WE RUN OUR CLASSES IN A MONTH LONG SERIES PROGRAM.
DROP INS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME…
however, the later in the term you drop in, the more advanced the class.
Masks optional but encouraged
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
SALSA STYLING FOR FOLLOWS
Beg+/INT
Instructor: Sarah
7/27 SUN 2:00-3:00p
$18 per student
In Salsa, like any other dance, you start with basic steps. But, as any new Salsa dancer has noticed, those basic become few and far between once you learn the Cross-Body Lead. For intermediate dancers, the CBL *is* your basic step! What''s so great about this move is that there are endless variations on the fundamental CBL, and that's what this class is all about. How to use a basic CBL as a transition move, and how to play with multiple variations. Leads benefit from learning how to lead the different styles, and how to plan ahead! Follows get to practice turn technique (see turn workshop for details) during CBLs, and tips on how to add styling, as well as how not to back lead them ;)
No partner required. Knowledge of basic cross body lead is highly recommended for leads.
SIGN UP HERE
CROSS-BODY LEAD VARIATIONS
Beg+/Int
Instructor: Sarah
7/27 SUN 3:00-5:00p
$35 per student
In Salsa, like any other dance, you start with basic steps. But, as any new Salsa dancer has noticed, those basic become few and far between once you learn the Cross-Body Lead. For intermediate dancers, the CBL *is* your basic step! What''s so great about this move is that there are endless variations on the fundamental CBL, and that's what this class is all about. How to use a basic CBL as a transition move, and how to play with multiple variations. Leads benefit from learning how to lead the different styles, and how to plan ahead! Follows get to practice turn technique (see turn workshop for details) during CBLs, and tips on how to add styling, as well as how not to back lead them ;)
No partner required. Basic knowledge of cross body lead is highly recommended for leads.
SIGN UP HERE
SALSA 1: PARTNERING for BEGINNERS
Beginning
Instructor: Sarah
Mondays 6:30-7:30p
Let's dance Salsa! In this class we will learn safe, fun, and comfortable turns that are relaxed, balanced, and beautiful. Cuban and Cumbia inspired moves that Salsa has usurped, and variations on Salsa's most versatile move, the Cross-body-lead.
This is social Salsa, not performance style. We will discuss grip, 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.
july sign up:
6/30 , 7/7 , 7/14 , 7/21 , 7/28
SALSA 2: Combos + Styling
beg/int
Instructor: Sarah
Mondays 7:30-8:30p
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.
july sign up:
6/30 , 7/7 , 7/14 , 7/21 , 7/28
SALSA 3: Complex Patterns + Footwork
int/adv
Instructor: Sarah
Mondays 8:30-10:00p
$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 at least three times as content changes month to month.
july sign up:
6/30 , 7/7 , 7/14 , 7/21 , 7/28
SALSA SUELTA ROUTINES
intermediate
instructor: Jennie
Sundays 12:00-1:30p
$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.
july sign up:
6/29 , 7/6 , 7/13 , 7/20 , 7/27
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
TIPS FOR SIGNING UP:
1. To get the video link you MUST BE OPTED IN to receive emails from us.
2. When you click on SIGN UP you’ll be directed to the mindbody registration software. Mindbody will redirect you to pay for the class if you have no existing credits in your account (if you do but they expired, email us and we will adjust so you can use them :)
3. If you have credits, just click SIGN UP NOW and you’ll be good to go. If you are redirected to pay, YOU MUST GO BACK TO THE CLASS AND CLISK SIGN UP NOW AGAIN! We don’t know why mindbody does this, sigh.
4. Now check your inbox for the REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION email (not the receipt of payment) - that’s where the link will be :)
5. Dance your lovely face off!
WEEKLY CLASS PRICING
Drop In - $16
4 class pass - $55 online, expires 45 days from activation
8 class pass - $100 online, expires 45 days from activation
90 minute classes - $22
90 min classes 4-class pass - $80 - expires 45 days from activation
90 min classes 8-class pass - $145 - expires 45 days from activation