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Elegua rhythms, Sundays Jun 2- Jul 28, 12:00pm-1:30pm
What: 3 Afro-Cuban Elegua rhythms in eight 1.5hour classes.
When: Sundays June 2-Jul 28 12:00pm-1:30pm. *no class June 30 long weekend.
Where: Dovercourt House @ 805 Dovercourt rd, Near Dovercourt & Bloor.
Cost: $199+HST for 8-lass course or $35 drop in (tax included).
Bonus: Live Bata drumming in last class on Jul 28!
8-class series exclusively on the steps, body movement, and 3 central rhythms of the seminal orisha Elegua, the opener of ways, the messenger, and the trickster....with Sarita Leyva; professor of Cuban dance from York University's School of Fine Arts & alumna of Cuba's prestigious Arts school; ENA(Escuela Nacional de Arte). Come explore the roots of Salsa at Dovercourt House w/ its wooden sprung floors!
To give context, this Cuban folkloric dance is from the Yoruba dance complex in Cuba. These Afro-Cuban rhythms precede the dances of modern-day Cuba, and the rhythms, steps & body movement of the Orisha dances influenced the development of Rumba, Son, & Salsa. In the 21st century, many of the Afro-Mambo shines in Salsa come directly from Afro-Cuban dancing. So, instead of learning an Afro-Cuban move here and there, we are doing a deep dive into the actual dances themselves.
Sarita’s extensive dance history includes being an alumna of:
-ENA(Escuelas Nacionales de Arte); one of the top national dance schools in Cuba.
-Domingo Pau; a living encyclopedia of Cuban dances.
-Isaias Rojas; director and founder of Compañía BanRará.
-Juan Teodoro Florentino; choreographer and musician of Ballet Folklórico Cutumba.
-Ernestina Quintana "Nenita"; dancer and founder of Compañía de Danza Contemporánea de Cuba.
The Afro-Cuban dance complex (Yoruba/Kongo/Arara/Carabali/Rumba) have many dances within them, which are challenging enough on their own. This series is focusing exclusively on Elegua of the Yoruba complex to ensure maximum retention. Sarita will focus exclusively on the steps, intention, rhythms, body movement & history of this specific Afro-Cuban dance. Maximum 25 people, so reserve early!
FAQ:
What is the order of classes for the 3 Elegua rhythms?
-La Topa 2 classes June 2 & 9.
-La Lumbanche 2 classes. June 16 & 23.
-Chachalokafun Elegua 3 classes. Jul 7 -19.
-July 28th review of all rhythms to LIVE BATA DRUMMING!
I will miss 2 classes in the series, do I still need to pay the full price?
The full price is a discounted price for those attending all 8 classes. If you're missing 1-2 classes, we can arrange for you to pay the difference at the discounted price. For more than 2 classes missed, the drop-in rate applies.
*No classes on long weekends
*10% of proceeds will go straight to over-the-counter medicine to locals in Havana, Cuba.
Salsa Level 1, Tuesday 9:00-10:00pm. May 7-28 2024!
4 classes, begins Tues May 7th. Salsa level 1, Foundations is a bimonthly 4-class course for complete beginners.
Each class focuses on the basic steps, their relation to Salsa music, and a Salsa foundational move, which is reviewed every class to maximize retention of the material. YOU WILL BE DANCING SALSA BY THE END OF THIS COURSE!
Special Introductory price of $69.99+HST for 4 classes.
8 classes option
1 person for 8 classes of any Level 2+ Salsa/Afrocuban classes
OR
2 people for 4 classes each of any Level 2+ Salsa/Afrocuban classes.
$149.99 + HST.
The 4-classes option is $89.99 + HST.
Salsa Level 3, Thursdays 8:45-10:00pm
4-classes option. This course introduces more complex variations of the foundation moves, introduces 2 new Salsa figures and funkier shines with some Afro-Cuban elements. Also, we begin to introduce the concept of breaking On2. It is divided into 2 four class sessions.
We always review the previous week’s material with the current week, so the more regularly you attend the more you get out of it. Non-Salchata students require an assessment by one of our instructors before joining this level. Students are recommended to have social dancing experience before joining this level.
$89.99 + HST for 4 classes or $149.99 for 8 classes (see 8 classes option).
Drop ins, who have done an assessment, are always welcome!
Salsa Level 4, Thursdays 7:30pm-8:45pm.
4-classes option. Salsa Level 4 (Intermediate), mostly On1 timing. An ongoing course that explores the more advanced variations of the foundation moves, traveling turns, & directional changes. Shines (solo steps) are done at the beginning of every class, and the concept of breaking to On2 vs On1 timing is gradually developed. We always review the previous week’s material with the current week, so regular attendance maximizes the learning! An assessment with an instructor is required before joining. Students need to have social dancing experience before joining this level. $89.99 + HST for 4 classes or $149.99 for 8 classes (see 8 classes option).
Private lesson 1 hour
A private lesson with either Sam, Claudia, or Carol that is personalized to focus exclusively on your specific needs in dance that you would like to improve on. $89.99+HST