2012 New Classes Salsa & Kizomba

Sat, December 17 2011 in Classes

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Check out the new Nanaimo Salsa Classes.

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Thursdays! Salsa back at Spice Lounge!

Thu, September 8 2011 in Events

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New Spring Salsa Classes

Fri, March 18 2011 in Classes

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New spring salsa classes starting in April, don’t forget to check it out.

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Salsa Lessons

* Please Note Pre-registration is Required to Secure a Space.

Kizomba

Instructor: Chris Wood

NEW

8 Tuesdays

April 17 - June 5

7:30pm to 8:30pm

Cost: $70 or $12 Drop-in

Location: North Ridge Fitness Centre Ltd, 901-5800 Turner Road | See Map
Phone: 250-751-0505

Kizomba is one of the most popular genres of partner dancing and music created in Angola late 1989 to early 1990′s. It is a fusion of Semba (the predecessor of samba) with the Zouk music styles from the French Caribbean Islands with influences from other Lusophone countries. Derived directly from Zouk music, sung generally in Portuguese or Creole, it is a genre of music with a romantic flow mixed with African rhythm. The kizomba dancing style is also known to be very sensual and has become one of the most popular social dances in Europe! This is an absolutely rare opportunity to learn Kizomba straight from the roots with a true culture.

Beginners Salsa

Instructor: Warren Scott

NEW

8 Wednesdays

April 18 - June 5

7:00pm to 8:00pm

Cost: $70 or $12 Drop-in

Location: North Ridge Fitness Centre Ltd, 901-5800 Turner Road | See Map
Phone: 250-751-0505

Ever found yourself tapping your feet to latin music in a coffee shop or restaurant? Ever watched a movie with latin dancing wishing you too could move to the fun and exciting music of salsa? Well this is about all the experience you need for this course.

In this class you will learn a number of exciting salsa combinations including spins, turns and fancy footwork. The class also offers a fun way to exercise as well as an opportunity to meet people who share the enjoyment of dance.

Intermediate Salsa

Instructor: Warren Scott

NEW

8 Wednesdays

April 18 - June 5

8:00pm to 9:00pm

Cost: $70 or $12 drop-in

Location: North Ridge Fitness Centre Ltd, 901-5800 Turner Road | See Map
Phone: 250-751-0505

Have you completed the Beginner Salsa class or have previous salsa dancing experience?
Well then this class is for you.

This class builds on the fundamentals learned in Beginner Salsa, including advanced steps, turn patterns and footwork with greater emphasis on proper leading and following techniques.

Night Club Cha-Cha

Instructor: Chris Wood

TBD

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do I need any previous dance experience?
    If you have never taken a salsa lesson before, or have limited experience dancing salsa, it is recommended to start with the Beginner Course.

  2. Do I need a partner?
    Registering with a partner is not necessary. Classes will be taught in a way that will allow both leads and follows to have a counter part to learn with.

  3. How long does it take to learn the fundamentals of salsa?
    This is a challenging question to answer as we all learn at our own pace based on our individual skills and ability. However, each class you will learn 2 or 3 combinations. The more classes you take the greater your repertoire of dance moves. One final suggestion, practice , practice, practice.

  4. What should I wear?
    In a dance studio, comfortable, casual clothes are quite appropriate. This includes jeans, pants and dresses. Running shoes are ok, but can be sticky and difficult to turn in. Flip-flops or strapless open heel shoes are also discouraged due to their lack of support. Last, although normal high heel shoes may be okay for a night club, they can cause significant damage to delicate studio floors and are therefore discouraged.

    If lessons are in a nightclub, it is best to check the dress code for that particular club. If in doubt, dress to impress. Use this opportunity to dress up in sexy, and more formal attire.

  5. Do I need dance shoes?
    As a beginner, using a shoe with some support and a not to aggressive grip is more than adequate. However, once a dancer reaches a certain skill level they will benefit from a shoe designed strictly for dancing.

Dance Instructors

Chris Wood | Dance Instructor

Chris's "Salsa journey" began in Montreal where he was first exposed the mesmerizing sound of Latin music and passion of Latin dance. The energy of the music, the smiles of people dancing and the exciting moves when mixed together had an intoxicating effect.

Moving to Vancouver a short time later Chris sought out formal instruction and spent the next 3 years learning different salsa moves and ways of connecting to the music.

Moving to Nanaimo in 2005 Chris was fortunate to run into acclaimed "Salsa Princess" Josei Neglia, who was teaching at a local studio. A year later she departed Nanaimo, but not before encouraging Chris to consider teaching salsa himself. Heeding Josie's wise words, Chris began teaching within the year.

The last 4 years Chris has dedicated himself to sharing salsa dance with the amazing people of Nanaimo. He is well known for providing a fun and welcoming learning environment where people of all skills and abilities are able to learn this amazing dance. He now invites you to join in on the fun. LET'S DANCE!

Warren Scott | Dance Instructor

Warren Scott has been dancing and performing Salsa locally and around the world for 15 years. Highlight performances and/or competitions include the Taiwan Cultural Festival in Asia; the World Latin Formation Team Championships in Austria; Cruise Ships in the Mediterranean; the Snowball Classic in Vancouver; with Salsa Caliente in Seattle, and the New York Salsa Congress. He's a past member of the performance groups Grupo America (Vancouver) and Salsa Caliente(Victoria). Currently he teaches Salsa at Vancouver Island University, British Columbia.

Warren also co-hosts a weekly Salsa Night at Spice Lounge Lounge in Nanaimo. On the social dance floor his passion for dance is infectious, and he's well known for his spontaneity and musicality!