Classes Offered ~ Check Current Schedule for Classes and Times
Rueda Orientation Workshop ~ offered periodically.
For all levels. We will break down and analyze the specific directional dynamic that makes a circle hold it's form when it is constantly moving. We will put these principals into practice and do exercises which illustrate the dynamic, without having to think about leading / following and remembering moves. Each person, representing a point on the circle, must hold his/her place (which is constantly moving) relative to the circle (which is also constantly moving) so the circle does not collapse. This is to lock in the dynamic and your positioning relative to your partner and the group into your body knowledge.
Music Appreciation and Jam for dancers
Each of us gets to master, or try our hand, at all the rhythms that comprise a salsa ensemble (clave, tumbao, guiro, son montuno, 12 bell pattern, palitos, etc.) on various instruments as desired (Congas, keyboard, vocals, bell, bass, flute, horns or whatever you bring etc.) We learn many son montunos, we work on our poly-rhythm coordination. We pick songs to analyze (words as well as rhythmic elements), and learn signature rhythms that define different genres, ie; Rumba, Guaguanco, Timba, Cha Cha Cha, Son etc.
Straight-Up Rueda, Beginner Level, 8 weeks
With my unique teaching method, you get to start dancing right away, regardless of experience. You will become familiar with the oppositional dynamic of the circle form which holds it together. The emphasis in this class (as in all my classes) is on form: the dynamic and the relationship between you and your partner and the circle, rather than on how many moves you can do. Once your form is solid, you can master any of the more advanced moves easily. This method gives you the flavor of Cuban style and the circle dynamic, as well as experience with basic rueda fundamentals and knowledge of the building blocks that are used for all other moves. This will surely whet your appetite and keep you coming back for more!
Straight-Up Rueda, Intermediate Level (See Rueda Description)
We will build our repertoire of shared moves, work on our form, and have fun. We will do LOTs of DANCING, and reinforcing of previously learned moves and practicing of newly learned moves. And, did i say, we will Dance A LOT. We'll learn Cuban style, Miami style moves, we'll make up our own moves, we'll adapt ballroom moves to the Rueda, we'll move as ONE body with exhilarating synergy. You may be ready for intermediate after participating in the beginner series a few times. Please be familiar with beginner repertoire ie, Setenta, Setenta Miami, Adios con la Hermana, Adios, Exibes, El Uno, El Dos etc., and be very aware of circle dynamics.
"Surrender Salsa" For Couples and Singles
Trust exercises, relationship dynamic exploration, and Salsa. Dance is a metaphor for life and relationship. We will explore concepts such as maintaining your core power while relating to another, what creates trust, deep listening, initiating play, being in the moment, responding to the music and to each other without an agenda. More on this soon.
"Ambi" Class, High Beginner & Intermediate: Learn to both Lead AND Follow
This is for anyone who wants to challenge the mind, and learn to both lead and follow. We will feature calls that require frequent and seamless switching of roles from lead to follow without any break in the flow: Sorpresas (surprises, where the follow "steals" the lead) & "Unisex" Moves (which are the same whether you are leading or following), & Moves with Two Follows To One Lead (and the reverse as well), and we'll explore "shadowing", a form done with 2 callers. This orientation will improve your dancing manifold, as you will see that the difference between lead and follow is very slight. A good follower is always leading (ie giving her partner something back that he can work with- tension, momentum, directional cues) and a good lead is always following (ie listening, following the momentum, directional responses & impulses of the follow), and both are following the music. This is what creates connection & communication and exhilarating flow.
Performance Group/ Rueda Choreography - Int to Advanced level
We'll work on easy choreographies and "called" Ruedas with sequences that correspond to the music and embellishments which punctuate rhythmic features of a given song. We will learn to listen for musical nuances, breaks & transitions, name them and express them in the Rueda. We will encorporate moves from our repertoire, made up moves, adapted moves, footwork, son timing, hip hop flavored, mambo etc. Contingent upon participation of a few strong leads. We'll work with what we have learned in Ryan's stellar music and listening class to encorporate rhythmic nuances.
Salsa Suelta, Workout, Rhythm & Improv
Warm-up, work-out, Stretch, strengthen, learn to isolate and coordinate various parts of your body, and challenge your current "known world" of movement. Explore what it means to dance "on-2", "on-3" and "on-1" and how each relates to Clave. We will play with Rhythm exercises to get familiar with 'CLAVE' and other elements of Salsa & Timba rhythm. We'll learn basic ingredients with which you can improvise and learn many stylish punctuations and flourishes with which you can spice up your partner and suelta dancing. We'll do a few routines & impromptu choreographies. This will help you clean up your form, strengthen your CORE (from which you should relate to your partner's CORE), gain precision in movement, and visceral understanding of "Latin Motion" (AKA 'Cuban motion', 'opposition' (or 'Contrapposto' if you happen to be a visual artist!))
SALSA! Partner Dancing: Fusion ~ the Best of All Worlds!
Miami, Cuban, Ballroom, Street, Salon, Cumbia, Merengue, On-1, On-2, On-3 ~ Drawing from many forms for the BEST of all Worlds! You will increase your repertoire and learn some awesome, "break-the-mold" new moves, pretzel moves, Sweep-her-off-her-feet moves. Learn to become more precise in your tactile communication; both in giving and receiving cues, from your core to your fingertips, in order to be able to give your partner a rollicking good time on the dance floor, and keep him/her on his/her toes the whole night long!
Private Lessons Hone in on your problem areas, eliminate bad habits, and improve your form!
Moving Mandalas and the Wheel of Life Team building, moving as one, fun patterns and relationship exploration for "non-dancers". Dance metaphors for life! We move together, collaboratively creating beautiful patterns and incorporating various themes as indicated by your group purpose.
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