WE RUN OUR CLASSES IN A MONTH LONG SERIES PROGRAM, but
DROP INS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME
however, the later in the term you join, the more advanced the class.
No partner required. We will be rotating partners in class for those who choose to, but it is not mandatory to do so.
If you would like to book a private individual, couple, or small group lesson, call or text 503.708.2167
Sunday SALSA + CHA CHA SOCIAL
Every month join Viscount Latin dance staff for a Latin dance social that is equal parts socializing, open dancing/practice, mini-workshops in Salsa, Cha Cha, and Bachata, and DJed music of all 3 genres. This is an ALL AGES event and offers a break from late night dances. Even in the casual light of day you still get to dance your face off, but also learn, get some feedback, and hang out with your dance family!
Pay online in advance
or IN PERSON $10 cash
SALSA 1: PARTNERING for BEGINNERS
Beginning
Instructor: Sarah
Mondays 6:15-7:15p
This Latin dance classic, and evolution of Mambo, has been a club classic for decades. In this class you will learn the background of this fabulous dance and its music as well as how to make it yours. You’ll learn safe, fun, and comfortable turns that are relaxed, balanced, and beautiful. Salsa is filled with core moves that have endless variations, and this class will teach those core moves in the Nuyorican, Cuban, and/or Cumbia inspired styles.
This is social Salsa, not performance style. We will discuss connection, timing, flow, musicality, how to change your technique based on who you are dancing with, dance floor etiquette, and economy of movement.
This. Class. Is. Fun.
march sign up:
3/2 , 3/9 , 3/16 , 3/23
SALSA 2: BUILDING Combos + Styling
beg/int
Instructor: Sarah
Mondays 7:15-8:30p 1.25 hour format
$22 drop-in or $80 4-class pass
Having established a foundation for Salsa in our Salsa 1 introduction class (or Salsa Quickstart workshop), students will now start to build more on their lead & follow skills while focusing on beginning variations of moves that spin, travel, and groove. Two fundamental moves that go beyond basics in Salsa are open-break variations and cross-body-lead variations. Warm-ups become more intricate and follows are given more styling details than in level 1. Prerequisite: Salsa 1 or comfort with basic steps and a simple turn. Salsa 2 should be repeated before moving on to Salsa 3.
march sign up:
3/2 , 3/9 , 3/16 , 3/23
SALSA 3: Complex Patterns + Footwork
int/adv
Instructor: Kathy + Rashad
Mondays 8:30-9:45p 1.25 hour format
$22 per person or $80 4-class pass
At this level, students will learn to use, and embellish, the cross-body-lead as a transition between new, more dynamic moves! In Salsa 3 we start to break the rules learned in Salsa 1 and 2, encouraging students to be creative while understanding why moves work, rather than just learning a set pattern that an instructor is demonstrating. Students will also learn ways to incorporate more styling and musicality to their dancing at this level - allowing you inject your own personal style.We will start each class with footwork combos and warms ups designed to strengthen your agility, musicality, balance, and improvisation skills.
Pre-requisite: Mastery of Salsa 2 or equivalent level of experience. Salsa 3 is meant to be repeated endlessly as content changes month to month.
march sign up:
3/2 , 3/9 , 3/16 , 3/23
SALSA SUELTA ROUTINES
intermediate
instructor: Jennie
Sundays 11:00a-12:15p, 1.25 hour format
$22 per person or $80 4-class pass
Salsa Suelta is an Afro-Cuban Salsa class that is done without partners, and is a full body experience. The dance language of Suelta pulls from Reggaeton, Casino, Santeria, traditional Afro-Cuban dances, and heart. Get warmed up, wake up your heart, mind, hips, ribs, shoulders, feet and everything in between.
This class is suitable for beyond beginning and intermediate dancers. The focus changes weekly, and is centered around short choreographed routines.
Dress to sweat in clothes that promote movement. Sneakers are best for this class.
march sign up
3/1 , 3/8 , 3/15 , 3/22
Do you know where Salsa comes from?
Latin music and latin dances such as Salsa, Cha Cha, Bugalú, Bachata, Merengue, Suelta, Reggaeton, and Rumba have roots in Latino, Caribbean, African, Creole, European, and American culture. Many early promoters and musicians of Mambo and Latin Jazz in the mambo era were Jewish immigrants, or the children of refugees who escaped (or perished in) the horrors of Nazi occupation. American culture does not exist without immigrant culture and people of color. The dances we teach are borrowed from those who invented them, and are now kept alive, forever evolving, by teachers, students, and practitioners of all races, ethnicities, cultures, and nationalities. Let us not take for granted what an incredible gift these dances are, and the music that inspires us to do them, by forgetting where they come from and what they are rooted in. Please consider supporting the NAACP as you have supported the Viscount by becoming a member, or making a donation: https://pdxnaacp.org/get-involved/#member/
For more information on the roots of Jazz, watch: JAZZ, a documentary by Ken Burns
For more information on the roots of Salsa, Mambo, and Latin Jazz, watch: Latin Music USA - PBS
WEEKLY CLASS PRICING
Drop In - $18
4 class pass - $65
8 class pass - $120
1.25hr classes - $22
1.25hr classes 4-class pass - $80
1.25hr classes 8-class pass - $145
4 + 8 Class passes expire 45 days after activation