Beginner Salsa Cubana & Rueda de Casino
Schedule
Mon Jun 03 2024 at 07:00 pm to 08:00 pm
UTC-04:00Location
Shenandoah Valley Art Center | Waynesboro, VA
Beginner Salsa 4 Week Course*You must have previous social dance experience OR have attended our Fundamentals of Latin Social Dancing Class to sign up*
Location: 416 W Main Street Waynesboro, VA. Shenandoah Valley Art Center.
Class Overview:
In this class, you will learn the basic steps of Salsa Cubana (known as Casino). Our salsa classes offer a friendly and inclusive environment that emphasizes partner work and social interaction. Perfect for dancers of all levels, this class not only teaches the fundamental steps and techniques of salsa but also celebrates the social and communal spirit that makes salsa a worldwide phenomenon.
What to Expect:
Our Salsa class will guide you through the fundamentals of Cuban-style salsa, including basic steps, timing, and the essential turns and moves that characterize Casino dancing. You will learn how to lead or follow in a partner setting, and how to interpret the music to make your dance both fluid and dynamic. Each week, we build upon the foundations, gradually introducing more complex combinations and patterns. The class not only focuses on steps and technique but also on the style and attitude that make Cuban Salsa unique and captivating. And, if participants are open to it, we will learn some Latin Contra (Rueda de Casino), a SUPER fun, high energy call-and-response dance where we change partners after every move.
- Prepare to sweat- this class will be a workout!
- No partner needed, LGBT+ friendly
- Come as you are! Sneakers welcome.
- Small class size for personalized instruction
- Some prior dance experience (like the Fundamentals Course we offered in May) REQUIRED
If you Sign up for Salsa Cubana (Casino), you can join our Rueda class for FREE! Rueda is taught on Tuesday nights in Staunton from 7-8pm.
Class Overview:
In this class, you will learn the basic steps of Rueda de Casino. It's a lot like American square dancing, but for salsa and in a circle not a square. In the Rueda, two or more couples dance Cuban style salsa patterns that are directed by one of the dancers, known as the caller. The caller will call out different Cuban salsa patterns that might involve switching partners, clapping, yelling, stomping, or just about any movement your creative mind can think of.
It is a call-and-response dance based originally on a blending of West African rhythms and French court dances. It is an experience like no other. You will connect with everyone on the dance floor and truly feel like you’re one piece of a larger community.
Dates and Times:
Tuesdays in June from 7-8pm
What to Expect:
The most amazing dance experience ever. Full stop. It’s a mental challenge, a cardio workout, and a true blending of European, African, and Latin cultures. It’s beautiful and, if you couldn’t already tell, it’s DiDi’s favorite dance.
- Prepare to sweat- this class will be a workout!
- No partner needed, LGBT+ friendly
- Come as you are! Sneakers welcome
- Small class size for personalized instruction
- Some prior dance experience (like the Fundamentals Course we offered in May) REQUIRED, some Latin dance experience RECOMMENDED.
About the Instructor:
DiDi Lund, originally from San Diego, California, has dedicated over 25 years to learning, promoting, and advocating for Latin social dances, including salsa on1, casino, rueda, cumbia, merengue, and bachata moderna. She has a deep appreciation for the historical and cultural origins of each dance style, particularly Afro-Cuban traditions, which are fundamental to many Latin dances. Recently, DiDi has expanded her repertoire to include Dominican bachata.
At Shenandoah Latin Dance, DiDi focuses on teaching the fundamentals of Latin social dancing, Salsa and Rueda de Casino. Her classes emphasize the social aspects of dance, promoting respect and connection among dancers. She believes dance fosters community and cross-cultural understanding. Through her instruction, students gain the skills and knowledge to dance confidently and connect meaningfully with others on the dance floor.
Habla español y pasa los inviernos en México, sumergiéndose en la escena del baile local y enriqueciendo su comprensión y práctica de bailes como la salsa y cumbia.
