International Salsa Magazine

Alma Cubana Dance Academy

North America / USA / Portland

Alma Cubana Dance Academy

Alma Cubana Dance Academy
Alma Cubana Dance Academy

“They are a small dance group in Portland, ME. that offers Salsa and Bachata lessons and have student level teams for both those styles as well as ladies styling. Currently the lessons are on Sundays, you can find everything current on their website www.almacubanadance.com

Alma Cubana Dance was founded in the spring of 2015 by Vanessa Webber (Gutierrez). Alma Cubana means “Cuban Soul”, and being half Cuban, she wanted her group to reflect that heritage. It has been a long standing dream to offer classes, build a performance group and to help grow the Salsa and Latin dance community in Southern/Midcoast Maine. Their focus is to bring quality instruction while maintaining the social atmosphere of Salsa dance.

‘I danced Ballet and Modern growing up and helped develop a salsa company in Boston while in College which I believe is celebrating 10 years or more this year, although I am not with them anymore. I took 8 dancers to Miami last year and they competed in the first Miami Latin Dance Championships where all of them placed in at least one category.”

“They are a small dance group in Portland, ME. that offers Salsa and Bachata lessons and have student level teams for both those styles as well as ladies styling. Currently the My company is very young, only just 2 years, and it is mainly attended by those who love to dance but it is not a full time commitment. We perform locally a lot, and try to take the groups to 2-3 congresses or festivals, usually within driving distance. We have done Boston Salsa Festival twice, Connecticut Salsa Fest last year and Bachateando Miami last year, we plan to go to Connecticut and Boston again this year.” Vanessa Webber (Gutierrez), Alma Cubana Dance founder/director

They will be changing the schedule in April for Spring and Summer. Spring and Summer Schedule will have team practices on Sundays and Wednesday, classes for Salsa and Bachata before our regular latin night, which just celebrated 1 year.”

2017 Winter Schedule

Sundays

  • 3:00–4:00 pm Bachata and Body Movement
  • 4:00–5:30 pm Beginner Salsa Bootcamp
  • 4:00–5:30 pm Intermediate Salsa Bootcamp
  • 5:30–7:00 pm Open Level Salsa Team Rehearsal*

Tuesdays

  • 8:00–9:30 pm Bachata Team Rehearsal

2017 Spring/Summer Schedule

Sundays: Classes held at Aquarius Ballroom

  • 2:00–3:30 pm Ladies Choreography Class
  • 3:30–5:00 pm Bachata Performance Team*
  • 5:00–6:30 pm Salsa Performance Team*

Wednesdays: Classes held at Pearl Nightclub

7:30–8:15 pm Salsa for Social Dance 8:15–9:00 pm Bachata for Social Dance 8:00–9:00 pm Drop-in Class Salsa/Bachata (Note: There is a potential overlap/error in the Wednesday schedule near the end, listing 8:15-9:00 pm and 8:00-9:00 pm for different classes).

Esencia Latina Wednesdays at Pearl Nightclub

Esencia Latina means “Latin Essence” and that is what they want this night to embody. Start off the night with lessons to get your feet moving from 8-9pm. At 9, the lights go down and have a great mix of Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Cha Cha and more to keep you on the dance floor. Latin dance is a social dance, its meant to be something you do with your friends and/or family. Loosen up, shake your hips and party like Latinas! Pearl Nightclub is located next to the Tap House 442 Fore St, Portland, ME

Alma Cubana Dance Academy - Flyers
Alma Cubana Dance Academy – Flyers
Karina Bernales
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