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Dance Academy

Azúcar Latin Dance Company

North America / Canada / Ottawa

Ottawa’s premiere dance school specializing in Latin, Street and AfroCaribbean dances. Their mission is to bring the energy, passion and joy of dance to Ottawa and get you dancing to the music in your heart. Teachers expert and friendly instruction will get you dance floor-ready in record time, and the group outings and social events will introduce you to the amazing Ottawa dance community!

Azúcar Latin Dance Company
Azúcar Latin Dance Company

They take inspiration from the original Queen of salsa, Celia Cruz. She is famous for her sunny disposition, her warmth and passion, as well as her trademark of shouting “Azúcar!” (“Sugar” in Spanish) in her songs. They are inspired by her positive attitude towards life and her desire to share the joy of dance and music with as many people as possible

Meet The Team

Jeff Huang

Director is passionate about music and dances. He started dancing Latin street dances (salsa, bachata, merengue, and cha cha) in 2005 and has not stopped since – learning from many wonderful and talented instructors across Canada as well as across the globe.

Jeff Huang
Jeff Huang

This has made Jeff a well-rounded teacher with an eye for detail, while his easy going attitude makes everybody feels welcome at the studio. Jeff is extremely dedicated to his students, believing that they are the true heart of the company. He hopes to create a loving community where everyone can learn and laugh together, and share their love of dance. CONTACT JEFF [email protected]

Ana Gherasim

Director Ana is definitive proof that anyone can learn to dance. Discouraged from pursuing dance from a young age, she grew up convinced that she had two left feet. Thanks to Jeff’s infinite patience, she took up salsa in 2008 and is now one of our most enthusiastic teachers.

Ana Gherasim
Ana Gherasim

While Jeff is the (clave tempo-ed) heart of Azúcar! Ana is its brain, also dealing with the less artistic aspects of school management and administration. When she’s not teaching or running the studio, you’ll find her in most of our classes, lending a hand as well as honing her own style. CONTACT ANA [email protected]

Salsa Level 1, Instructors: Ana & Brian, Jeff & Ashvini

Take your first salsa steps! Discover the salsa rhythm, basic steps, left and right turns, crossbody leads, inside traveling turns, and simple combinations. You will also learn partnering technique and simple footwork to spice up your dancing! No partners needed!

Ana & Brian
Ana & Brian

Salsa Level 2 Instructors: Ana & Jeff

Go beyond the basics! Each 7-week session we introduce a combination of footwork and partnering moves based on common salsa patterns, including double-hand turns, hammerlock holds, wraps, traveling turn variations and more. We also introduce spin technique and body isolation exercises at this level. No partners needed!

Salsa Level 3 Instructors: Ana & Jeff

Once you have mastered ALL the moves we teach in Salsa Level 2, explore the endless combinations salsa has to offer while honing your technique and style. In this class we introduce more complex concepts (such as copas, 360s, multiple spins) and create new footwork and partnering combinations that will make you the star of the dance floor. No partners needed!

Ana & Jeff
Ana & Jeff

Salsa Shines Choreography Instructor: Ashvini

Ever feel like you’re not sure what to do when it comes to salsa shines? This class introduces and breaks down shines footwork, technique and styling through learning a piece of shines choreography. It’s perfect for those who would like to improve their shines repertoire and feel more confident on the social floor! As an added bonus – if you’ve ever been interested in exploring salsa performance, this is a great taster for what it’s like to learn and perfect a piece of choreography, without the pressure to actually perform (unless you really want to!). Open to all levels and genders.

Ana & Jeff
Ana & Jeff

Bachata Level 1 Instructors: Ana & Brian

Take your first Bachata steps! Our Level 1 course introduces you to the bachata rhythm, basic steps, turns and promenades that are the core of this fun and intimate dance, as well as basic styling elements to add sizzle to your dancing! Get dance floor-ready in 7 weeks! No partners needed!

Bachata Level 2 Instructors: Ana & Jeff

Once you are comfortable with the beginner moves covered in Bachata Level 1, this class takes it up a notch and introduces more complex moves. Mix things up with outside turns, cuddles and hammerlocks, fancy footwork, sensual body isolations and lots of turn patterns and combinations to take straight to the dance floor. No partners needed!

Bachata Level 3 Instructors: Ana & Jeff

Take your bachata to new heights! Once you have mastered Bachata Level 2, join this intermediate-level class. Learn how to get comfortable with your partner, develop great bachata leading and following technique, and make your dancing stand out from the crowd! No partners needed!

Ana & Jeff
Ana & Jeff

Salsaton Instructor: Emilie

Spice it up with Salsa & Reggaeton! This class is about adding spice to how you dance, whether you dance as your workout, to build up your confidence on the dance floor or just to have fun! Emilie will be giving lots of options for everyone to feel comfortable.

Dancehall Funk Instructor: Emilie

Dancehall is a Jamaican dance that includes elements of Reggae, African, Hip Hop, House and Latin. It’s all about confidence, creativity, expression, attitude, and FUN. Come learn a combination of hot moves and an energetic routine full of street smart choreography, dancing to the hottest music. Get ready for an energetic and challenging class!

Photo 1: Azúcar Latin Dance Company
Photo 1: Azúcar Latin Dance Company

Heels Instructor: Emilie

Strut your stuff! Celebrate creativity, individuality, uniqueness and fierceness! Dance styles such as Vogue, Sass and Jazz to get you moving to great music in heels. Learn a sexy routine and find new confidence on and off the dance floor! You won’t want to miss this class with Emilie!

Afro-Beats Level 1 Instructor: Natalie

Learn the basics of African dance and movement groove to great music, and get your sweat on with fun choreography! We’ll explore styles such as Azonto, Coupé Decalé, Afro House, and Dancehall. You will sweat and laugh, make new friends and improve your stamina as you learn fun combinations, technique and routines. Personal expression is encouraged!

Photo 2: Azúcar Latin Dance Company
Photo 2: Azúcar Latin Dance Company

Samba Instructor: Natalie

Join the carnival vibe! Experience the pulsating rhythms and energetic moves of Samba. Learn exhilarating dance combinations and routines as we travel across the floor and venture into some of the liveliest dances of Brazilian culture. This exciting class is certain to empower, energize, lift your spirits….and your booty too!

Sunday Workshop Series

Come explore a different dance, or aspect of dancing, the first and third Sunday of each month!

Photo 3: Azúcar Latin Dance Company
Photo 3: Azúcar Latin Dance Company

Don’t forget to know more about Azucar! in their website, so you can sing up and shop. Natalie http://www.azucarottawa.com/

Dancing Latin Dance

North America / USA /

Building Community Through Dance: Bailando Latin Dance is available for fundraisers, school functions benefit/awareness events, charities, multicultural celebrations, and special events. Bailando Latin Dance Company is dedicated to heightening awareness and appreciation for the art of dance through education, outreach programs, and public demonstrations. The company’s motto is ‘Building Community Through Dance.

More than just a dance company

Argentine Tango

Their will be an emphasis on Caminadas (walks) and will master the basic figure 8 step; will also cover ochos (crossing/pivoting figure), basic boleos (to throw, keeping knees together, swivel & turn), basic ganchos (hooks), and giros (a turning step), molinete (windmeel).

1- Dancing Latin Dance
1- Dancing Latin Dance

Salsa Combo Classes

Learning follow and lead technique is emphasized along with the ins and outs of the salsa turn patterns, footwork, and shines. They cover cross-body leads, the copa, and combination patterns… body isolation, cuban motion, and footwork/shines will be taught in open and closed-position.

Services

They host instruction, classes, create dance performances, offer cultural presentations, outreach programs, and event promotion. Bailando Latin Dance Company engages in events for community centers, multicultural celebrations, schools, fundraisers, benefits, and other events, and all dance- levels.

Past schools/student organizations that have contracted with BLDC for dance education include:

  • University of WI-Milwaukee
  • Marquette University
  • Concordia University
Dance Academy
Dance Academy

Services include:

Performances/Demonstrations

Book Dancers for your event

These may include: cultural celebrations and festivals, socials, galas, school organizations, work companies, private or public events, corporations, conventions, and much, much more!

  • Cultural Presentations
  • Classes/Workshops/Lessons
  • Group, Semi-Private, and Private Instruction

For booking, you can contact [email protected] and for more information visit the following link http://bailandodance.com

Isadora Duncan, destined for a life of freedom and the avant-garde, of beauty and tragedy

Isadora Duncan was born in San Francisco in 1877. Her father, Joseph, abandoned the family shortly after her birth. Left in extreme poverty, her mother, Mary Isadora Gray, worked tirelessly to support her four children.

Isadora Duncan, destined for a life of freedom and the avant-garde, of beauty and tragedy
Isadora Duncan, destined for a life of freedom and the avant-garde, of beauty and tragedy

Nevertheless, she always told them, “We can do without bread, but never without Art,” and consistently encouraged her children’s artistic vocations.

From a very young age, her mother introduced her to the works of Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, Mozart, and Chopin, and to the writings of Shakespeare, Shelley, Keats, and Whitman. She also taught her about classical Greek culture, paganism, and feminism.

The family lived like a small artistic troupe. Mary gave piano lessons, and Isadora taught dance while her mother played Mendelssohn on the piano.

Then her sister Elizabeth would recite poems by Theocritus, and their brother Raymond would conclude with a short talk about the Greeks or about dance and its effects on the society of the future.

Although she auditioned as a dancer in various theaters, she found no success. Isadora perceived dance very differently. She believed in improvisation, with movement like waves of a sea reflecting the very Soul, a concept almost mystical and spiritual, far removed from the formal technique of Classical Ballet.

As she recounted in her autobiography:

“I was born by the sea. My first idea of movement and dance surely came from the rhythm of the waves and also from nature; clouds carried by the wind, trembling trees, flying birds, whirling leaves…” This living nature is what she sought to express through dance.

Isadora Duncan was born in San Francisco in 1877.Her father, Joseph, soon after left the family.
Isadora Duncan was born in San Francisco in 1877.
Her father, Joseph, soon after left the family.

Early Struggles and European Dreams

Shortly after, a fire destroyed their home, leaving the family destitute again. Isadora secured a small role in a pantomime in New York: Madame Pygmalion. She had to borrow money for the train ticket and rehearsed unpaid for over a month. During lunchtime breaks, Isadora had no money for food and would hide in the facilities to sleep before continuing to rehearse.

Eventually, her family moved to New York, where in 1896, Isadora joined the company of playwright John Augustine Daly, taking ballet lessons with Marie Bonfanti. Due to her rejection of an academicism she considered limiting and unnatural, she managed to travel to Europe in 1898.

She arrived in England, where, always self-taught, she studied arts at the British Museum. There, she found great inspiration for her dances, which evoked ancient Greek movements and attire. She observed the movements of dancers on Greek vases, and from there adopted one of her characteristic postures: tilting her head back like the maenads. She then went to France, where she met Löis Fuller, who shared her ideas. Löis, like Isadora, was an alternative dancer whose performances incorporated elements of circus acts and variety shows.

Breakthrough and Artistic Vision

Together, they embarked on a tour of Munich and Vienna, creating new performances: “Dance Serpentine,” “Dance of Fire,” and “The Divine Shoe,” all embodying an absolutely modern concept. Finally, in Budapest, Isadora signed her first contract to dance solo on a large stage. She achieved great success, establishing herself on all European stages.

“Dance of Fire”, and ‘The Divine Shoe’, of an absolutely modern concept Isadora finally in Budapest.
“Dance of Fire”, and ‘The Divine Shoe’, of an absolutely modern concept Isadora finally in Budapest.

After one of her shows, a great admirer came to greet hernone other than Konstantin Stanislavski, the creator of the famous acting method and one of the founders of Russian Theater. When he asked who had taught her to dance, Isadora replied, “Terpsichore.”

Nevertheless, her dance remained transgressive. She wanted to free dancers from pointe ballets, tutus, and corseted figures, to give expression to the soul through Art. The “costume” for her choreographies consisted of loose, transparent tunics, and bare feet to maintain direct contact with the earth.

A great admirer of Hellenic culture, she began constructing a Dance school in Greece, on the hill of Kopanos. Others followed in Germany and Paris. These schools often accepted girls from very humble backgrounds, charging them no fees. Over time, expenses became almost unsustainable, but Paris Singer, heir to the sewing machine empire, appeared offering financial assistance to allow them to continue.

Teaching, Tragedy, and Legacy

She embarked on tours across Europe, Russia (where she was invited by Lenin), and America, though what she loved most was teaching. She used to say, “First, we teach the children to breathe, to vibrate, to feel, and to become one with the general harmony and movement of nature. First, we are going to create a beautiful Human Being, a dancing child!”

After two marital breakups, in 1913, in a tragic accident, her children, Deirdre and Patrick, drowned in the Seine. The following year, a third child died shortly after birth. From then on, in all her choreographies, a long red scarf would appear over her white tunic, like a permanent, unclosed wound. In 1917, she adopted six of her students, “The Duncan Dancers.”

On International Dance Day, we remember the creator of the Isadora Duncan Contemporary Ballet.
On International Dance Day, we remember the creator of the Isadora Duncan Contemporary Ballet.

While Isadora had many romantic liaisons, her most stable relationships were with Oscar Beregi, Gordon Craig, Paris Singer, and Sergei Esenin. But to maintain her Freedom, she never wanted to marry.

At the peak of her fame, on September 14, 1927, as she was about to give a concert in Nice, she greeted the public from her car: “Goodbye friends! I’m off to glory!” Shortly after, the very red scarf that never left her became entangled in the rear wheel, causing her death. Her legend began.

Ana and Irma, two of her adopted daughters, continued to disseminate the Duncan technique, which is still taught and danced today. A diva ante litteram, a rebel and pioneer of the dance revolution that erupted during the 20th century, an ultimate symbol of independence and purity: Isadora Duncan, in addition to being the mother of modern dance, is an anticipation of the free, ideal, nonconformist, and independent woman who would still have to wait decades to appear.

International Dance Day (April 29)

This date, proclaimed by UNESCO in 1982, commemorates the birth of Jean-Georges Noverre, an innovator and dance master considered the creator of modern ballet. On International Dance Day, we remember the creator of Contemporary Ballet.

Fania All Stars

Album: Crossover

Song: Isadora

Arranged By: Louie Ramirez

Arranged By: (All Strings) Vincent Montana, Jr.

Producer: Jerry Masucci

Written-By: C. Curet Alonso.

 

Fania All Stars Crossover 1979
Fania All Stars Crossover 1979

By:

Angel A. Padron Hernandez

Dj. Augusto Felibertt

Also Read: Yolanda Moreno “the People’s Dancer”

Steps Dance Studio Inc.

North America / Canada /  Toronto

Steps Dance Studio

Steps offers a complete curriculum of Salsa, Bachata, Hustle and Latin Dance for all skill levels. Working from a comprehensive dance syllabus designed by Jennifer Aucoin and refined by 20 years of Salsa teaching experience, their professionally trained instructors are patient, dedicated and passionate about their craft. Want you to leave your class and the dancefloor feeling great. The program is designed to allow students to begin anytime! Start any week, even absolute beginners. And come as often as your schedule allows. Steps Dance Studio has classes every night and on weekends, and most levels are offered twice a week or more.

Dancers teachers - Steps Dance Studio Inc.
Dancers teachers – Steps Dance Studio Inc.

Located just a few minutes walk from Bloor & Wellesley subway stations. 819 Yonge St. 3rd floor. Toronto, ON M4W 2G9 SE corner of Yonge St. & Davenport, north of Bloor St.

Meet Jennifer Aucoin, Founder, Executive Director and Instructor.

A full-time salsa instructor, choreographer and event organizer. She is co-artistic director for Steps Dance Company & co-founder of the Women’s Salsa Retreat. As a trained adjudicator, Jennifer has judged competitions in Puerto Rico, Ecuador, New York, Las Vegas, Orlando, Miami, Detroit, Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto. She has also represented Canada on the judging panel for the World Salsa Championships televised on ESPN.

Jennifer Aucoin
Jennifer Aucoin

She is on the judging panel for the prestigious Global Salsa Championships at the World Salsa Summit. Jennifer was also the first instructor in Canada to be certified to teach Latin Hustle by the IHDA. Jennifer is the founder and organizer of the annual Canada Salsa & Bachata Congress, an international salsa festival that takes place in Toronto every October.

This 4-day extravaganza, now in its thirteenth year, is the largest salsa event in Canada and features nightly performances by over 60 dance companies from all over the world and daily salsa workshops given by worldrenowned instructors. The Canadian Salsa Championships, part of the Canada Salsa & Bachata Congress weekend, is the largest and most widely recognized Salsa & Bachata competition in Canada.

Classes offered in Steps Dance Studio

Salsa

  • Salsa Level 1: No previous dance (or salsa) experience required. Start this class at any time. Each class starts with an explanation and review of the basic Salsa step and the timing and rhythm of Salsa music, followed by a new beginner level turn.
  • Salsa Level 2: Geared to those who are comfortable with the basic Salsa step, basic right and left turns and Cross Body Lead. Build on Level 1 material and learn new turns and combinations, add footwork (i.e. Salsa shines) and reinforce your timing and partnering skills. Learn proper posture, frame, weight transfer and connection.
  • Salsa Level 3: Cross body lead patterns, traveling turns, back breaks, checks and different hand hold variations will be linked into fun turn pattern combinations. Start developing a flow of motion between the moves that will make you feel good and look good on the dancefloor.
  • Salsa Level 4: This course will focus on high intermediate level turns and turn pattern combinations, how to maintain balance and connection with your partner while incorporating directional changes & intricate moves, improving musicality, how to remember shines and turn patterns and use them in different combinations, tips on how to be a better leader and follower, adding styling to your dancing – in short, how to be a more complete dancer!
  • Salsa Level 5: This course focuses on taking your dancing to the next level. Advanced level turn patterns, technique and skill development. Execute double spins, multiple turns and variations, intricate choreography, advanced level syncopations and sexy styling. Adapt and combine your moves to suit the level of your partner.

Bachata

  • Bachata Level 1: Bachata is a seductive and flirtatious dance that originated in the Dominican Republic and is played in all Salsa nightclubs. Learn the basic Bachata footwork and how to lead and follow some fun and simple Bachata turns and turn pattern combinations.
  • Bachata Level 2: Learn new turns and turn pattern combinations while focusing on the correct connection, tension and movement of Bachata dancing. Learn body isolation exercises and drills to help make this dance look smooth and sexy.
  • Bachata Level 3: Learn more intricate and complex Bachata turn pattern combinations. Learn how to execute syncopated Dominican style footwork. Learn body isolation exercises and drills to help you to incorporate the sensuous Bachata body movement needed to make this dance look effortless.
  • Bachata Level 4: Learn more intricate and sexy Bachata turn patterns. Add syncopated Dominican style footwork into your partner dancing. Learn how to incorporate the sensuous Bachata body movement needed to make this dance look effortless. Refine your leading & following technique in order to build a connection with each dance partner. And much more… For more information about schedules, classes, lessons, workshops and contacts, visit
Flyer Hustle Foundations
Flyer Hustle Foundations

https://www.stepsdance studio.com/

Toronto Dance Salsa Canada’s Largest Salsa Dance School

North America / Canada / Toronto

A place where you are welcome with open arms, people don’t judge you but look to understand you, value you for the special person that you are. Toronto Dance Salsa, Canada’s largest salsa dance school.

“Beautifully taught with careful attention to the appropriate tempo for the class. Atmosphere was excellent with structure and solid teaching while keeping it fun. The timing just before sunday social is great too – one reason I did the class was to provide the nudge to turn up to social” Student Testimonial

Flyers - Toronto Dance Salsa Canada's
Flyers – Toronto Dance Salsa Canada’s

All of the instructors have a lot of experience, enthusiastic and passion for Salsa. Besite Toronto Dance Salsa staff, they count with a big family of 60 volunteers who are committed to assisting the students.

Their volunteers are current or former senior Toronto Dance Salsa students who have caught the salsa bug and hold a great passion for sharing their love of salsa with others. All the classes have at least 6 volunteers who take their own time to walk around the room providing advice and guidance during the lesson and are also available to join the rotation if they have an absent student which assists them in maintaining an even number of male and female dancers in each lesson.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, visit http://www.torontodancesalsa.ca where you can find all the requirements.

Their students are constantly contacting Toronto Dance Salsa instructors through [email protected] so the can share with them how Toronto Dance Salsa changed their life.

“Toronto Dance Salsa has changed my life because it helped me tackle my fear of dancing and rebuild my confidence. I had an extremely rough year and my confidence was already at “rock bottom”. Student story

Photo of Salsa Dance School - Toronto Dance Salsa Canada's
Photo of Salsa Dance School – Toronto Dance Salsa Canada’s

If you live in Toronto and want to learn how to dance Salsa, don’t hesitate to visit Toronto Dance Salsa http://www.torontodancesalsa.ca where you can find all the information about you are looking for about lessons, volunteering, events, instructors and much more.

  • Address: 5095 Yonge Street, 2nd Floor, Toronto, ON
  • Intersection: Yonge between Finch and Sheppard
  • Subway: Right on top of North York Civic Centre Subway
  • Parking: 2hrs free validated customer parking
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International Salsa Magazine (ISM) is a monthly publication about Salsa activities around the world, that has been publishing since 2007. It is a world network of volunteers coordinated by ISM Magazine. We are working to strengthen all the events by working together.