Salsa Ithaca presents class offerings with professional instructors, including our resident artists from Cuba, Adolfo Castillo and Lisbet Lopez, and Sandra Tomás Roig of Latin Dance by Sandra. Walk-ins and new students are welcome in all classes, including series. See details below.
Description & Schedule
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Afro-Cuban Percussion
Instructor: Adolfo Castillo
Schedule: Every Monday 6:00-7:15pm
Location: Provide via Registration
Cost: $15 per class. Discount: $35 for series
Description. In our beginner percussion classes, participants will learn drumming and percussion technique, drawing on traditional and contemporary Afro-Cuban rhythms. These rhythms are rooted in the traditions of the West African slaves brought to Cuba and the Caribbean starting in the 17th century, and continuing through most of the 19th century. Some of the rhythms we learn maintain close similarity to their African antecedents, while others are more uniquely Cuban, Haitian, and Caribbean, influenced by the mix of African cultures as well indigenous islanders and Europeans.
Modern Dance Technique with Afro-Cuban Elements and Live Drumming
Description. In this class, students learn exercises and elements of Martha Graham’s modern dance technique with contributions from Cuban modern dance specialists, such as Ramiro Guerra and Eduardo Rivero, who have added to the technique used to train professional dancers in Cuba, and which is used by Cuban teachers to train dancers around the world.
Emphases and Goals:
- Posture work using different positions
- Movement and isolation of different parts of the body
- Breathing to perform and guarantee the fluidity of movement (Martha Graham)
- Contraction, releves, twisting, and undulation
- Arm placement and movement in exercises within and through space
- Coordination of movement of the body with live music rhythms
- Foundational technique elements of different styles of Afro-Cuban dance
- Achieving bodily mastery through practice and methodology that will allow the student to assimilate any dance content, whether Afro-Cuban, popular or modern, with improved quality, posture, fluidity, and precision in movement.
Format:
Exercises in total space where all elements are put into practice with movement through space. Changes of direction and levels, and basic Afro-Cuban movements, combined with the technical elements of Graham, will help students obtain a mastery of body movement in coordination with musical rhythm.
Warm-up in fixed space consists of exercises in breathing, posture, arms and leg placement and positioning, torso movements, and incorporation of AfroCuban dance elements.
Exercises on the floor will be performed to achieve isolation and mastery of all body parts, combining folkloric and modern elements, always within the rhythm of the live music.
Afro-Cuban Traditional & Folkloric Dance with Live Music
Description. Connect to the rich traditions of Afro-Caribbean rhythm. Move your body with passion and flow. Learn from accomplished professional dancers and carriers of Afro-Cuban culture. Join an inspired and welcoming community. No experience necessary. Class is for all levels. Get ready to move, play, and challenge yourself!
Salsa in Partner with Rueda de Casino: Level 1 & 2
Description. Salsa with Rueda de Casino is a fun way to learn Salsa timing, repertoire, and lead-follow. In Rueda, dancers change partners in a Salsa “wheel,” while performing steps and combinations to the arrangement of a caller. Rueda allows students to dance with various partners in fluid motion, and in a relaxed setting. In our Level 1 series, we start in line format, then progress into single couple format, and at the end, introduce the circle (Rueda) format, which takes us into Level 2, where we add, review, and build Salsa technique and repertoire.
LEVEL 1: 6:30-7:30 PM
Level 1 is for new students and those seeking review. In this class, we teach a set of 20 steps needed to dance Salsa individually, as a single couple, and amongst multiple couples in a Rueda de Casino. These include what we call “The Scales of Salsa” & “The Octagon,” a set of turns and sequence drills, and the cross-body lead combinations “Dile Que No” and “Dile Que Si.”
LEVEL 2: 7:30-8:30 PM
In Level 2, we review and refine Level 1 content, and begin Rueda de Casino with the lead-follow basic “Guapea,” and the partner change call of “Dame” (pronounced “da-me”). We then teach a set of standard Salsa turn patterns, and Cuban style combinations built off of the open break such as “Adios” and “Enchufle,” and integrate these moves into single partner and rueda formats.
Bachata Lady Styling
Description. These classes prioritize grace, poise, and personal expression using the dance of Bachata. The emphasis is on developing confidence, flair, and the distinctive, stylized movements that characterize a feminine approach to dance. Men and all genders are welcome.
Salsa Choreography
Description. Master the steps, feel the rhythm, and dance with confidence. Fun, energetic, and engaging. Let’s salsa!
