**Bachata Workshop @ Toronto Dance Fridays (1133 Dupont st) Fri Mar 24th @9pm**
Register online to ensure your spot!
Elegua Orisha, March 5th to April 2nd, 12:00pm-1:30pm
5-class series focusing exclusively on the Orisha named Elegua; the opener of ways & paths, keeper of the crossroads. Taught by Professor Sarita Leyva of York University's School of Fine Arts in Cuban dance & ENIA graduate from Havana Cuba (one of the top national dance institutions in Cuba).
Explore the roots of Afro-cuban dance with one of the most seminal Orishas; Elegua, through whom all Orisha ceremonies & rituals must be approved before proceeding. Elegua is part of the Orisha pantheon of West African deities from the Yoruba dance complex in Cuba. It precedes the existence of modern-day Cuba, but the rhythms, steps & body movement of the Orisha dances had a profound influence on the development of Rumba, Son, & Salsa. In this 5-class series, we'll explore the different Bata drum rhythms of Elegua & how the Elegua dance steps & body movements sync with those rhythms.
Sarita’s extensive dance history includes being an alumna of:
-ENIA; one of the top National Folkloric 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
Each Afro-cuban dance complex (Yoruba/Kongo/Arara/Carabali/Rumba) has many dances within them, and they are all difficult enough to learn on their own. This series is focusing exclusively on Elegua of the Yoruba complex.
Sarita will teach the steps, intention, rhythms, body movement & history of this specific Afro-Cuban dance. Limited spots available, so book early to reserve your spot!
For videos of Sarita showcasing Elegua please visit:
https://saritaleyva.com/photo-gallery
And alternatively:
https://havanapeoplesalsa.co.uk/cuban-salsa-elegua-saints-dance-cuba/
*15% of proceeds will go straight to over-the-counter medicine to locals in Havana, Cuba.
12 classes/2 people Registration
1 person for 12 classes of any Level 2+ Salsa/Bachata classes OR 2 people for any Level 2+ Salsa/Bachata classes. $179.99 +HST. 6 classes option is $109.99.
Salsa Level 1 (Foundations). Mar 4, 11am-12pm.
Salsa Level 2 (Beginners), Thursdays 9-10pm
Salsa On2, 6-week course
-understand & internalize On2 timing & how the basic steps synchronize with the Conga percussion for this timing (live Conga drumming every class)
-explore shines taken from different layers of Salsa (NY Mambo, Rumba, Afro)
-more intricate variations of Foundation moves to On2 timing
-partner work technique w/ ladies' & mens' styling
-musicality in shines and partner work in relation to different Salsa genres (Salsa Dura/Salsa Romantica/Cuban Salsa/Jazzy Salsa).
Please note, an assessment is required by one of our instructors before joining. $109.99+HST for 6 classes.
Bachata Level 1 (Foundations). Mar 4, 12pm-1pm
4 classes, begins Saturday March 4th @ 12pm. Bachata Level 1 course teaches the very basics of this popular and sensual dance! It is a cycle of 4 classes that have a firm foundation in the footwork, body movement, musicality, and rhythm of Bachata. Each class covers different material, but the basic steps and their relation to the music are reviewed in every class. Introductory price of $69.99+HST for 4 classes.
Bachata Level 2 (Beginners), Mondays 9-10pm.
6 classes option. Bachata Level 2 (Beginners) is an 8-week course divided into 2, 4-class cycles. The course builds on the Foundation moves by showing more advanced variations as well as introducing slightly more complex Bachata footwork. Students can join anytime during the course so long as they do an assessment by an instructor. $109.99+HST for 6 classes or $179.99 for 12 classes (see 12 classes option).
Bachata Intermediate. Mondays 7:30-8:30pm
This course covers more intricate Modern Bachata dance concepts in turn patterns & body isolations/movement. This is for more experienced dancers that are comfortable with the timing, steps, & basic body isolations in Modern Bachata dancing. $109.99+HST or $179.99 for 12 classes (see 12 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