Class Descriptions

Salsa Foundations, Parts 1 & 2

We are excited to teach you the fundamentals of Salsa. Our goal is to get you on the dance floor in the clubs and feeling confident with the essential components of Salsa dance. In the Twin Cities the two most popular styles are LA and Cumbia Salsa and our syllabus is designed with this in mind. Repetition is built in to the series with plenty of variety to keep the class fun and exciting for everyone.

The Salsa Foundations series is eight weeks, but it's divided into two four week parts - Part 1 & Part 2. You must complete Part 1 before taking Part 2.

The syllabus includes forward and back basic, side break, traveling basic, back basic, right turns for the leader and follower, cross body lead, cross body lead with inside turn, left turns from the back basic, haircombs and basic styling.

After completing Part 1&2 it is time to jump to the Intermediate Level or try a Foundations series in another dance. If you are looking to be proficient at the clubs, we suggest you also learn Merengue, Cha Cha and Bachata.

What should I wear?: Dress in clothing that you feel good in and makes you want to move. For some this means jeans and a t-shirt and for others it means a skirt or dress pants. Shoes should be leather- soled or specifically designed for dance. Heels or flats are both acceptable.

When do I start? It is best to start at the beginning of the month. Series start dates are indicated on the schedule. You may attend a new series within the first 2 weeks of class. After that time, we request that you wait until the following month to start. This is best for your learning as well as for the others in class.

Do I need a partner? No! We are excited you are learning for you! If you have a partner or friends we welcome all of you. We rotate partners throughout class. It is a great way to meet people and enjoy an activity that is good exercise and lifts the spirit. Please remember that everyone is nervous when trying something new. We guarantee that others in class are more concerned with their own feet than critiquing others.

Salsa Rueda Foundations

Salsa Rueda Foundations is an 8-week series. You can join at the start of each month. Salsa Rueda is Cuban style salsa danced in a circle switching partners as a "cantante" calls out moves for the group to follow. The group creates an exciting dynamic and a friendship bond for all those involved. We require that you have completed Salsa Foundations Parts 1&2 before learning Salsa Rueda. Syllabus includes guapea, exhibela, enchufla, el uno, el dos, pelota 1-4, pelota complicado, di le que no, vascilala, dame, and sombrero.

Salsa Rueda Intermediate

You must have an understanding of all the moves in Salsa Rueda Foundations and an instructor's approval to be in this fast and furious circle. We focus on the Cuban body movement and learning how to call moves in this class. Syllabus includes balsero, siete, setenta, coca cola, con las manos, la flor, tiempo spania, and so much more.

Salsa Intermediate

Congratulations on graduating into the Intermediate level! Each volume at this level is designed to teach you components to build amazing combinations on the social dance floor. Variations of these building blocks are easy to remember and incorporate if you understand the basic vocabulary of the dance. Volumes are not arranged in level of difficulty and you may commence at the beginning of any month. Start dates for each series are indicated on the schedule. We focus more on dance technique and styling in our Intermediate classes. We've recently divided the Intermediate classes into LA and Cumbia based series. We recommend you learn both to be an accomplished and well-rounded Salsero or Salsera, but if time is limited, choose the style that appeals to you.

LA-Style Series

Volume 1: Tornadoes. Syllabus includes reverse cross body lead, tornadoes, tap styling, hook turns, cross body lead with inside turns, and arm styling. It's a whirlwind, so hang on!

Volume 2: Fun with cross body leads. Syllabus includes front hooks, pump fake, right and left turns from the forward and back basic, double haircombs and double spins. Crossing over to the other side never looked so good!

Volume 3: Copas and checks. Syllabus includes copas and checks. You will have to come copa and check it out for yourself.

Volume 4: Pretzels. You see these moves on the dance floor and say to yourself &ndash I want to do that! Come this month and get twisted up with us.

Volume 5: Around the world in 8 seconds. There are moves this month in which she is the center of your world. How much better could this get? Syllabus includes rotating cross body leads, the houdini, single and double handed around the world combinations.

Volume 6: Sleight of hand. Syllabus includes hand slips, hand drops and tosses. They will marvel at your sleight of hand on the dance floor. It's magic.

Volume 7: Quick lefts and playing with the slot. Syllabus includes left turns in the forward and back basic, sweetheart cuddle and change of places, rotating slot changes and box shines for the leader and follower. Playing the slot will definitely pay off!

Volumes 8-10 are being created as you read this. We like our syllabus to expand and stay current with popular Salsa moves. This dance is constantly evolving. Stay tuned for updates.

Cumbia Series

Volume 1: Creative Cuddles. Syllabus includes basic cuddle, behind the back cuddle, hammerlocks and sweetheart cuddles. Who doesn't want to cuddle?!

Volume 2: Capes. Syllabus includes half capes, full capes, hook turns and multiple traveling turns for the followers. This series will make you want to shout "ole!"

Volume 3: Wringers and pretzels. Syllabus includes double handed hammerlocks, and pretzel variations. Come this month and get twisted up with us.

Volume 4: Cuban Sombreros. Cuban-style Salsa is full of body motion and flavor. Spice up your Cumbia and LA combos by mixing in double hair combs, Cuban basics, spicy cross body leads and stylish right and left turns for the follower. If this month fits your style, Salsa Rueda also derives its moves from Cuba.

Where do I go from here? After completing the Intermediate series, or even if you are in the process of studying Salsa Intermediate, we suggest that you delve into classes that strengthen your balance, enhance your body isolation ability and give you confidence in spinning on the dance floor. Try Hip Hop, Hip Hop / Salsa Fusion, Ladies' Salsa Styling, or Cardio Dance. All are offered at SDS to help you become the dancer your wish to be.

Salsa Social

One of the most fun and most important elements of learning the language of dance is practicing; Only by dancing with others in a social setting can you learn to move fluently. Come dance with your peers to fun Salsa music. All Tuesday practice socials are free to students. This hour is for you. We want you to succeed and have fun on the dance floor.

Ladies' Salsa Styling

Ladies, it is time to nurture the dance diva within you! Explore body isolations, arm styling, footwork variations, and spin technique. Work up a sweat and become too hot to handle.

Spin Technique & Body Isolations

This class is for all dancers who wish to add sabor or flavor to their movement. Learn how to isolate your shoulders, hips, and rib cage. Study Latin motion and rhythmic footwork. Practice spin drills to develop your balance and turn technique. Build confidence in your own dancing and you will be a sought after partner on the dance floor. Great for both leaders and followers.

Salsa Advanced with Shines & Styling

We will challenge you with fast and furious footwork, lots of spinning, and a focus on musicality. Join us on a path to capture the flavor of Salsa through its music.

Latin Club Classes

Latin Club Foundations

A class devoted to learning how to dance in the Latin clubs. Salsa is the predominant music played in our Twin Cities; however DJs and bands always play Cha Cha, Merengue and Bachata to heat up the dance scene. We teach you the basic patterns, lead/follow technique and timing of Cha Cha, Merengue and Bachata. Each four week series is dedicated to a different style.

Latin Club Intermediate

Become a sought after dance partner in the Latin Clubs! Delve into exciting combinations and styling for Cha Cha, Merengue and Bachata. Each four week series is dedicated to a different style.

West Coast Swing

Smooth and stylish, West Coast Swing is danced to blues, R&B, funk, pop, and even country music.

WCS Foundations, Part 1 introduces the basic six-count patterns in West Coast Swing, including their footwork, timing, and lead/follow technique. The patterns you'll learn in this 4-week series include:

• Basic Step
• Sugar Push
• Left Side Pass
• Under Arm Pass
• Rolling Pass
• Sugar Tuck Turn
• Footwork Variations

WCS Foundations, Part 2 introduces the footwork, timing, and lead/follow technique of the basic eight-count patterns. The patterns you'll learn in this 4-week series include:

• Basic whip
• Whip w/Follower's Outside Turn
• Whip w/Follower's Inside Turn
• Basket Whip
• 6-count Starter Step.

Please join class in the first two weeks of the month; We'll build on to the previous week's combination each session.

East Coast Swing Foundations, Part 2

Second four week series designed to build your basic repertoire for East Coast Single time swing. Learn the cuddle, the wringer, closed position, four back walks and kicks, and the pretzel. This class is great start to anyone's weekend. Come dance. It don't mean a thing if it ain't got that swing!

Pre-requisite: East Coast Swing Foundations, Part 1.

Ballroom Foundations

Ballroom Foundations is the perfect class to learn how to slow dance at weddings and other social events. We teach you the basic patterns, lead/follow technique and timing of Waltz, Foxtrot and Tango. Each four week series is dedicated to a different style.

Argentine Tango

Tango is not based upon sequences or 'steps', so our classes focus on developing a strong foundation and exploring styles and themes. You will be encouraged to improvise from the very beginning and be able to dance comfortably and confidently in a social setting. Please join all Tango classes in the first two weeks of the month, or arrive early to review material with the instructor, Sabine Ibes.

Sabine believes that while we are on the social dance floor the object is to have fun with the dance, and that one can have fun in exploring the opportunities of movement with a partner and look darn good doing so at the same time. The classes that she teaches are well-balanced, inventive and creative. She is very keen on the fact that the student has to feel comfortable while dancing. A relaxed body and mind will create a comfortable connection so the partner feels a sense of being safe. Sabine is an enthusiast of Nuevo (new) Tango, organic moves within Tango while reflecting on the more traditional roots of Argentine Tango. This means that she focuses on a fusion of close and open embrace Tango.

Tango Foundations, Parts 1 & 2

These two series are taught concurrently. We start with a Tango warm up with everybody and after that, the class is split into the two groups. Sabine teaches the warm up and then alternates between the Part 1 and Part 2 group.

Part 1: We will get you started with all the great basics in Argentine Tango; walking in a comfortable, close embrace, walking outside partner, crusada (or cross) and walking in "cross feet" (backward ochos). All of these things are THE basis and your start in Argentine Tango. You are strongly advised to start at the beginning of the series. You will need at least 8 to 10 Part 1 lessons to move on to:

Part 2: Let's add some Tango flair to all those basics, and start playing with the possibilities on the dance floor - How to dance smoothly from close embrace into open embrace and vice versa, molinettes (windmill), and more. But we will not forget about the Part 1 foundations; We'll make sure these are getting stronger while you practice your new skills.

Tango Intermediate/Advanced

Expand your Tango vocabulary! Be bold on the dance floor and make each other smile in the process. Take all of your moves (and some of ours) and develop more control over them, expand upon them and increase playfulness and improvisation.

You will need at least 6 months of Foundations Part 2 classes before you can move to intermediate, or have teacher approval.

In the July series we will focus on improving the improv skills for LEADERS. Meaning: change of directions (sacadas) when needed on a crowded dance floor, while keeping a great connection with the music and your partner. This is a two way street - for FOLLOWERS it can be so much more fun to be lead into a change of direction: A change of direction can result in boleos, wraps, follower sacadas going from close to an open embrace or you can follow up with an embellishment and reconnect to your partner right away.

Tango Lab

Select 4th Fridays from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. (Please refer to the schedule), Cost: $5 / $3 for students with student ID

Tango Lab is not a class, but rather an guided practice session dedicated to experimentation and teamwork. You will be working with dancers at your own level. For the evening to run smoothly we have come up with some "rules and regulations":

We tried the lab out on some tango rats in a small area, and they became extremely agitated when the rules were not followed. Please make sure you know what level you are!

• BEGINNERS should have a knowledge of the crusada, back and forward ochos and molinette
• INTERMEDIATE dancers, those dancing for MORE than 1 year (or longer), who KNOW beginner sequences and are familiar with close and open embrace, sacadas, quick-quick slows, ganchos , familiar with upper body torqued movement (disassociation)- walz, milonga.
• ADVANCED tangueros, who've been dancing for MORE then 4 years, and know ALL of the above, plus are familiar with off axis, musicality, boleos, difference between an embellishment and a lead move.

Before we get started with the experiment we will have a discussion / talk about a concept/movement in small groups and then share knowledge with all.

Hip Hop - All Levels

Express yourself to the music. Learn to be creative and dynamic with movement. This class is superb for all who wish to enhance their ability to play with the music. No experience necessary. If you want to have fun, exercise, and move in utter coolness this class is for you.

*Studying other forms of dance builds your foundation for partnership dance.*