week) of this course will:

• Introduce left turn and right turn techniques
• Illustrate positioning, balance, and style

Part 2 (1 week) of this course will:

• Introduce spinning techniques and drills
• Illustrate the relevance of spotting, preparation, balance and posture

Suitability: Improvers to Advanced salsa dancers

Cost: £5 per week (£3 NUS)