AfroLatino Dance Company brings you an exciting set of dance lessons / classes in some of the
disciplines that constitute its repertoire. We offer quality instruction in a relaxed and fun
environment that will get you moving and dancing in no time! Most of the classes are taught in a 8-week,
while some have more of a drop-in structure, or a workshop format.
Do you have prior salsa dance experience? And not sure of which level to choose?
Take a free assessment to find out which level would be more appropriate.
Please note that other dance schools and teachers may cover different material than us, plus different
styles of salsa may translate into differences even on some of the basic steps. Assessments can be done:
Every SATURDAY, 7-9 pm, on our 585 Yonge Street Studio
NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY!
You can
register for a whole session of 8 lessons in Cuban Salsa, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian Samba,
Ladies Styling, Rumba Styling, Rueda de Casino, Footwork and Musicality, Ragga Funk or Latin Cardio.
8-Week Course Registration: $120(only $15 / lesson, includes HST)
When you register for a course (session of classes), the cost of the course will not be prorated in
case you miss some of the classes. If you know your schedule will not allow you to attend all the
classes, consider instead one of our flexible packages below.
REFUND POLICY: No refunds will be issued. Exchanges are possible for
registration in another course of the same or the following session.
Flexible Cards
These cards of pre-paid lessons are perfect for those who want to try different types of classes or
know that are going to miss a few.
PRICES EFFECTIVE ON JULY 1st 2010 (HST included):
Card of 5: $85 (valid for 6 weeks, $10 savings)
Card of 10: $155 (valid for 12 weeks, $35 savings)
Card of 20: $280 (valid for 6 months, $100 savings)
Cuban Salsa Beginner I
Learn the basics of Cuban Salsa (rumba timing or "on 1"), with its richness of body movement derived
from their afro-cuban traditions. You will learn Guapea,
Para Arriba, Para Abajo, rock back step, basic transitions, Dile que no,
Enchunfla, Enchunfla Doble, Ronde for men, and Paseala.
These classes are taught in a progressive fashion, over a period of 8 weeks. This course gets filled up quickly so reserve a spot by
completing your registration early. Registration is on a first come first serve basis and is only complete once payment is provided
(registering online without proceeding with payment is not sufficient to guarantee a spot).
Build on your basics of Cuban Salsa (rumba timing or "on 1"), with its richness of body movement derived
from their afro-cuban traditions, by learning such moves as Exhibela, Vacilala,
Sombrero, Camínala, La Prima, Setenta, etc. Taught by Albena de Assis.
These classes are taught in a progressive fashion, over a period of 8 weeks.
Learn more turn patterns such as Vacílala con Engaño, Setenta Complicado,
Arco-Iris, Bayamo, Habana, and others. Dancing a tiempo ("on 3")
will also be introduced. Class taught by Albena de Assis.
These classes are taught in a progressive fashion, over a period of 8 weeks.
Learn more turn patterns such as Setenta Nuevo, Bayamo al Revés,
Bayamo por Debajo, Setenta con Setenta, Enredadera de Amor , and others. Dancing a tiempo ("on 3")
will also be emphasized as well as various enrichment options on the guapea step.
These classes are taught in a progressive fashion, over a period of 8 weeks and will provide an better preparation
for the Advanced level.
We are delighted to announce that we have listened to your feedback and have made certain modifications to the Cuban Salsa
Advanced class to help you learn and retain the moves better!
We will be teaching 6 moves over 8 weeks, in a structured format, as set out in the schedule below. These 6 moves will be
taught for two courses (that is, for two 8-week periods). Six new moves will then be introduced for the next two courses, and
so on. The moves progress in difficulty and are reviewed a number of times over the course in Rueda format*. The review periods
will emphasize styling, footwork and dancing on various timings (including a tiempo, son, and cha cha cha). You will also learn
how to work mambo, rumba and afro-cuban elements into your salsa to add more flavour! Taught by Anthony Reyes and Shashu Clacken.
* Please note that the class will be taught progressively and will generally keep to the time limits in the schedule.
To avoid being overwhelmed, students may wish to register for the full course or do their best not to miss sessions.
(All Levels)
Your opportunity to practice your salsa in a relaxed environment specially geared towards students.
Take advantage of these sessions of non-stop music, where you can practice your moves with
other students, friends, and the instructors.
While it is not a class in the sense that no new moves will be
taught, you can still receive some amount of feedback from the instructors should you wish so.
Saturdays, 7pm - 9pm (No practice on April 3, May 8, December 25, 2010)
Cost: $5 per person
Latin Cardio
(All levels)
Burn fat and stay fit with this non-stop class of Latin dance!
And at the same time learn steps and moves for salsa,
merengue, reggaeton, mambo, conga and samba that you can use... without a partner! Drop-ins are available
for this course throughout its duration.
(Beginner)
Have you ever wanted to learn fundaments of dance technique but were always shy to go to a ballet class? Well, now is your opportunity to learn in
a comfortable and welcoming environment.
With our own blend of jazz dance and the Cuban school of modern dance, this class will teach you the basis
of dance technique taken from jazz, ballet, and modern dance. It adds the Afro-Cuban flavour brought by the Cuban school of modern dance, all while
it improves your endurance, strength, flexibility, coordination and musicality.
These classes are designed to introduce technical elements such as contraction-release, turns, jumps, etc, to beginner dancers, in an
easy and consistent manner. Drop-ins are available for this course throughout its duration. Please come ready to stretch and sweat, with
socks or barefeet, and an optional yoga mat or towel for the floor work.
Schedule
Current course:
Wednesdays, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
@ 585 Production Studio
Nov 11, 2009 - Jan 13, 2010 (This course has been CANCELLED)
(No class on December 23 and 30, 2009)
Rueda de Casino
(Intermediate/Advanced)
Rueda de Casino, a.k.a. Casino Rueda, is the group form of salsa dancing. It is done in a circle formation
with two couples or more. The couples execute a series of synchronized moves and
often exchange partners.
These classes will be taught by Albena de Assis
and will be geared to the students with the equivalent of our Intermediate I completed and up.
The course is taught in a progressive fashion, normally over a period of 8 weeks. Regular
attendance is very important for the ability to keep the circle moving.
Nov 14, 2009 - Jan 16, 2010
(No class on December 26, 2009 and January 02, 2010)
Brazilian Samba
(Beginner/Intermediate)
The national dance of Brazil is perhaps one of the most energetic and exhilarating
latin dances! Albena de Assis will be teaching this course, focusing on samba no pé
from Rio de Janeiro.
For 8 weeks you will learn the basic samba footwork, body movement more common in samba,
as well as basic footwork combinations in every class.
This course gets filled up quickly so reserve a spot by completing your registration early.
Registration is on a first come first serve basis and is only complete once payment is provided
(registering online without proceeding with payment is not sufficient to guarantee a spot).
(Intermediate/Advanced)
The national dance of Brazil is perhaps one of the most energetic and exhilarating
latin dances! Albena de Assis will be teaching this course, focusing on samba no pé
from Rio de Janeiro.
You will learn fancier footwork, body movement, and combinations that will challenge your coordination, sense or rhythm and endurance.
A good grasp of the material taught in our Brazilian Samba Beginner/Intermediate course is a must as this is a fast paced class!
(All levels)
Learn the principles of body movement in Cuban dancing with Albena de Assis. This class
will focus on techniques and elements of Orishas dances, the Yoruba branch of
Afro-Cuban traditions, Congo dances (Palo, Yuca, Makuta) and more.
Both Orishas dances as well as Rumba, taught in our Rumba Styling course, will add flavour, style, and authenticity to your latin dance,
specially salsa.
Take your styling to a whole new level by incorporating cuban cabaret body movement into your dancing.
Cuban Cabaret is a style that mixes base technique from ballet and modern dance with afro-cuban and
other cuban folkloric dances. Its very sexy yet natural movements are a true feast for the eyes.
Taught by Albena de Assis, this 8 week course will challenge your coordination, spatial awareness, and
physical condition. Come prepared to sweat! Clothing that shows body movement is preferred.
Kizomba is one of the most popular genres of dance and music created in Angola, that is becoming more and more popular in Europe. It is a
fusion of zouk from the French Caribbean islands with Semba, a traditional Angolan music genre. The dance is very sensual, danced usually in
closed hold position.
(Beg. / Int.)
Take your salsa dancing to a higher level by learning how to add authentic flavour and styling
through Rumba body movements and technique. This 8-week course will focus on Cuban Rumba movement
(yambú and guaguancó) for both men and women.
Elements of Rumba dancing, as well as Afro-Cuban, are the most commonly used repertoire additions by salsa
dancers in Cuba to enrich their dancing. One can often see salsa couples in Cuba switching from dancing
casino (salsa) to rumba within the same song, and back again to casino. Many of the songs
themselves are Son with one or two rumba sections in them.
(Beginners / Intermediate)
Burn fat and stay fit with this pure Caribbean joy dance class! You will learn classic and latest steps and body movement
for both dancehall and reggaeton.
Both dancehall/reggae as well as reggaeton are known for their ultra sexy and complex
movement. If you want to learn some serious body isolations to some of the grooviest rhythms on the planet, and also break
a sweat and get a great workout, this is the class for you!
Shashu Clacken, a native of Jamaica, will teach you a cool combination of moves in each class of the course.
These classes are taught in a progressive fashion, over a period of 8 weeks, so regular attendance is important.
(2nd Student Samba Performance Group)
The perfect program to take your samba dancing to a whole new level by adding the flare and pizzaz that
only performing can bring. You will learn a group choreography to be performed at one of our parties,
that will focus on samba no pé, with a dash of afro!
For 17 weeks (22 hrs) you will learn a choreography that will challenge you with its intricate footwork, flary
and sexy arm movements, lots of hips and torso too! Presentation (stage presence) and energy will be very
emphasized.
Schedule
Pre-requisites:
Having completed our Brazilian Samba Beginner course
Price & Spots:
$375 including GST
(not incl. costume)
LIMITED SPOTS
Registration:
February 25, 9-10pm (585 Yonge St.)
Bring comfortable clothes and shoes (heels or sneakers);
you will be asked to demonstrate your basic samba
Rehearsals:
Thursdays, 9pm - 10:15pm (585 Yonge St.)
March 4 - June 24, 2010
Show:
AfroLatino's 5th Anniversary Party
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Cuban Performance
(5th Student Cuban Performance Group)
The perfect program to take your salsa dancing to a whole new level by adding the flare and pizzaz that
only performing can bring. You will learn a group choreography to be performed at our 2011 Winter Party,
that will focus on cuban rumba, salsa suelta and/or partner work, styling, and dash of afro-cuban!
For 20 weeks (25 hrs) you will learn a choreography that will challenge you with its different influences,
lots of styling, rumba and afro-cuban elements! Presentation (stage presence) and energy will be very
emphasized.
Schedule
Pre-requisites:
Completed Cuban Salsa Intermediate 1 or higher;
Afro-Cuban and Rumba highly recommended
Price & Spots:
$390 including HST
(not incl. costume)
LIMITED SPOTS
Registration:
August 24, 9-10pm (585 Yonge St.)
Rehearsals:
Tuesdays, 9pm - 10:15pm (585 Yonge St.)
August 31, 2010 - January 25, 2011 (except December 21, 28)
Show:
AfroLatino's 2011 Winter Party
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Cuban Tumbao
(Men - Footwork and Style)
Take your salsa to a whole new level by learn footwork and body movement you can incorporate in your solo
as well as partner work, thus adding the authentic sabor (flavour) Cubans are so famous for.
These classes will focus on varous footwork variations (floreados), body isolations and moves and steps
with a strong rumba and Afro-Cuban influence.
Taught by Bong Gonzalez, this 8 week course will challenge your coordination, spatial awareness, and
physical condition. Come prepared to sweat!
Sep 09 - Nov 04, 2009
(No class on October 21, 2009)
Cuban Rhythms
(All levels)
This course will focus on the traditional Cuban dances Son and Cha Cha Cha. Taught by
Yareneys Montes de Oca, it will focus on the timming and most used steps for both Son and Cha Cha Cha.
Minimum Intermediate I level in Salsa is recommended in order to have an easier grasp of the timing.
Demo video of couples dancing Danzón, Son, Cha Cha Cha, Mambo and Casino (Salsa).
Schedule
Next course:
Wednesdays, 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Sep 8 - Oct 27, 2010
Private Classes
If you have ever felt that regular group classes are either too fast or too slow for
your needs, or that you would like to focus on specific areas or styles of dance, then
private classes might be what you are looking for.
We offer instruction in Cuban Salsa, Afro-Cuban, Cuban Cabaret (Styling), Brazilian Samba,
Jazz dance, Hip-Hop, and many more.
Main benefits of private classes:
Go at your own pace
Focus on what you need more
More individualized attention
Prices
For 1 person:
$75 per 1-hour lesson
$350 for 5 lessons ($25 savings)
$625 for 10 lessons ($125 savings)
For 2 persons:
$85 per 1-hour lesson
$400 for 5 lessons ($25 savings)
$725 for 10 lessons ($125 savings)
For 3 or more:
Contact us to get a quote
Schedule
Call 416-671-7140 or e-mail us
to book a suitable time.
IMPORTANT: Please give us 24 hrs notice for cancellations,
otherwise a $40 fee will be charged.
Spring Special
This perfect 2-day Spring program with some of the workshops that we do get inquired about will bring a touch of
inspiration and help start the Spring with a bang. These workshops are held at our downtown location (585 Yonge
Street).
Schedule
Tuesday, March 16
6:00-7:20pm:
Reggaeton (All levels)
This rhythm has been taking the latin dance scene by storm for the past few years. We will break down
its moves which rely heavily on sofisticated body isolations so you learn to hold your own and impress
on the dance floor. Price: $25
7:30-8:50pm:
Son (High Int./Adv. salsa dancers)
This wonderful rhythm and dance is one of the predecessors of salsa that, together with the rumba, are its
foundations. Characterized by a more formal posture, it is danced off the beat, a.k.a. as contratiempo.
It is a must for any salsa dancer that wants to be considered advanced.. Price: $25
Wednesday, March 17
6:30-7:50pm:
Salsa Suelta (All levels)
High energy salsa footwork for solo or line dancing. You will learn fun steps that will challenge your
coordination and spatial awareness. Price: $25
8:00-9:20pm:
Cha Cha Cha (All levels)
This fun dance originated in Cuba in the 50s, as a derivation from the danzón and son. Characterized by the
shuffling of the dancers’ feet on the syncopated 4th beat, this dance is still fairly popular today and is a
great tool to add to your repertoire. Price: $25
Deals:
Get all 4 workshops for workshops for only $80, a $20 savings! Please note that flexible cards are not valid for any of these classes.
Spice up your life with Salsa Dance Lessons.
AfroLatino Dance Company offers authentic Salsa Dancing Lessons in Toronto for groups and private lessons in
downtown Toronto and Toronto's west end. Get fit and have a blast while learning salsa dancing! Our classes
are fun, with levels from total beginner to advanced available.
Toronto Salsa Lessons, North York
Our Salsa Dance Lessons are now here to jazz up your life. Toronto's AfroLatino Dance Company offers 'true' Cuban
Salsa Dance Lessons in the heart of Toronto. Toronto's west end salsa lessons are also available. A Salsa Dance Lesson can
make all the difference, when stepping out on the town in Toronto.
Salsa Dancing Lessons, Toronto, Ontario
Jazz up your life with Salsa Dancing Classes! AfroLatino Dance Company
offers authentic Cuban Salsa and Salsa Lessons in Toronto for groups and
private lessons in downtown Toronto and North York. Get fit and meet
people while practicing salsa dancing! Our classes are fun, with levels
from total beginner to advanced available.
Salsa Dance Classes,
Greater Toronto Area, GTA
Improve your life with a Salsa Dance Class! We offer genuine Salsa
Lessons in greater Toronto. Whether your salsa dance class is a private
lesson or a group lesson - we guarantee you a fun time, with levels from
beginning salsa dancing to advanced salsa dancing.
Toronto Dance Classes -
Salsa in Toronto and North York
AfroLatino Dance Company offers great Salsa Dancing Lessons in
Toronto, Ontario. Get in shape, meet new friends and have a great time
in our Salsa classes. Located in downtown Toronto, we offer classes and
private lessons throughout the GTA - Scarborough, North York, Richmond
Hill, Etobicoke and Mississauga.
Salsa Dancing Lessons in
Toronto
Enjoy a Salsa Dancing Lesson in Toronto with the AfroLatino Dance
Company. We offer Cuban Salsa, Brazilian Samba, Afro-Cuban. Latin Cardio,
Ladies Styling, Kizomba, Bachata, and Merengue group and
private lessons in downtown Toronto and the GTA. Dance lessons in salsa
not only keep you fit, but also give you the confidence and edge in
today's competitive world. Take a Salsa Dance Lesson today!
CUBAN SALSA Dance Lessons Toronto - AfroLatino Dance Company offers
great Salsa Dance Lessons throughout various locations in Toronto
locations. Get fit, meet new friends, and have a blast while learning
salsa, samba, afro, hip-hop or reggae! E-mail: info@afrolatinodc.com
Dance Classes in Toronto for Salsa Dancing
Why not take a Salsa Dance Lesson in Toronto today. With the AfroLatino
Dance Company you can't go wrong. We are the 'experts' in Salsa dancing
along with various other dances. We are located in Toronto and offer
courses in Etobicoke, Scarborough, Mississauga, Richmond Hills and North
York. Call for a Salsa Dance Lesson today! E-mail: info@afrolatinodc.com
Salsa Dance Classes, Scarborough, Ontario
Take a Salsa Lesson today. We offer a wide range of dancing including
Salsa dance lessons. We cater to the entire Greater Toronto Area market
and can put you in the 'salsa' groove in no time. Call for a Salsa
Dancing Lesson today! E-mail: info@afrolatinodc.com
Salsa Lessons Toronto now in Etobicoke, North York, Richmond Hills and
Scarborough
Take Salsa Lessons today and have your life change in seconds. The Dance
Company offers a wide range of dancing including Salsa dancing lessons.
We provide lessons to the entire Greater Toronto Area market and can put
you in the 'salsa' groove in no time. Call for a Salsa Dancing Lesson
today!
Toronto Salsa Lessons
in the Heart of Downtown Toronto
Salsa Dance Lessons
have never been more fun. Now with our Salsa Dance Lessons in Toronto you can
learn the latest dance moves and have a great time. Take
our Dance Lessons in Toronto and learn other
forms of dancing such as Samba, Reggae, Rumba, Afro-Cuban, Bachata, Kizomba, and Merengue.
Salsa Lessons in
Toronto from the AfroLatino Dance Company
In search of dance
lessons in Toronto. Look no further than the AfroLatino Dance Company -
if you want Salsa Dance Lessons in Toronto you have just found the
premier dance centre.
The History of Salsa
Dancing – a brief look at the history of salsa, from who invented salsa
to the evolution of salsa dancing to the present day.
So who did invent
Salsa dancing - The Cubans, Puerto Ricans? Salsa is a not only a
distillation of several Latin and Afro-Caribbean dances, but also a
compilation of many dance forms.
Although salsa is similar to Mambo in many respects and have the pattern
of 6 steps danced over 8 counts of music. Both Mambo dancing and Salsa
dancing share many of the same moves, in salsa for example, turns are
important features. Salsa dancing tends to have more of a side to side
feel to the dance movements.
Salsa dancing is not limited to Cuba, but Cuba must receive some credit
– hence Cuban Salsa Dance, is often the name given to salsa dancing.
Several other countries had their influence on Cuban salsa dancing such
as the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Puerto Rico. Salsa became a
nickname to refer to a variety of different music, from several
countries of Latino influence: Rumba, Són Montuno, Guaracha, Mambo, Cha
cha cha, Danzón, Són, Guguanco, Cubop, Guajira, Charanga, Cumbia, Plena,
Bomba, Festejo, Merengue. Some of these forms of dance were mixed
thereby creating "Salsa".
Salsa dance varies from city to city. In New York, new
instrumentalization and extra percussion were added to some Colombian
songs so that New Yorkers - that dance mambo "on the two" - can feel
comfortable dancing to the rhythm and beat of the song. Even dance
schools providing dancing lessons, provide a wide range of salsa
dancing. In Toronto or the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), salsa dancing
lessons often depends on the origin of the salsa dance instructor.
Toronto is such a multicultural city, that people from various Latin
American countries set up their dance studios, based on the ‘Salsa’ they
have brought from their mother countries. In Toronto, there are vibrant
Spanish, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban and Brazilian communities that
lend their unique ethnicity to Salsa Dancing.
Your opportunity to practice your salsa in a relaxed environment specially geared towards students.
Take advantage of these sessions of non-stop music, where you can practice your moves with
other students, friends, and the instructors.
Burn fat and stay fit with this non-stop class of Latin dance!
And at the same time learn steps and moves for salsa,
merengue, reggaeton, mambo, conga and samba that you can use... without a partner! Drop-ins are available
for this course throughout its duration.
Take your salsa dancing to a higher level by learning how to add authentic flavour and styling
through Rumba body movements and technique. This 8-week course will focus on Cuban Rumba movement
(yambú and guaguancó) for both men and women.
The perfect program to take your samba dancing to a whole new level by adding the flare and pizzaz that
only performing can bring. You will learn a group choreography to be performed at one of our parties,
that will focus on samba no pé, with a dash of afro!
If you have ever felt that regular group classes are either too fast or too slow for
your needs, or that you would like to focus on specific areas or styles of dance, then
private classes might be what you are looking for.
