CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
salsa ON 2
Want to feel comfortable dancing Salsa on any dance floor anywhere in the world?
Learn the foundational techniques to understanding the history, culture, music, structure, and timing of Salsa (and have FUN while doing it)!
Our Salsa system will develop the mechanics of weight transfer, body movement, turn techniques, shines, musicality, and partner connection.
It is a progressive program designed to help you find your fire!
We don’t just focus on teaching you steps. We focus on bringing out the feeling, flavour, and fire in each and every single dancer.
The perfect blend of where feeling meets technique!
Not sure which level you are at Araguacu or you have taken classes at another studio in the past? Book a level assessment or try a free introductory class.
Foundational salsa on2 Shines (Previously Intro to Salsa On2)
Journey into the world of Salsa On2, and learn to have FUN with it!
No previous dance experience or partner required.
An open level class for students interested in learning the basics of On2 timing, music breakdown, mechanics of movement, and more.
This is a great class for absolute beginners as well as students of all levels interested in redeveloping their foundational system in Salsa On2. Perfect for students transitioning from On1 timing to On2.
A full hour dedicated to open work (shines). Learn to establish the connection to yourself (balance, coordination, movement, timing) before connecting to a partner.
Foundational Salsa on2 Partnerwork (Previously Salsa Level 1)
Continue your journey into the world of Salsa On2, and learn how to cultivate an experience of safety, etiquette, connection and FUN with a partner on the dancefloor!
Experience in Salsa On2 is recommended (Pre-requisite course: Salsa Foundational Shines).
Develop a solid foundation and understanding of the basics of Salsa when connecting to a partner (basic, timing, cross body lead, basic turns).
A full hour dedicated to partnerwork. Each class will introduce and explore a new Salsa step with a detailed focus on the foundations and individual building blocks of the footwork, lead/follow connection, and arms.
The essentials of partnerwork technique and vocabulary will be taught with an emphasis on social dance mechanics and improved connections on the dance floor.
Intermediate Salsa (Previously Salsa Level 2)
Take your Salsa basics to the next level!
Experience in Salsa On2 is recommended. This class is suitable for students comfortable with Salsa On2 Basics (basic, timing, cross-body lead, basic turns, foundational shines).
This class builds on the foundational techniques to further explore shines and partner work sequences. Each class will reinforce timing, shines and partner work technique.
Learn how to link steps and turn patterns into sequences to further develop lead/follow connection and the appropriate social dance mechanics for more complex combinations. Expand your range and vocabulary and learn how to safely execute partnerwork combinations to connect with any partner and have fun on the dance floor!
Musicality and Flow (Previously Salsa Footwork)
Workshop style class: Each week will tackle different aspects of musicality with a focus on playfulness, imagination, and creation.
Develop musical acumen through an exploration of the historical and cultural contexts of different rhythms, instrumentation, and eras of Salsa music. Learn how to become an extension of the music!
No partner work! This is an all out musicality power hour, geared at dancers of any level that are interested in expanding their connection to the music, shines, and develop their own Salsa flow.
Recommended level: Must have knowledge of Salsa On2 foundations and exposure to some degree of footwork (weight transfer, syncopations, basic footwork technique).
**Not included in the brand new student deal - class is not suitable for absolute beginners.
bachata
Want to feel comfortable dancing Bachata on any dance floor anywhere in the world?
This progressive program aims to introduce, familiarize, and provide an understanding of how to dance Bachata!
To us Bachata is just Bachata! The skill set developed through our system is transferable to any "style" of Bachata you wish to dance, whether it be Dominican, Modern, or Sensual.
Learn the mechanics of weight transfer, body movement (booty action), turn technique, footwork, musicality and partner connection. Most importantly, learn to unlock your flow!
The Araguacu system will help you develop your own bachata flow, style, and personality on the dance floor!
Bachata is a feeling!
Not sure which level you are at Araguacu or you have taken classes at another studio in the past? Book a level assessment or try a free introductory class.
Beginner Bachata (previously Bachata Level 1)
Journey into the world of Bachata, and learn to have FUN with it!
No previous dance experience or partner required.
Develop a solid foundation and understanding of the basics of Bachata (basic, timing, weight transfer, key steps, basic turns)
Each class will introduce and explore a new Bachata step to develop footwork and partner work technique.
Basics of musical instrumentation will be explored. Train your ear to understand Bachata music better!
Intermediate Bachata (Previously Bachata Level 2)
Take your Bachata basics to the next level!
Introduction of footwork, body movement and isolations, and turn pattern combinations.
Build on foundational material to explore new principles of weight shift, balance, coordination, timing, and musicality.
Learn how to link steps and turn patterns into sequences to further develop lead/follow connection and the appropriate social dance mechanics for more complex combinations. Expand your range and vocabulary and learn how to safely execute partnerwork combinations to connect with any partner and have fun on the dance floor!
Musical instrumentation and interpretation will be explored. Become an extension of the music!
Bachata Flow and footwork - Open level
Workshop style class - Footwork jam session!
Train your footwork, and unlock your flow in this open level class geared at putting the FUN in Bachata Footwork.
No partner work! This is an all out footwork power hour, geared at dancers of any level that are down to challenge themselves, and expand their Bachata footwork vocabulary.
Recommended level: Must have some knowledge of Bachata foundations in any style and exposure to some degree of footwork (weight transfer, syncopations, basic footwork technique). Ideal class for students with experience taking Bachata classes at Araguacu (must have completed Level 1 or above - or taken intensives), or at another studio.
New footwork combinations taught every week!
**Not included in the brand new student deal - class is not suitable for absolute beginners.
specialty classes
Social Dance Essentials (Previously SOcial Dance Technique and Etiquette)
Workshop style class - rotates every week between different subject matters that are applicable to both Salsa and Bachata.
Open level class for students interested in learning and refining important technical aspects of dance.
This class will tackle some of the general sore points for dancers, rotating between different themes each week:
Body Movement Mechanics and Conditioning: This class will focus on the essentials of weight transfer (applicable to Salsa or Bachata), the ABCDs of body connection, as well as focus on dance conditioning (includes stretching and strengthening).
The Art of Improvisation: This class will provide the necessary tools to become more confident and free when social dancing, allowing you to enjoy and explore new possibilities when space is created to freestyle and connect to a song in your own way.
Social Dance Technique and Etiquette: An exploration into some of the dos and don’ts of the social dance community, including spatial awareness, dance safety, consent, floor practice, lead-follow responsibilities and more.
Each class will focus on a specific component/area that explores key aspects of how to navigate the social dance scene as a lead/follow with hands on exercises to encourage discussions on safety, comfort, inclusivity, creation and connection.