What is Bachata?
Bachata originated in the 1960's throughout the rural areas and marginal neighbourhoods of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. At the beginning this era, rhythms were called “Musica de Amarge” mainly due to the lyrics about broken hearts. Later on by the 1980’s, the name changed to Bachata.
This genre's roots is bolero with elements from Traditional Cuban Son. These two cuban rhythms were very popular in the years 1920’s to 1050’s in Dominican Republic.
Nowadays there are two main types of bachata styles:
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Tradicional Bachata
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Sensual Bachata
What will you learn?
At Shumdesalsa, we offer traditional Bachata commonly danced in the Dominica. For this particular style, we focus mainly on musicality, foots works, and free movements for leaders and followers - whether or not it's for solo steps or partner work.
If you sign up for our Bachata dance classes in Toronto, this is what you can expect to learn:
Basic on the spot
Back cross
Front cross
Square
Solo or Partner
Come with a partner or come alone. We'll match you with a partner in class.
Casual Attire
Dress comfortably in sneakers and loose pants.
Unlimited Classes
When you have a membership with us, you have unlimited classes in any of our studios in Toronto.
About Your Instructors
Our Bachata dance classes are taught by instructors, Dailyn Martinez and Enrico Casertano.
Dailyn is from Cuba and Enrico is from the Dominican Republic. Both are passionate performer, and experienced instructors. They bring energy and personality to their classes.
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I am a complete beginner, can I still join the class?Absolutely! Our classes cater to both beginners and experienced dancers. Our instructors are trained to teach individuals with no dance background as well as those with experience.
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Can I do a trial class?Yes, you can! Contact us directly to schedule a drop-in class for $20 per person. We'll help you find the best level to start with.
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Do I need to bring a partner to register for a class?No dance partner is required. You can attend the class individually or with your friends. We do partner rotation in class, it will be a great way to meet new friends.
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What if I have to miss a class?Please inform us at least 24 hours in advance so we can arrange a make-up session within the same set of classes. If you miss multiple classes, we offer private sessions to help you catch up.
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I have a dance background. Which level should I register for?If you have experience with Cuban Salsa, please contact us directly to arrange a drop in class for $20 per class. In class, we can better advise you on a suitable level for you.
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What should I wear for classes?Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, such as workout or gym attire. Street Latin dance shoes are not required for your first class; you can start with jazz shoes or dance sneakers. For special events like 'Salsa on St Clair,' feel free to dress up in festive attire!
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Where can I practice my dance moves learned in class?ShumdeSalsa hosts a Students Night Out Social at Lula Lounge at least once a month. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on all our events. Additionally, we participate in various Toronto dance events like 'Salsa on St Clair' where you can showcase your skills.
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How long does it take to learn?From our experience a minimum of 3 month until you feel fully comfortable and confident with your style.
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How many people are in the class?It depends on the levels and seasons, usually between 6 to 20 students per class.
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What is "shum"?Shum is a unique term coined by Dailyn, representing the free spirit of movement. It's not an English, Spanish, or Cuban word. For Dailyn, it means letting go of fears and moving freely to the music. As she says, "we all have Shum, and it's just a matter of time until we understand how to use it." This concept is central to ShumdeSalsa, making our approach to Cuban salsa unique. Once you learn to "shum," you'll become a danceholic of Cuban salsa.