Search Results for: salsa

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!

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!

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!

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

ISM / July 2025











*“We are the Latin music world network”*

[Read more…] about ISM / July 2025

Join Our Team

Do you enjoy Latin music?

Would you like to get more involved in this genre and share your passion for Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba, Merengue and more.

Why not joint our Global Team of volunteers as a correspondent?

You can ask for more details with no obligation and we’ll be happy to talk to you about the benefits that come with the role

Dancing Latin Dance

North America / USA /

Building Community Through Dance: Dancing 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).

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

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

Some things to never say on the dance floor

North America / USA /  New York

Most of us don’t do much talking while we dance, we only enjoy it! But, social dancing does require at least some verbal communication. Below, I give you some things that you never must say and avoid to do to your dance partners.

“This is how you do…”

Except for very limited circumstances (at least that your partner want it), stopping a dance to explain a concept to your partner is inappropriate. Even if you are a teacher who knows what you’re saying is true, it’s still almost always inappropriate. Avoid floor teaching wherever possible, please.

“Oh baby… you’re so sexy in my arms”

Between close friends you can do it as a joke only. Even then, it’s borderline and usually earns him a glare. There may be an exception to the creepiness if it’s someone you are intimate with. But, even then, the middle of a dance is generally not the time or place for verbal sexual overtures. If your partner isn’t feeling the love, it’s a sure way to create the most awkward dance experience ever.

“It’s OK. I got you.”

This one specifically applies to when someone is trying to make their partner do something they’re uncomfortable with. For example, head movements, dips, drops, or lifts. If you have to say “It’s OK. I got you,” it means either your partner doesn’t feel like you’ve got them, or that they don’t want to do the thing. So, don’t do that thing.

“Come on, get closer.”

If a partner doesn’t want to get close, you don’t make them get close. That´s all! If you really can’t stand dancing a bit further apart, the solution is simple: don’t dance with them again. But, your happy place should not be at the expense of your partner’s comfort.

“Why won’t you dance with me?”

If someone rejects you for a dance, please don’t ask why. Potential partners are allowed to reject a dance, and it makes things more awkward if they’re forced to give a reason. Or, it may result in them giving you a ‘pity dance’ because they feel guilty. Sometimes people legitimately don’t really have a reason other than “I’m tired,” “I’m not feeling the song,” etc. So, trying to mine for ‘extra data’ on why they’re not dancing with you is futile.

“Sorry for the bad dance.”

This one is usually born out of insecurity. If you’ve actually hurt someone or made a big mistake, apologize and move on. For example, crashing into another couple, twisting, grabbing, or other in-dance mistakes can reasonably be accompanied by a “sorry”. But, ending the dance with “sorry” undermines the experience you’ve had with the other person. Compliments are generally nicer to receive than apologies.

“You’re so much better than me.”

This is similar to the “I’m sorry” at an end of the dance. Definitively, you must avoid say that, please. If you’re dancing with someone, it really doesn’t matter who the stronger dancer is. It’s a shared experience for both of you. But, if you compare yourself to your partner, it can create a sense of awkwardness. Instead, try a full compliment. Maybe say “I’ve been looking forward to dancing with you” or “I really admire your dancing”.

If you’re worried about your own dancing, you can also say things like “I’m a beginner,” “I’m injured,” or “I’m really rusty” to take the pressure off without putting your partner in an awkward position. These are few things you must have in consideration to get a good connection with your partner on the dance floor and sure you will look as a perfect social dancer!